Chicken Cheesy Macaroni Casserole

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll love this Chicken Cheesy Macaroni Casserole because it’s simple, satisfying, and endlessly comforting. It transforms basic pantry ingredients into a warm, creamy casserole that’s both budget-friendly and delicious. It’s perfect for using up leftover chicken and can easily be customized with your favorite vegetables or seasonings.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Elbow macaroni (or any short pasta)
• Cooked chicken breast, shredded or cubed
• Butter
• All-purpose flour
• Milk or heavy cream
• Shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of cheddar and mozzarella)
• Cream cheese (optional for extra creaminess)
• Salt and black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Bread crumbs or crushed crackers (for topping)
• Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook macaroni in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute to make a roux.
4. Slowly add milk, whisking constantly until smooth and slightly thickened.
5. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese and cream cheese (if using) until melted and creamy.
6. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
7. Add the cooked macaroni and shredded chicken to the cheese sauce, stirring until evenly coated.
8. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
9. Sprinkle extra cheese on top, followed by a light layer of bread crumbs or crushed crackers for crunch.
10. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown on top.
11. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 6 people. Preparation takes about 15 minutes, and baking takes 25 minutes, for a total of 40 minutes.

Variations

• Broccoli Cheddar Version: Add steamed broccoli florets for a veggie-packed casserole.
• Spicy Kick: Mix in diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• Ranch Chicken Mac: Stir in a tablespoon of ranch seasoning for extra flavor.
• Bacon Lover’s Casserole: Add cooked, crumbled bacon for smoky richness.
• Healthier Option: Use whole wheat pasta and reduced-fat cheese.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes or microwave individual portions until hot. If the casserole thickens too much, stir in a splash of milk before reheating. To freeze, cool completely, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking again until heated through.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Yes, rotisserie chicken works perfectly and saves time.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, assemble it up to a day in advance, refrigerate, and bake when ready.

What cheese works best?

Cheddar gives great flavor, but Monterey Jack or mozzarella also melt beautifully.

Can I add vegetables?

Yes, peas, broccoli, spinach, or mushrooms make great additions.

How can I make it extra creamy?

Add a bit of cream cheese or sour cream to the sauce.

Can I use different pasta shapes?

Absolutely! Shells, penne, or rotini work just as well.

How do I keep the casserole from drying out?

Don’t overbake it and make sure there’s enough sauce before baking.

Can I use canned soup as a shortcut?

Yes, mix in a can of cream of chicken soup for a quicker, creamy base.

Can I freeze this casserole?

Yes, it freezes very well — just cool completely before freezing.

Can I make it gluten-free?

Use gluten-free pasta and a gluten-free flour blend for the roux.

Conclusion

Chicken Cheesy Macaroni Casserole is the definition of comfort food — creamy, cheesy, and loaded with tender chicken and pasta. It’s easy to make, family-friendly, and endlessly customizable to your taste. Whether for a quick weeknight meal or a cozy weekend dinner, this casserole is sure to become a regular favorite at your table.

Chicken Cheesy Macaroni Casserole

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Chicken Cheesy Macaroni Casserole is a creamy, cheesy comfort dish made with tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich homemade cheese sauce. Baked until golden and bubbly, it’s a family-friendly favorite ideal for weeknights or cozy dinners.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Halal

Ingredients

• 12 oz elbow macaroni (or any short pasta)
• 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or cubed
• 3 tbsp butter
• 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 1/2 cups milk or heavy cream
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of cheddar and mozzarella)
• 4 oz cream cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 cup bread crumbs or crushed crackers (for topping)
• 1 tbsp butter, melted (for mixing with crumbs)
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook macaroni in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute to make a roux.
4. Gradually whisk in milk until smooth and slightly thickened.
5. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese and cream cheese (if using) until melted and creamy.
6. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
7. Add cooked macaroni and chicken to the sauce, stirring until evenly coated.
8. Pour mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
9. Mix melted butter with bread crumbs or crushed crackers and sprinkle over the top.
10. Top with additional shredded cheese if desired.
11. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown.
12. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

• Use rotisserie chicken for faster prep.
• Add vegetables like broccoli, peas, or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition.
• For a spicier version, mix in jalapeños or cayenne pepper.
• Don’t overbake to prevent the casserole from drying out.
• Freeze before baking for a make-ahead meal option.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1/6 of casserole
• Calories: 520
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 710mg
• Fat: 27g
• Saturated Fat: 14g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 32g
• Cholesterol: 110mg