1. Prepare the Chicken Bacon Mac:
- Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet and drain on paper towels. Set aside.
- Season the diced chicken breasts with salt and black pepper to taste.
- In the same skillet with the bacon drippings, add the seasoned chicken breasts. Cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour to create a roux, cooking for 2-3 minutes until lightly golden.
- Gradually whisk in the whole milk, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens and becomes smooth.
- Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and shredded mozzarella cheese until melted and creamy.
- Add the cooked elbow macaroni, cooked bacon, cooked chicken, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika to the cheese sauce. Stir until everything is well combined and coated in the cheesy sauce. Keep warm over low heat while you prepare the waffle fries.
2. Prepare the Waffle Fries:
- Preheat your air fryer according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Spread the frozen waffle fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Spray the fries lightly with cooking spray to help them crisp up.
- Air fry the waffle fries at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking, until they are golden brown and crispy.
3. Assemble the Chicken Bacon Mac Waffle Fries:
- Arrange the crispy waffle fries on a large serving platter or individual plates.
- Spoon the warm chicken bacon mac mixture over the waffle fries, ensuring each fry is generously coated in the cheesy goodness.
- Garnish with additional shredded cheese, crispy bacon bits, and chopped green onions, if desired, for added flavor and texture.
- Serve the Chicken Bacon Mac Waffle Fries hot, and dig in to enjoy the irresistible combination of crispy fries, cheesy mac, savory chicken, and crispy bacon.
Conclusion: With its crispy waffle fries base and creamy, cheesy chicken bacon mac topping, this indulgent dish is a flavor-packed treat that will satisfy all your comfort food cravings. Whether served as a crowd-pleasing appetizer or a hearty main dish, these Chicken Bacon Mac Waffle Fries are sure to become a new favorite in your culinary repertoire. So gather your loved ones, share the joy of good food, and savor every delicious bite of this crispy, cheesy delight.