Make Ahead Chicken

SERVES: 3

PREP: 6 Hr

COOK TIME: 45 Min

When you know you're gonna need to plan ahead for a one-dish dinner, this is the one! Mix up Make-Ahead Chicken and have it waiting in the fridge to pop into the oven and bake up fresh and hearty.

What You'll Need

2 cups cooked chicken, cut into cubes
1 (9-ounce) package frozen mixed vegetables, thawed and drained
8 ounces (2 cups) uncooked elbow macaroni
1 cup (4 ounces) shredded Cheddar cheese
1 (10 -ounce) can cream of mushroom soup
2 cups water
1 cup milk
1/2 teaspoon curry powder (see Options)
1 cup cornflake crumbs (for topping)
3 tablespoons butter, melted (for topping)

What to Do

In a large bowl, combine all ingredients except topping ingredients; mix well. Place in an 8-inch square baking dish and cover tightly with aluminum foil. Refrigerate 6 to 8 hours, or overnight.
Before serving, preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
In a small bowl, combine cornflake crumbs and butter; mix well. Stir chicken mixture then sprinkle crumb topping evenly over top.
Bake 45 to 50 minutes, until golden.

Options

If you don't care for the flavor of curry, try an equal amount of dried basil for an Italian treat, or dried dill for that "right from the garden" taste.
Make your desserts ahead of time too with our collection of 40 Extraordinary Make-Ahead Desserts!

Check out more of our favorite easy chicken recipes in our free eCookbook, Piece-by-Piece: 20 Easy Chicken Recipes for Drumsticks, Thighs and More.

Looking for more make-ahead casseroles? Check out this collection!

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Scarlett Vale

Sep 25, 2015

Not bad. Kinda like a cheesy pot pie without the pie crust. I didn't care much for the macaroni, might leave it out next time.

grannyblu

Sep 05, 2015

I used cream of celery soup 1 teaspoon sage and 1/2 teaspoon thyme 1 heaping teaspoon chicken granules mixed in the water a bit of salt pepper and it was pretty good!

o2wanna

Mar 20, 2015

I used Italian Seasoning instead of curry. It was extremely bland and the macaroni had a funny texture and a little on the top didn't cook through.

donafaye 9691958

Oct 20, 2014

I made this in an 8x8 dish and it was brimming full but did not boil over. If more items are added then it would require a larger baking dish. Very good dish.

Chef 0425418

Sep 08, 2014

This is delicious! I will definitely make it again! I used a cup of heavy whipping cream instead of the milk and added a heaping teaspoon of chicken bullion granules and my DH and I devoured it! The noodles cooked nicely which amazed me. :)

cubanbell

Jul 24, 2014

Can I substitute the cream of mushroom soup with something else?

Test Kitchen Team

Jul 25, 2014

You can substitute with chicken gravy or a can of Cheddar cheese soup. :)

cukes

May 02, 2014

have tried to add to my recipe box with notes but don't find it when looking at recipe box...what happened?

Test Kitchen Team

May 02, 2014

Cukes, so sorry this happened to you! We just tested it to make sure the link was working properly and it seems to be fine. There may have been a glitch when you tried to add it. Give it another shot and please let us know if the problem persists so we can look further into it. Thanks!

pwesleyrp 5805366

Sep 07, 2013

Best chicken dish ever!!!!!!!!!!!!!m(and I cook a lot). I boiled 2 large chicken breasts, shredded them, followed recipe as written, substituted dill weed for cumin. After overnight, casserole looked a little dry, so I added about a cup of small curd cottage cheese and more sharp shredded cheddar cheese, covered all with a full can of crushed French onion rings (no need for butter) and baked for about 30 min. Need to use 9 x 13 in pan. Will make at least six LARGE servings. OOOOHHH SOOOOO GOOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!

badgersdrift 08494 82

Aug 12, 2012

Almost every other Sunday, I roast a chicken, so I'm always looking for recipes for leftovers. This one looks fantastic and I will make this very soon!

azratkhan 6165576

Aug 11, 2012

easy to make and great in taste.my friends loved it,thanks.

Ursulaf

Jul 22, 2012

This is a five star dish So easy to make the night before baking while running to practice with kids and have a wholesome meal ready when you return.

sparkey 3730200

Jun 04, 2012

I used some frozen pork instead of chicken, and the equivilant of Durkey's onion rings instead of corn flakes. My very critical husband just raved about this meal. Thankyou Mr Food.