Filipino Chicken Macaroni Salad Recipe: A Creamy, Savory Treat

In the Philippines, Filipino Chicken Macaroni Salad (Recipe) is especially made during holidays, celebrations, and family gatherings and is a favorite dish by many. It is said to be the original creamy, sweet, and plus-savory macaroni salad with chicken, as it contains the unique combination of ingredients like chicken and pasta, sweet pickles, carrots, and raisins. 

Here, you will learn how to cook a simple Filipino classic dish that will allow you to taste a spoonful of this Filipino classic at your home.

Filipino Chicken Macaroni Salad Recipe Time

---

---

Ingredients

• 400g elbow macaroni

• 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (about 2 chicken breasts)

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise

• 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk

• 1/4 cup all-purpose cream

• 1 medium carrot, finely diced

• 1/2 cup sweet pickles or relish, chopped

• 1/4 cup raisins

• 1/4 cup cheddar cheese, cubed

• 1/2 cup pineapple chunks (drained)

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 1/4 cup celery, chopped (optional)

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped (for garnish)

Nutrition (Per Serving)

• Calories: 320

• Protein: 12g

• Carbohydrates: 40g

• Fat: 14g

• Fiber: 3g

• Sodium: 400mg

• Sugar amount of ten

Preparation Step by Step

Cook the Macaroni

• In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Put in the elbow macaroni and cook following the package directions, usually 8-10 minutes, until the pasta is al dente.

• Drain the macaroni from the hot water then put them into a strainer and let cold water run over them. Then let the pasta cool completely.

Prepare and Cook the Chicken

• Meanwhile, In a different pot bring water to a boil and add 2 chicken breasts that have been seasoned with a pinch of salt. Once it’s done (15-20 minutes), take the chicken out from the pot and shredded it up using a fork or your hands when it’s still a bit warm. Set it aside.

Mix the Dressing

• In another big bowl, fold together mayonnaise, sweetened condensed milk, and all-purpose cream. The mixture should be made uniform and smooth. This recipe is the one wherein you get a creamy and slightly sweet dressing which is originally a Filipino macaroni salad.

Combine the Ingredients

• Now put the cooked macaroni, shredded chicken, diced carrots, sweet pickles or relish, raisins, cheddar cheese, pineapple chunks, and chopped onion into the dressing.

• Include celery if you decide to use it to enhance the crispy effect.

• Mix everything well so that the macaroni and other ingredients are evenly covered with the dressing. Sprinkle salt and pepper and stir to taste.

Chill and Serve

• Wrap the bowl with a plastic wrap or bring the salad to an airtight container. Refrigerate the salad at least 1-2 hours, or until the salad is well chilled and the flavors are mixed.

• Before serving, you are encouraged to additionally garnish it with chopped hard-boiled eggs to materialize a more pronounced taste and a clearer presentation of the material.

Cook’s Notes

• Customizing the Salad: You might want to include other fruits, like apples and grapes, for the extra sweetness; on the other hand, you could also increase or decrease the amount of mayonnaise and condensed milk if you like your salad to be creamier and sweeter or to have less cream. (Creativity)

• Storing: This salad can go in the fridge where it will be good until the 3rd day. It is an option to spare a little bit of the dressing when you prepare it ahead of time, to allow you more flexibility in case the dressing is soaked up by the pasta.

• Variations: There are some variations where Filipinos in other regions also have it with ham, potatoes, or green peas. You are free to test on your taste or authentic ones!

FAQ

Can I use a different pasta shape?

• Yes, you can! Although elbow macaroni is the traditional choice, other options include shell-shaped, penne, or rotini. Just make sure that you don’t boil the pasta too long; otherwise, it’s going to be too soft and the salad will turn to be too mushy.

Why do you use sweetened condensed milk?

• Adding the sweetened condensed milk is a good way to balance out the flavors of the salad from the salt and add just a tinge of sweetness. Along with that, it is an important part of Filipino macaroni salad as well as it adds a special tone of sweetness to it (Unique sounds).

Can I make this macaroni salad healthier?

• You can use light mayonnaise or Greek yogurt instead of regular mayonnaise and cut down on the amount of condensed milk to make it less rich. Besides, including vegetables like bell peppers and green peas will increase the vegetable content causing it to be more nutritious.