Frederic Melton
Macaroni and cheese is a beloved comfort food for many, but some people are curious about adding chicken and bacon to the dish. This addition of meat creates a heartier meal, but does it taste good? The answer is yes! Many people enjoy the combination of chicken, bacon, and macaroni and cheese, also known as crack chicken. This dish has been described as absolutely delicious, with the bacon adding a smoky flavor without being overpowering. However, some reviews of pre-made chicken and bacon macaroni and cheese have noted that it can be too greasy, with the cheese flavor being overwhelmed by the other ingredients. For those who want to try making this dish at home, there are several recipes available that allow for customization, such as adding vegetables or different types of cheese. Overall, macaroni and cheese with chicken and bacon is a tasty and comforting meal that can be a fun twist on a classic dish.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Taste | Delicious, comforting, tasty, good |
| Texture | Creamy, melt-in-your-mouth, crunchy, hard, firm |
| Ingredients | Chicken, bacon, macaroni, cheese, breadcrumbs, butter, tomatoes, cream, sugar, stock, milk, salt, pepper, mustard, flour, eggs, wheat, mushrooms, spinach, onions, parsley, barbecue sauce |
| Nutrition | High in sodium, high in fat |
| Dietary | Can be made gluten-free |
| Preparation | Can be made ahead and frozen |
| Serving Size | Filling, suitable as a main or side dish |
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What You'll Learn
Chicken-Bacon Macaroni and Cheese is a tasty comfort food
Chicken-bacon macaroni and cheese is a popular dish that combines the flavours of chicken and bacon with the traditional macaroni and cheese. This dish has been described as "absolutely delicious" and a "favourite". It is a comforting and hearty meal that is perfect for casual dinners or as a side dish.
The addition of chicken and bacon takes the traditional macaroni and cheese to the next level, making it a more substantial and flavourful dish. The chicken and bacon add protein and a savoury element to the creamy and cheesy macaroni. The smokiness of the bacon and the slight sweetness of barbecue sauce-coated chicken create a unique flavour profile that complements the mildness of the cheese.
One of the benefits of this dish is its versatility. It can be customised to suit different taste preferences and dietary needs. For example, you can use gluten-free macaroni and breadcrumbs to make it gluten-free, or you can add extra cheese or spices to suit your taste. The dish also allows for some creativity with the type of cheese used, ranging from cheddar to Swiss to Monterey Jack.
Chicken-bacon macaroni and cheese is a comforting and indulgent meal that is perfect for family dinners or when you're craving something hearty and satisfying. It is a popular choice for those who want a twist on the traditional macaroni and cheese, and it is sure to become a favourite for many. This dish is a great option for a winter comfort food and can be paired with various sides, such as vegetables or a salad, to balance out the richness of the dish.
While this dish is generally well-received, some have noted that it can be greasy due to the bacon and cheese. It is important to manage expectations regarding the grease factor, especially when reheating the dish, as it can affect the texture of the macaroni. However, with careful preparation and attention to ingredients, this dish can be a tasty and indulgent treat.
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It can be made gluten-free
Chicken and bacon macaroni and cheese is a tasty, comforting dish, and it can easily be made gluten-free. The gluten-containing ingredient in macaroni and cheese is the pasta, so to make the dish gluten-free, you need to swap out the regular pasta for gluten-free pasta. Gluten-free pasta is now readily available, and there are many options to choose from, such as gluten-free penne or elbow pasta.
Gluten-free pasta can be a little tricky to get right, as it can become gummy, mushy, or soggy if cooked for too long. It is important to read the cooking instructions on the packet and subtract a couple of minutes from the suggested cooking time. It is also a good idea to rinse the pasta quickly under cold water for less than five seconds to prevent it from becoming sticky.
Once you have cooked the gluten-free pasta, you can add the cheese sauce and other ingredients. Many recipes suggest adding butter, flour, milk, and seasonings such as salt, pepper, mustard powder, onion powder, and garlic powder to the sauce. You can then add chicken and bacon to the dish, along with vegetables such as tomatoes, if desired.
Gluten-free macaroni and cheese with chicken and bacon is a tasty, comforting dish that can be enjoyed by those with gluten intolerance or coeliac disease. It is a versatile dish that can be adapted to suit various dietary needs and personal preferences.
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It's kid-approved
Chicken Bacon Ranch Mac and Cheese Casserole is a sure-fire way to get kids to eat a home-cooked meal. It's a struggle familiar to many parents: you cook a nutritious meal from scratch, only for your children to turn their noses up at it. Well, this recipe is a guaranteed winner with kids. After all, what child can resist pasta, a three-cheese sauce, chicken, ranch, and plenty of bacon?
