Baked Chicken and Bacon Mac 'n Cheese

Preheat oven to 200°C. Cook the chicken in a medium saucepan of salted boiling water over medium heat for 10 minutes. Transfer to a plate and set aside until cool enough to handle. Cut the chicken into small cubes.

Meanwhile, cook the macaroni in a large saucepan of salted boiling water for 8 to 12 minutes or until al dente. Drain. Place the pasta in a large heatproof bowl and set aside.

Meanwhile, heat a non-stick frying pan over medium heat. Cook the bacon for 5 minutes or until crispy. Add the bacon and chicken to the bowl with the pasta. Heat the oil in the same pan. Add the spring onion and garlic and cook for 2 minutes, stirring continuously. Add to the pasta, bacon and chicken.

Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the flour and cook for 1 - 2 minutes. Remove from the heat. Gradually add the milk, stirring continuously until smooth. Return mixture to a medium heat. Cook, stirring continuously, for 5 - 8 minutes or until the sauce boils and thickens. Stir in the cheese until melted. Season with salt and pepper.

Pour the cheese sauce over the pasta. Pour the pasta and cheese mixture into a 5 cm-deep, 20 cm x 30 cm baking dish. Sprinkle with breadcrumbs. Bake for 25 - 30 minutes or until the top is golden and crispy and the filling is bubbling.