Chicken-Macaroni Casserole is a warm and soft baked dish that mixes cooked chicken, boiled macaroni, a creamy sauce, and melted cheese. It is cooked in the oven until the top is golden and a little crispy. This dish is perfect for lunch or dinner and can also be made for small parties or when guests visit.
People like this meal because it fills the stomach, tastes good, and is made with simple things from the kitchen. Even if you are not a good cook, you can still make this recipe because it does not have hard steps or fancy tools. Just mix, bake, and serve!
Ingredients You Will Need:
-
2 cups boiled macaroni
-
2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or cut in small pieces)
-
1 cup grated cheese (any cheese will work)
-
1 small chopped onion
-
1 cup milk
-
2 tablespoons butter
-
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
-
1/2 teaspoon salt
-
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
-
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
-
1/4 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional for spice)
Steps to Make Chicken-Macaroni Casserole
Making this casserole is not hard. You simply need to boil the macaroni, prepare a simple white sauce, mix everything, and bake it in the oven. Here’s how to do it step-by-step:
Step 1: Boil the Macaroni
Take a large pot and bring water to a boil. Add a little salt and 2 cups of macaroni. Boil it for about 7-8 minutes until it becomes soft but not too mushy. After that, drain the water and keep the macaroni aside.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
You can use leftover chicken or boil fresh chicken in water with salt. Once it is cooked, shred it or cut into small pieces. Keep it aside.
Step 3: Make the White Sauce
In a pan, add 2 tablespoons of butter. Once it melts, add 2 tablespoons of flour and mix well. Cook it for 1 minute on a low flame. Then slowly add 1 cup of milk and keep stirring so it does not form lumps. After a few minutes, it will become thick. Add salt, black pepper, and garlic powder to this sauce. Now your creamy white sauce is ready.
Step 4: Mix Everything
Now in a large bowl, add the boiled macaroni, cooked chicken, chopped onion, and the white sauce. Mix everything well. If you want to add any veggies, now is the time. Also, add half of the grated cheese and mix again.
Step 5: Transfer to Baking Dish
Take a baking dish or tray and grease it lightly with butter or oil. Pour the whole mixture into the dish and spread it evenly. Add the remaining cheese on top.
Step 6: Bake
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Place the dish in the oven and bake for about 20 to 25 minutes. The top should become golden and slightly crispy. Once done, take it out and let it cool for 5 minutes.
Also Read: Easy Chicken Parmesan Recipe – Simple, Crispy & Delicious
Why People Love This Casserole
People love Chicken-Macaroni Casserole because it is soft, rich, and very tasty. The cheese on top melts nicely and gives it a yummy flavor. It is also a complete meal, so you don’t need to make any side dish. Kids like it because it is not too spicy, and adults enjoy the creamy texture and cheesy taste. Also, you can keep the leftovers in the fridge and eat it the next day by just heating it in the microwave.
It saves time and is budget-friendly too. Some people even pack it for lunch at work or school. This recipe is very flexible. You can make it with any kind of pasta and any type of cooked meat. You can also skip meat and make it fully vegetarian. It is perfect for cold days or when you just want a comfort meal after a long day.
Tips for Best Results
If you want your casserole to taste even better, follow some of these small tips. Do not over-boil the macaroni or it will become too soft when baking. Always stir the sauce well to avoid lumps. Use fresh cheese for the best taste and texture. If you like a crunchy top, you can sprinkle some breadcrumbs with butter over the cheese before baking. You can also try adding a spoon of mayonnaise or cream to make it extra rich.
Serve it hot with tomato ketchup or a small salad on the side. These small tips can make your casserole more tasty and enjoyable for everyone.