American Chicken and Macaroni Casserole

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A comforting baked dish combining tender chicken, creamy cheese, and macaroni for a hearty meal. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 50 minutes pairs chicken breast, macaroni, cheddar cheese for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.7 (11 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 30 min Serves 6 American cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and place a rack in the middle position. Tip: Preheating ensures even baking and a golden crust.
  2. Step 2: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add 2 cups macaroni, and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain thoroughly and set aside. Tip: Don’t overcook—macaroni should still have a slight bite.
  3. Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat, add 1 medium onion (diced into 1/2-inch cubes), and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent and fragrant. Tip: Stir frequently to prevent burning.
  4. Step 4: Add 500g chicken breast (cut into 1-inch cubes) to the skillet, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 6-8 minutes until no longer pink and juices run clear. Tip: Use a meat thermometer to check doneness—internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
  5. Step 5: In a mixing bowl, combine cooked macaroni, sautéed onion and chicken, 1 cup milk, and 1 cup cheddar cheese (grated). Stir until well blended and sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. Tip: Add cheese off the heat to avoid clumping.
  6. Step 6: Transfer mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, smooth the top, and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and bubbly. Tip: Avoid opening the oven door during the first 20 minutes to prevent sinking.
  7. Step 7: Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving, allowing the cheese to set and making it easier to slice.

Frequently asked questions

How long does American Chicken and Macaroni Casserole take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (20 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover American Chicken and Macaroni Casserole?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep chicken breast from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in American Chicken and Macaroni Casserole?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale American Chicken and Macaroni Casserole for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with American Chicken and Macaroni Casserole?

American chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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