macaroni & cheese with smoked bacon & chicken

How To Make macaroni & cheese with smoked bacon & chicken

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  Step 1
  Gather your ingredients (mise en place).
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  Step 2
  Cook the chicken, cut up into cubes, and reserve
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  Step 3
  Cook the bacon, crumble, and reserve
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  Step 4
  Mix the panko breadcrumbs with the Parmesan, some salt, pepper, and cayenne, and reserve.
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  Step 5
  Cook the pasta, according to package directions, until al dente.
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  Step 6
  Chef’s Note: Al dente is used to refer to food cooked so it is still firm to bite but not soft. This is very important to pasta, which should be removed from the cooking liquid just before it has fully cooked through, as like most foods, it will continue to cook after being removed from the heat source.
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  Step 7
  Place a rack in the middle position, and preheat the oven to 400f (205c).
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  Step 8
  Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium-low heat.
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  Step 9
  Once the foaming has subsided, whisk in the flour, and cook the roux for about 3 minutes.
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  Step 10
  Add the milk in a slow steady stream, while continuing to whisk.
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  Step 11
  Chef's Note: I typically like a dryer mac & cheese, but it you need your's a bit juicier, try adding about an additional 1/2 cup of milk. And if you want it richer, use half & half instead of milk.
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  Step 12
  Allow the mixture to come to a light boil, and then reduce to a simmer.
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  Step 13
  Chef’s Note: As the mixture begins to boil it will begin to thicken. Make sure that you keep whisking, so that there are no lumps. This process will take about 5 minutes of your undivided time.
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  Step 14
  Whisk in the crème fraîche, mustard, nutmeg, salt, pepper, & cayenne.
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  Step 15
  Add the cheeses.
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  Step 16
  Chef's Note: The cheese combinations are really up to you... these are two that I enjoy, but you might like something else... go for it.
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  Step 17
  Whisk until they have melted into the sauce.
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  Step 18
  Add in the bacon & chicken, and stir (not whisk) until combined.
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  Step 19
  Finally add the cooked & drained pasta and stir to combine.
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  Step 20
  Add the mixture to a baking dish, about 9x9 should do.
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  Step 21
  Chef’s Note: I like to make it more personal by adding it to individual ramekins. However, putting it all in a single dish and allowing people to scoop out their own portion is more rustic.
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  Step 22
  Cover with the Panko/Parmesan topping.
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  Step 23
  Place in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until the top begins to brown.
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  Step 24
  Serve as a one-dish meal with some nice crusty bread. Enjoy.
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  Step 25
  Keep the faith, and keep cooking.
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