The recipe is versatile, too. You can use shredded chicken, chicken breasts, or chicken thighs—whatever you have to hand. And if you want to add some extra vegetables into the mix, throw in some peas or broccoli. If you're short on time, you can even skip the baking step and just add more bacon!
One parent, in particular, attested to the recipe's popularity with their children. They wrote: "I was determined to make it so kid-friendly that they couldn’t refuse it. And it worked!" Another commented that their Youth Dynamic Group "ate every last morsel".
So, if you're looking for a tasty, kid-approved dish that's perfect for casual dinners or a comforting winter meal, look no further than Chicken Bacon Ranch Mac and Cheese Casserole! It's a fun and delicious way to get your kids to eat their veggies and try new flavours.
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It's a good winter comfort food
Macaroni and cheese is a classic comfort food, and the addition of chicken and bacon takes it to the next level, making it a hearty and indulgent meal perfect for cold winter days. This dish combines the creamy, cheesy goodness of macaroni and cheese with the savoury, smoky flavours of bacon and the protein-packed goodness of chicken.
Chicken and bacon macaroni and cheese is a popular dish, with many recipes available online and even pre-made options offered by retailers like Costco. The dish is easy to prepare, making it a convenient option for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. It's a versatile dish that can be customised to suit different tastes and dietary needs, such as using gluten-free pasta or low-fat milk.
The combination of chicken, bacon, and cheese creates a flavourful and satisfying meal. The chicken adds a hearty texture and savoury flavour, while the bacon contributes a smoky, salty taste. The cheese, of course, is the star of the show, with its creamy, tangy, or sharp flavours depending on the type used. Some popular cheese choices for this dish include cheddar, Monterey Jack, mozzarella, and Swiss cheese.
To make this dish even more indulgent, some recipes call for a buttered breadcrumb topping, creating a crispy, golden crust that adds texture and flavour. The dish can also be customised with various add-ins, such as mushrooms, tomatoes, or spinach, and spices like paprika and cayenne pepper. For those who like their food extra creamy, a dollop of sour cream or crème fraîche can be mixed into the sauce.
Chicken and bacon macaroni and cheese is a comforting and indulgent meal that is perfect for warming you up on chilly winter days. It's a versatile dish that can be tailored to different tastes and dietary needs, making it a great option for feeding a crowd or treating yourself to a cosy night in. So, if you're looking for a hearty, comforting meal this winter, why not give chicken and bacon macaroni and cheese a try? It's sure to hit the spot!
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It can be made ahead of time and frozen
Chicken and bacon mac and cheese can be made ahead of time and frozen for up to three months. It's a great dish to have chilling in the freezer for a comforting, tasty meal.
To make ahead and freeze, prepare the dish up until the point where you've sprinkled on the breadcrumbs and cheese. Then, cool, cover, and freeze. It's important to cool the pasta and sauce separately, as macaroni absorbs moisture from the sauce as it freezes and thaws. To cool the pasta, drain and rinse it with cold water, then spread it onto a rimmed baking sheet and let it cool completely.
When you're ready to eat your frozen mac and cheese, defrost it overnight in the refrigerator. Then, heat it in the oven at 190°C/375°F for about 25 minutes until hot throughout. You may need to cover the dish with foil for the last 5-10 minutes to prevent browning.
Note that the mac and cheese will be a little less saucy if you make it ahead, as the pasta will absorb more liquid. To compensate, you can add an extra 120ml (half a cup) of stock when cooking the pasta.
Some people have reported that the grease from the bacon can separate during the freezing and reheating process, so be aware that the dish may be greasier than when freshly cooked.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, macaroni and cheese with chicken and bacon is considered tasty by many. The dish is described as "absolutely delicious", "phenomenal", and "a huge hit".
When making macaroni and cheese with chicken and bacon, you can fry chicken strips to place on top of the dish, add vegetables such as peas or broccoli, or add spices such as paprika and cayenne pepper.
The time it takes to make macaroni and cheese with chicken and bacon can vary depending on the recipe. Some recipes require baking the dish for 20 to 35 minutes, while others may take closer to an hour.
There are several ways to vary a recipe for macaroni and cheese with chicken and bacon. For example, you can use different types of cheese such as cheddar, Parmesan, Swiss, Gouda, or Gruyere, or add mushrooms, spinach, or tomatoes.
