How To Make Back-To-School Chicken Breast with Mac & Cheese 🇹🇹 Foodie Nation

Back to school season is here and Tiff & Khary have the perfect recipe to keep it simple, delicious, and filling. This week on How To Foodie Nation we’re making a creamy, cheesy Mac & Cheese with Grilled Chicken Breast that’s hearty enough to satisfy both kids and parents.

RECIPE

Mac & Cheese with Cauliflower & Broccoli

Yield: 4 Servings

Ingredients:

8oz Elbow Macaroni - Cooked al dente

1½ cups Cauliflower Florets

1½ cups Broccoli Florets

2 tbsp Butter

4 tbsp Garlic - Finely Chopped

2 tbsp All-Purpose Flour

1½ cups Evaporated Milk - Warmed

½ cup Cheddar Cheese - Grated

½ cup Mozzarella Cheese- Shredded

2 tbsp Parmesan Cheese- Grated

4 tbsp Pimento Sauce

TT Salt

TT Black Pepper - Freshly ground

½cup Breadcrumbs - For topping (optional)

Method:

1. Cook elbow macaroni until al dente, drain, and set aside.

2. Blanch cauliflower and broccoli for 30 seconds each and refresh in ice bath. Drain and reserve.

3. In a saucepan over medium heat, brown butter and saute garlic until it softens. Whisk in flour to form a roux. Cook for 1 minute.

4. Gradually whisk in evaporated milk until smooth and thickened.

5. Add half the cheddar, parmesan and all of the mozzarella. Stir until cheese melts and sauce is creamy.

6. Stir in pimento sauce, add cauliflower and broccoli, and season fold into the cheese sauce.

7. Fold in cooked pasta until evenly coated. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.

8. Transfer mixture to a greased baking dish. Sprinkle remaining cheddar, then breadcrumbs and remaining parmesan.

9. Bake at 375°F for 15–20 minutes until golden and bubbly.

10. Broil on high heat to get the crust to desired colour.

11. Serve hot as a main or side dish.

Pan-Seared Chicken Breast

Yield: 4 Servings

Ingredients:

4 Chicken Breasts Skinless, boneless

2 tbsp Green Seasoning - Light coating (blend of herbs and aromatics)

2 tbsp Pimento Sauce (Island Spirit Brand)

1 tbsp Olive Oil/ Vegetable oil

TT Salt

TT Black Pepper Freshly ground

Method:

1. Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels.

2. Season with salt and pepper then rub lightly with green seasoning and pimiento sauce. Let marinate for at least 30 minutes (up to 2 hours).

3. Preheat pan to medium-high heat and add olive oil (or vegetable oil)

4. Sear chicken breasts for 5–6 minutes per side, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F. (Inversely, sear chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes per side and finish in a 400 degree oven for 7 minutes)

5. Remove from pan and rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

6. Serve alongside Mac & Cheese with Cauliflower & Broccoli for a complete meal.