CHIPOTLE CHICKEN MAC AND CHEESE WITH BACON BREAD CRUMBS #RSC

Chipotle Chicken Mac and Cheese With Bacon Bread Crumbs #RSC image

Provided by hmisafiris

Time 1h10m

Yield 8-10 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 18

2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite size pieces
4 chipotle peppers, minced with
2 tablespoons adobo seasoning, plus
2 tablespoons adobo seasoning, for sauce (add more peppers and adobo if desired for more heat)
3 ounces butter
1/2 onion, minced
2 garlic cloves, minced
3 ounces all-purpose flour
8 ounces chicken stock
16 ounces half-and-half
8 ounces Hidden Valley® Original Ranch® Dressing
9 ounces cheddar cheese, shredded (kerrygold dubbliner)
1 lb macaroni, cooked
kosher salt
3 slices thick cut bacon
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup chives, chopped
1/4 cup parsley, chopped

Steps:

Preheat oven 350.
Melt the butter in a pot over medium heat. Add the onions and sweat for 2 minutes. Add the garlic and sweat for 1 minute or until the onions are translucent. Using a wooden spoon stir in the flour until fully incorporated. Slowly add the chicken stock, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Bring to a simmer and reduce heat to almost low and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
While the mixture is simmering heat a sauté pan with 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium-high heat until it is almost smoking. Add chicken, season with salt and cook until browned on all sides and cooked through. Add chipotle peppers with 2 tbsp adobo and toss to coat. Toss the chicken with the cooked macaroni and put in a 9x13 inch baking dish and set aside.
To finish the cheese sauce bring half and half to a gentle simmer and slowly mix in to roux. Add the ranch, cheddar, and 2 tbsp adobo and mix to combine. Season with salt to taste. Add cheese sauce to the baking dish and mix to combine with macaroni and chicken. Sprinkle with bacon bread crumbs and bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly. (If desired after baking use the broiler to achieve a more brown and crisp top).
For bacon bread crumbs cook bacon till crispy, allow to cool, and then finely mince. Combine all ingredients in a small bowl and toss to mix. Bacon bread crumbs can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.