Yardbird Chicken Mac & Cheese Recipe
Seasoned and roasted chicken with cavatappi pasta, housemade cheese sauce, topped with toasted breadcrumbs.
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Ingredients
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Chicken
Pasta
Cheese Sauce
Breadcrumb Topping
Method
Chicken Preparation
- 1
- 2
Roast the Chicken
Place the seasoned chicken in a roasting pan and roast in the preheated oven for about 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Let it rest for 10 minutes before shredding.
Pasta Cooking
- 3
Cook the Pasta
While the chicken is roasting, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cavatappi pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Cheese Sauce Preparation
- 4
- 5
Add Milk
Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth, cooking for another 5 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- 6
Incorporate Cheese
Reduce the heat to low and add the shredded cheddar cheese and cream cheese. Stir until melted and smooth. Season with salt, black pepper, and mustard powder.
Combine and Bake
- 7
Combine Pasta and Sauce
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked cavatappi pasta, shredded chicken, and cheese sauce. Mix well until everything is coated.
- 8
- 9
Assemble and Bake
Transfer the pasta mixture to a baking dish and evenly sprinkle the breadcrumb topping over the top. Bake in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes until the topping is golden brown.