Crispy Chicken Parmesan-Topped Macaroni and Cheese Bites

Crispy Chicken Parmesan-Topped Macaroni and Cheese Bites

Going for a Twist on Traditional Mac and Cheese!

Kick your macaroni and cheese game up a notch with this Chicken Parmesan-inspired recipe! Here's how to whip up these mouth-watering, protein-packed morsels:

Ingredients (serves 12)

• Cooking spray, for coating the pan
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt
• 1 cup dried whole-wheat macaroni or other small pasta shape
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup whole milk, warmed
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup cooked chicken, chopped or shredded
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano or 1 teaspoon minced fresh oregano
• 1 large ripe tomato, seeded and chopped
• 2 large eggs, beaten

Optional Dipping Sauce

• Tomato sauce

Timeframe

Preparation: 10 minutesCook Time: 40 minutesTotal Time: 50 minutesDifficulty: Medium

Steps

1. Get your oven preheated to 375°F (190°C). Spray a 12-cup muffin pan generously with cooking spray to prepare it for baking.
2. Cook your macaroni according to the package instructions in a large pot of boiling water, adding the salt when the water is boiling. Cook until the pasta is al dente, approximately 7 minutes. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
3. In the same saucepan you used for the pasta, melt the butter over medium heat. A minute later, sauté the minced garlic until it's fragrant. Add the flour, whisking constantly, until the mixture is smooth.
4. Pour in the warm milk, continuing to whisk while it thickens. Mix in the cheeses until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Stir in the chicken, oregano, and tomato. Once combined, add the beaten eggs.
5. Combine your cheesy, chicken-filled sauce with the cooked pasta, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Spoon the mixture into the muffin pan, filling each cup.
6. Bake the bites in the oven until they're crisp around the edges, bubbling, and golden brown, which should take around 10 minutes. Allow them to cool for about 10 minutes before carefully removing them from the pan using a small knife.
7. Serve these delicious bites hot with a side of tomato sauce for dipping if you like!

Storing Instructions

Refrigerate the leftover bites in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For longer storage, seal them in a single layer in a zippered plastic bag and freeze them for up to 3 months.

1. In this recipe, the nutritious Parmesan cheese, combined with other ingredients, transforms traditional mac and cheese into a cool, Chicken Parmesan-inspired dish.
2. The delicious bites, brimming with protein and flavor, are creditline-friendly as they serve 12 people, making it an ideal option for large gatherings or family dinners.
3. To make these mac and cheese bites even more appetizing, serve them with a dipping sauce, such as tomato sauce, similar to the sauce used in classic Chicken Parmesan.

Read also: