Overnight Chicken Casserole for Fifty
Description
This delightful Overnight Chicken Casserole is perfect for large gatherings, effortlessly serving fifty people while combining comforting flavors that everyone will love. Ideal for potlucks and family reunions, this one-dish meal is easy to prepare, allowing you to enjoy your time with guests instead of being stuck in the kitchen.
Recipe Category
One Dish Meal
Keywords
Chicken, Poultry, Meat, Potluck, For Large Groups, Oven, Less than 4 Hours
Ingredients
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 20 | cups cooked chicken, diced |
| 2 | cups macaroni, uncooked |
| 36 | ounces diced pimentos |
| 8 | cups green peppers, diced |
| 2 | cups onions, diced |
| 1 1/3 | pounds American cheese, shredded |
| 4 | cups milk |
| 2 | tablespoons dried basil |
| 2 | tablespoons lemon pepper seasoning |
| 1/4 | cup butter, melted |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 191.9 |
| Total Fat | 8.5 g |
| Saturated Fat | 4.2 g |
| Cholesterol | 17.7 mg |
| Sodium | 538.2 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 21.6 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.3 g |
| Sugars | 2 g |
| Protein | 7.8 g |
Instructions
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Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly combine the cooked chicken, uncooked macaroni, diced pimentos, green peppers, and onions. Ensure all ingredients are evenly mixed to create a harmonious base for your casserole.
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Prepare Sauce Mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk together the soups, shredded American cheese, milk, dried basil, and lemon pepper seasoning until well combined. This creamy mixture will enhance the overall flavor and texture of the casserole.
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Combine Mixtures: Add the sauce mixture to the chicken and macaroni blend, stirring until everything is well coated and evenly distributed.
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Prepare Baking Pans: Pour 12 cups of the combined mixture into four greased 9 x 13 inch baking pans, ensuring an even layer in each pan.
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Refrigerate: Cover the pans with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate overnight. This step is crucial as it allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
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Pre-Bake Preparation: Remove the casserole from the refrigerator 30 minutes prior to baking, allowing it to come to room temperature for even cooking.
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Top with Corn Flakes: In a small bowl, combine the corn flakes with melted butter, then sprinkle this mixture generously over the top of each casserole for a crunchy topping.
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Bake: Cover the pans with tin foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 45 minutes. After this time, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 to 20 minutes or until the casserole is bubbly and golden on top.
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Serve: This recipe yields approximately 45 to 50 one-cup servings, making it an ideal choice for large gatherings where comfort food is the star.
Enjoy your Overnight Chicken Casserole and the compliments from your satisfied guests!
