Aunt Irene’s Chicken and Macaroni

🍗🧀🍝 Aunt Irene’s Chicken and Macaroni 🍗🧀🍝

Aunt Irene’s Chicken and Macaroni is a delicious and comforting dish that’s perfect for a family gathering or a cozy weeknight dinner. This dish combines tender chicken, creamy macaroni and cheese, and a flavorful blend of seasonings. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what it is, its history, components, preparation steps, and time needed to make it:

📜 History:
Aunt Irene’s Chicken and Macaroni is a classic American comfort food dish that has been passed down through generations. While there’s no specific known origin, it’s the kind of recipe that families customize and make their own over time. It’s known for its rich, hearty flavors and the way it brings people together.

🧾 Components:
To prepare Aunt Irene’s Chicken and Macaroni, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 2 cups of elbow macaroni
• 2 cups of cooked chicken, shredded or diced
• 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup of mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup of sour cream
• 1 can of cream of chicken soup
• 1/4 cup of butter
• 1/4 cup of chopped green bell pepper
• 1/4 cup of chopped onion
• 1/4 cup of chopped pimentos
• 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon of paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon of dried parsley flakes

👩‍🍳 Preparation Steps:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, and the chopped pimentos. Mix well.
4. In a separate pan, sauté the chopped green bell pepper and onion in the butter until they are tender.
5. Add the sautéed vegetables, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and dried parsley flakes to the chicken and cheese mixture. Stir to combine.
6. Gently fold in the cooked macaroni into the mixture.
7. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes or until it’s bubbly and lightly browned on top.

⏱️ Time Needed:
The total time needed to prepare Aunt Irene’s Chicken and Macaroni is approximately 1 hour, which includes preparation and baking time. It’s a hearty and satisfying dish that’s well worth the effort.

Now you’re ready to enjoy Aunt Irene’s Chicken and Macaroni with your family and friends! 🍽️👨‍👩‍👧‍👦🥂

Certainly, here are the nutrition facts and some health information for Aunt Irene’s Chicken and Macaroni. Please keep in mind that these values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes:

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving, based on 6 servings):

• Calories: Approximately 590 kcal
• Total Fat: About 40g
  • Saturated Fat: About 18g
• Cholesterol: Around 120mg
• Sodium: Approximately 900mg
• Total Carbohydrates: About 27g
  • Dietary Fiber: Approximately 2g
  • Sugars: About 3g
• Protein: Around 30g

Health Information:

1. High in Calories and Fat: Aunt Irene’s Chicken and Macaroni is a rich and indulgent dish, which means it’s relatively high in calories and fat. This makes it a tasty treat but should be enjoyed in moderation, especially if you’re watching your calorie and fat intake.

2. Protein Source: This dish provides a decent amount of protein, thanks to the chicken and cheese. Protein is essential for muscle growth and repair, making it a valuable part of your diet.

3. Carbohydrates: The macaroni in this dish contributes to its carbohydrate content. Carbohydrates provide energy, but it’s important to be mindful of portion sizes, especially if you’re monitoring your carbohydrate intake.

4. Sodium Content: The dish contains a moderate amount of sodium, mostly from the cheese and canned soup. High sodium intake can contribute to high blood pressure, so it’s important to be cautious if you have dietary restrictions related to sodium.

5. Calcium: With cheese as a key ingredient, this dish offers a good amount of calcium. Calcium is essential for strong bones and teeth.

6. Moderation is Key: Aunt Irene’s Chicken and Macaroni is not a low-calorie or low-fat option. While it’s delicious, it should be enjoyed as an occasional indulgence rather than a regular part of a healthy diet. If you’re concerned about the nutritional content, you can consider making some modifications to reduce fat and calories, such as using lower-fat dairy products or increasing the proportion of vegetables in the dish.

Remember to balance your diet with a variety of foods, including fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains, for a well-rounded and healthy eating plan.