Mary berry macaroni cheese with chicken

Mary berry macaroni cheese with chicken is a classic comfort food dish that combines tender chunks of cooked chicken with creamy, cheesy pasta. The recipe features a rich and flavorful sauce made from butter, flour, milk, cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese which is then combined with al dente macaroni noodles and roasted chicken pieces. This dish is perfect for family dinners or special occasions as it’s easy to make but impressive in presentation.

Why people also love Mary berry macaroni cheese with chicken

People love Mary Berry’s macaroni cheese with chicken for a number of reasons. The dish is hearty and comforting, perfect for chilly evenings or when you need something filling to satisfy your appetite. The combination of tender chunks of roasted chicken and creamy, cheesy pasta creates a delicious balance of flavors that many find irresistible. Additionally, the recipe is easy to follow and can be adapted to suit individual tastes by adding different seasonings or vegetables. Overall, it’s a crowd-pleasing dish that has become a favorite among fans of comfort food cuisine.

Ingredients:

• 300g macaroni
• 50g butter
• 50g plain flour
• 600ml milk
• 200g cheddar cheese, grated
• 2 tbsp Parmesan cheese, grated
• Salt and pepper to taste
• A pinch of nutmeg (optional)
• One cooked chicken breast or leftover roast chicken

Instructions:

1. First of all,Preheat your oven to 190°C/170°C fan/gas mark 5.
2. After this,Cook the macaroni according to package instructions until al dente.
3. While the pasta is cooking, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
4. Add flour and whisk continuously for about two minutes until it forms a smooth paste (roux).
5. Gradually add milk, whisking constantly until the sauce thickens and is smooth.
6. Add cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese to the saucepan, stirring continuously until melted.
7. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if using).
8. Drain the cooked macaroni and add it to the cheese sauce along with chunks of roasted chicken breast or leftover roast chicken.
9. Stir everything together until well combined.
10. Transfer the mixture into an ovenproof dish and sprinkle some extra grated cheddar on top if desired.
11. Bake in preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes or until golden brown on top.

Quick Facts

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Difficulty: Easy
• Cuisine: British
• Category: Main Dish, Comfort Food
• Yield: Serves 4

Equipment Needed:

• Large saucepan
• Ovenproof dish

Serving Suggestions:
This dish can be served as a main course on its own or paired with a side salad or vegetables. It also goes well with garlic bread.

Expert Tips & Tricks:

1. For extra flavor, you can add chopped bacon to the recipe.
2. If you don’t have Parmesan cheese, you can substitute it with Pecorino Romano or another hard Italian cheese.
3. Make sure not to overcook the pasta before adding it to the sauce as it will continue to cook in the oven.

Nutrition Information:

• Calories: 630kcal
• Fat: 35g
• Saturated Fat: 21g
• Cholesterol: 129mg
• Sodium: 618mg
• Potassium: 432mg
• Carbohydrates: 46g
• Fiber:2 g
• Sugar :7 g
• Protein :31 g

Presentation:
Serve hot and bubbly straight out of the oven, garnished with chopped parsley or chives for a pop of color. The dish can be served family-style or plated individually.

Variations and substitutions for Mary berry macaroni cheese with chicken:

1. Vegetarian version: Omit the chicken and add vegetables such as broccoli, peas or mushrooms to make a vegetarian version of this dish.
2. Gluten-free option: Substitute regular macaroni pasta with gluten-free pasta made from rice flour or quinoa.
3. Vegan option: Use vegan butter and milk substitutes like almond milk or soy milk instead of dairy products in the recipe. You can also use vegan cheese alternatives like nutritional yeast flakes or cashew cream.
4. Spicy variation: Add chopped jalapenos, red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to give your macaroni cheese a spicy kick.
5. Seafood twist: Instead of chicken, add cooked shrimp, crab meat or lobster chunks for a seafood twist on this classic dish.
6. Cheese variation: Swap out the cheddar cheese for other types of cheeses like Gouda, Swiss or blue cheese to create a unique flavor profile.
7. Herb-infused version: Add fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary or basil to the recipe for an added burst of flavor.
8. Healthier option: Use low-fat milk and reduced-fat cheese to make a healthier version of this dish without sacrificing taste.
9. Pasta substitution: Instead of macaroni pasta, try using penne or fusilli pasta in this recipe for a fun twist on classic mac and cheese.
10. Topping options: Top your macaroni cheese with breadcrumbs, crushed potato chips or crispy bacon bits for some extra crunch and texture.

Recommendations and notices:

1. Be sure to cook the pasta al dente, as it will continue cooking in the oven.
2. If you prefer a more saucy macaroni cheese, add an extra ½ cup of milk or cream to the recipe.
3. To make this dish ahead of time, prepare everything up until baking and then refrigerate until ready to bake.
4. When reheating leftovers, add a splash of milk or cream before heating to prevent the sauce from drying out.
5. Make sure that your oven is preheated before putting your dish in so that it cooks evenly throughout.
6. Use good quality ingredients like fresh herbs and real Parmesan cheese for maximum flavor.
7. This dish is quite rich due to its high fat content, so enjoy in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
8. You can use leftover cooked chicken in this recipe, or cook fresh chicken breasts specifically for the dish.
9. Don’t overcook the chicken when browning it in the pan as it will continue to cook in the oven.
10. To make this dish more kid-friendly, you can omit any spicy ingredients and add some chopped vegetables like bell peppers or carrots to sneak in some extra nutrition.

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