GRILLED CHICKEN AND BACON MAC 'N' CHEESE FROM RACHAEL RAY

Grilled Chicken and Bacon Mac 'n' Cheese from Rachael Ray image

Provided by KsuKitty

Time 45m

Yield 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 16

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6 slices bacon, good-quality smoky, such as applewood-smoked
salt and pepper
1 lb pasta, whole wheat short-cut
1/2 lb chicken breast, skinless, boneless lightly pounded
1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling
1/2 teaspoon paprika
4 tablespoons butter
1 large onion, quartered lengthwise and very thinly sliced
2 tablespoons flour
1/2 cup chicken stock or 1/2 cup cloudy apple cider
2 cups milk, whole
2 tablespoons thyme, fresh, chopped
nutmeg, to taste, freshly grated
1 1/2 cups white cheddar cheese, extra-sharp, shredded
1 cup gruyere, shredded
1 teaspoon parsley, Flat leaf or 1 teaspoon celery leaves, for garnish

Steps:

Preheat the oven to 375°. Arrange the bacon on a slotted broiler pan or on a rack placed over a baking sheet and bake until crisp, about 15 minutes. Chop and reserve. Switch on the broiler and position the rack in the center of the oven.
Bring a pot of water to a boil, salt it, add the pasta and cook 1 minute less than the instructions indicate, or until just shy of al dente. Drain and return to the pot.
While the pasta is working, heat a grill pan or cast-iron griddle over medium-high heat. Drizzle the chicken with EVOO to coat lightly, then season evenly with the paprika, salt and pepper. Grill the chicken for about 10 minutes, turning occasionally. Transfer to a cutting board and halve the pieces lengthwise, then thinly slice crosswise.
While the chicken cooks, melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until light golden and very soft, 15 to 20 minutes. Sprinkle in the flour and stir for 1 minute. Whisk in the cider (or stock), then the milk. Bring to a boil and cook, whisking, until the sauce coats the back of a spoon, 3 to 4 minutes. Add the thyme and season with salt, pepper and nutmeg. Stir in the cheeses until melted.
Add the chicken, bacon and sauce to the pasta and transfer to a casserole. Broil until bubbling and browned, about 5 minutes. Garnish with the parsley (or celery greens).

Nutrition Facts : Calories 745.3, Fat 36.7, SaturatedFat 19.7, Cholesterol 116.4, Sodium 497.8, Carbohydrate 66.3, Fiber 3.1, Sugar 3.7, Protein 36.2