Homemade Chicken Mac n Cheese

Okay, so this one definitely doesn't fall under the "good for you" category, but it is an amazing comfort food treat every now and again. I forgot to snap a picture of this before we dug in and with the help of our neighbors over for dinner, we devoured most of it, leaving us with what you see here.

Chicken Mac N Cheese

Prep:
-I love the flavor and protein a roasted chicken adds to man n cheese. Tonight I cheated and used a rotissere chicken from the store, but you could roast a whole chicken in the oven or the crockpot if you prefer to do it yourself.
-Once you've cooked (or bought) your chicken, remove the meat from the bone and skin and set aside.
-Boil your noodles of choice to al dente. Drain and stir in shredded chicken.
-Preheat oven to 325.


Cheese Sauce. In a large pan:
-Saute a small chopped onion and minced or chopped garlic in a bit of olive oil or coconut oil.
-Add 3 Tbs of flour and 3 Tbs of butter. Cook 2-3 minutes. This is your "roux", pronounced "roo".
-Just before the roux turns brown, whisk in 1 c. milk and 1 c. broth.
-Let it sit over medium heat until it bubbles and thickens.
-Sprinkle in a palm full of nutmeg.
-Melt 2 c. shredded cheddar into the sauce.

Finishing Touches:
-Pour the cheese sauce over the noodles and chicken.
-Put noodles and cheese into a 9 x 13 baking dish.
-Sprinkle a bit of shredded cheddar and whole wheat bread crumbs.
-Bake for 8-10 minutes until cheese is melted and the top is crusty.

Get creative here based on your family's liking. A friend once made this with bacon (and it was DELICIOUS!). Another friend adds in pimentos because her young son and husband are big fans. Veggies of all kinds are good roasted in. What else will you add? The possibilities are endless!