If you do not have time to cook or want to eat delicious, hot, and spicy, this Nashville chicken with Mac n cheese recipe is for you. This delectable mash-up of hot Nashville hot chicken and creamy mac n cheese is a perfect dinner dish, or a special lunch you won’t want to pass up. Please read the following instructions on preparing Nashville chicken with mac n cheese recipe to make a tasty and healthy meal for friends and family.
Why You’ll Love Nashville Chicken with Mac n Cheese Recipe:
The hot spicy flavor of Nashville chicken with the creamy and cheesy taste of mac n cheese is unbeatable. The Nashville chicken with mac n cheese recipe is one of the best comfort foods when put in the oven or eaten as a warm dinner. Savor the taste of Tennessee mac and cheese mixed with some spiciness from the chicken like some of Nashville’s hot chicken mac and cheese.
Ingredients for Nashville Chicken with Mac n Cheese Recipe
For the Nashville Chicken:
- Thawed chicken thigh or tender 2 lbs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to their desired preference
- Oil for frying
For the Nashville Hot Glaze:
- ½ cup melted butter
- 3 tablespoons cayenne pepper
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce
For the Mac n Cheese:
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 3 cups of shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups milk
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour.
- ½ teaspoon mustard powder
- A pinch of salt, and black pepper to taste
- Optional: a simple topping of breadcrumbs to give the meal a crispy feel
Preparation Time and Category of Nashville Chicken with Mac n Cheese Recipe
- Category: Dinner, Comfort Food
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
- Total Time: Approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes
Steps: How to Make Nashville Chicken with Mac n Cheese Recipe
1. Prepare the Nashville Chicken
- In a bowl, mix the chicken with buttermilk and hot sauce and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (preferably overnight for better flavor).
- In another bowl, blend flour, paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in the order.
- Deep fry in sufficient vegetable oil at 350 ° F (175° C).
- Coat the marinated chicken well with the seasoned flour and shake it.
- Deep fry the chicken pieces for 6- 8 minutes each side until golden and crispy. Take out and drain on paper towels.
2. Make the Nashville Hot Glaze
- Mix the melted butter, cayenne pepper, brown sugar, garlic powder, paprika, and hot sauce.
- Stir until the glaze forms a uniform mixture in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Finally pour the glaze over the fried chicken to coat the chicken pieces to give that Nashville hot chicken.
3. Cook the Mac n Cheese
- If baking, pre-heat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius).
- Cook the macaroni according to the guidelines given on the package. Drain and set aside.
- In another saucepan, melt the butter until bubbly over medium heat, stir in the flour, and cook for 1- 2 minutes until the color is golden.
- Gradually add the milk stir continuously and cook until slightly thickened.
- Then, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, and the mustard powder until the sauce thickens and the cheese is completely melted.
- Add the cooked macaroni into a cheese sauce and mix well. Season with salt and pepper.
- Pour the mac n cheese into a baking dish, top with more breadcrumbs if you so desire, and bake at 350 degrees for 15-20 minutes or until golden and bubbly.
Assembly and Serving of Nashville Chicken with Mac n Cheese Recipe
The Nashville chicken with mac n cheese recipe should be served on a plate, with the crunchy spicy chicken served alongside tasty mac n cheese. This dish is great when served for dinner and as a bonus, it is a very typical Tennessee dish.
Useful Advice for Nashville Chicken with Mac n Cheese Recipe
- Adjust the Heat: For less hot flavor, you can decrease the cayenne pepper coating the chicken.
- Crunchy Mac n Cheese: To add crispiness on top, put the mac n cheese back into the oven, and broil it for 2-3 minutes.
- Pairing: Pair with coleslaw or pickles to neutralize the strong taste.
Final Thoughts on Nashville Chicken with Mac n Cheese Recipe
Nashville chicken with mac n cheese recipe pools the best of both worlds—hot, crunchy chicken and smooth, cheesy macaroni. If you are craving something comforting for dinner or have never tried the Nashville Hot Chicken style, don’t miss this recipe. Try this Nashville chicken with mac n cheese recipe and enjoy a perfect combination of heat and comfort.
