If you go that route, we recommend pre-cooking the chicken in a little olive oil and garlic until cooked through but not browned, then add it to the recipe in place of the canned chicken.
You can also use a different pasta instead of regular macaroni — like the cavatappi macaroni spirals shown above, or try fusilli, penne or ziti.
Retro 80s chicken macaroni casserole recipe (1983)
Delicious “Bake it easy” casserole! Wholesome, full-flavored casseroles come easy with Campbell’s cream of mushroom soup, Swanson chunk chicken, and Creamettes macaroni.
ALSO TRY: Creamy chicken ‘n broccoli casserole (1985)
Chicken macaroni casserole
While this vintage 1980s recipe called for about 1 cup of canned chicken, it's also really easy to make this casserole with fresh or frozen chicken. If you go that route, we recommend pre-cooking the chicken in a little olive oil and garlic until cooked through but not browned, then add it to the recipe in place of the canned chicken.
Ingredients
- 7 ounces elbow macaroni
- 2 slices bacon
- 2 cans Campbell’s cream of mushroom soup
- 3/4 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons vinegar
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 1 medium clove garlic, minced
- 2 cans Swanson chunk chicken
- 1 cup sliced cooked carrots
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup cooked peas
Instructions
- Prepare macaroni according to package directions.
- Drain and set aside.
- In 10-inch skillet over medium heat, cook bacon until crisp; remove and crumble.
- Stir soup, milk, vinegar, sugar and garlic into drippings.
- In large bowl, combine soup mixture and remaining ingredients.
- Pour mixture into 2-1/2-quart casserole; cover.
- Bake at 350 (F) for 30 minutes or until hot; stir. Serve.
Notes
Time Saver Tip: Divide mixture evenly between two 1-1/2-quart casseroles; cover. Proceed as above or freeze. To heat frozen casserole, bake at 350 (F) for 1 hour or until hot; stirring frequently.
Recommended Products
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, qualifying purchases made via our links earns us a small commission at no additional cost to you.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 8 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 233Total Fat: 13gSaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 43mgSodium: 310mgCarbohydrates: 15gFiber: 2gSugar: 3gProtein: 14g
Click Americana offers approximate nutrition information as a general reference only, and we make no warranties regarding its accuracy. Please make any necessary calculations based on the actual ingredients used in your recipe, and consult with a qualified healthcare professional if you have dietary concerns.
