Healthy Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese

(Courtesy of andiemitchell.com)

Ingredients:
8 oz. dry elbow macaroni (enough for 4 c. cooked)
1 lb. boneless skinless chicken breast
1 c. 1% milk
1 Tbsp. cornstarch
1 Tbsp. butter
3 oz. extra sharp cheddar cheese (3/4 c.)
2 oz. crumbled blue cheese (1/2 c.)
1/2-2/3 c. hot buffalo wing sauce

Directions:
Poach the chicken: place the breasts in a large saucepan or Dutch oven, in a single layer, and fill with just enough cold water to cover the chicken by 1 inch.  Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes depending on how thick the breasts are (check the chicken after 10 minutes).  When done, the breasts should be completely opaque on the outside and register 165 degrees on a meat thermometer.  Cut through the center of one to check the doneness so that you don't accidentally remove all of the chicken too soon.  Transfer the chicken to a cutting board and let cool slightly before shredding with 2 forks.

Once shredded, stir in the hot sauce, adding as much or as little as you like depending on your spice preference.

Cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions.

While the macaroni cooks, make the cheese sauce: in a small saucepan, whisk together the milk and cornstarch.  Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat slightly to a simmer.  Stir in the butter.  When the sauce is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon, add the cheddar cheese and stir until the cheese has melted and the mixture is silky and well-blended.

Place your cooked, drained pasta in a large bowl.  Pour the cheese cause over it and stir to combine.  Stir the chicken into the pasta, followed by the crumbled blue cheese.  Serve immediately.

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