Delicious Nashville Chicken with Mac n Cheese Recipe

If you’re craving a dish that’s packed with flavor and perfectly combines spicy, crispy chicken with creamy, cheesy pasta, then the Nashville chicken with mac n cheese recipe is just what you need.

This Southern-inspired comfort food offers the perfect balance of heat from the Nashville hot chicken and indulgent creaminess from the mac n cheese.

Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner or preparing it for a weekend gathering, this Nashville chicken with mac n cheese recipe is sure to please everyone at the table.

In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the steps to make the best Nashville chicken with mac n cheese recipe, including tips, tricks, and variations to elevate your meal. Ready to dive into this flavor-packed comfort food? Let’s get started!

What is Nashville Hot Chicken?

Before we dive into the Nashville chicken with mac n cheese recipe, let’s first take a moment to talk about what makes Nashville hot chicken so special. Nashville hot chicken is a spicy fried chicken that’s a beloved dish in the South.

It’s typically made with bone-in chicken pieces that are deep-fried and then coated with a spicy, flavorful oil-based sauce. The sauce includes a mixture of cayenne pepper, brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, and other spices, which gives the chicken its signature fiery kick and rich flavor.

The Nashville chicken with mac n cheese recipe combines this spicy, crispy chicken with creamy mac n cheese, making it a perfect fusion of heat and comfort.

Ingredients for Nashville Chicken with Mac n Cheese Recipe

To make the perfect Nashville chicken with mac n cheese recipe, you’ll need two key components: the Nashville hot chicken and the mac n cheese. Here’s what you’ll need for each part of the dish:

Ingredients for Nashville Hot Chicken:

• Chicken breasts or thighs: Bone-in chicken thighs or breasts work best for Nashville hot chicken as they stay juicy and tender.
• Buttermilk: For marinating the chicken and keeping it moist.
• Flour: Used for dredging the chicken to create a crispy coating.
• Cayenne pepper: The star ingredient that gives Nashville hot chicken its signature heat.
• Paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder: These spices add depth of flavor to the chicken.
• Brown sugar: Balances out the heat and creates a rich, caramelized coating.
• Vegetable oil: For frying the chicken to crispy perfection.
• Pickles: Traditionally, Nashville hot chicken is served with pickle slices on top for a tangy contrast to the spiciness.

Ingredients for Mac n Cheese:

• Elbow macaroni: The classic pasta choice for mac n cheese.
• Butter: For a rich, creamy base.
• All-purpose flour: To create a roux for the cheese sauce.
• Milk and heavy cream: For a smooth, creamy texture in the sauce.
• Cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar is the best choice for that rich, gooey mac n cheese.
• Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty flavor to the mac n cheese sauce.
• Garlic powder: For extra flavor in the cheese sauce.
• Salt and pepper: To season the mac n cheese.

How to Make Nashville Chicken with Mac n Cheese Recipe

Now that you have all the ingredients ready, let’s break down the steps to make this incredible Nashville chicken with mac n cheese recipe.

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

The first step in the Nashville chicken with mac n cheese recipe is marinating the chicken in buttermilk. This helps tenderize the chicken and creates a moist, flavorful base for the crispy coating.

Place the chicken breasts or thighs in a large bowl and pour the buttermilk over them. Let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight for maximum flavor.

Step 2: Prepare the Seasoned Flour Coating

While the chicken is marinating, prepare the seasoned flour coating. In a large bowl, combine the following ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or more for extra heat)

Mix well to combine. This seasoned flour will create the crispy, flavorful crust on the chicken.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

Once the chicken has finished marinating, remove it from the buttermilk and allow any excess liquid to drip off. Dredge the chicken in the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated on all sides. Set aside while you heat the oil.

Step 4: Fry the Chicken

In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot (you can test this by dropping a small piece of flour into the oil—it should sizzle), carefully add the chicken to the skillet.

Fry the chicken for 7-8 minutes per side until it’s golden brown and crispy. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 165°F (74°C).

Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the oil and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain.

Step 5: Make the Nashville Hot Sauce

While the chicken is frying, prepare the Nashville hot sauce. In a small saucepan, combine:

• 1/4 cup cayenne pepper
• 2 tablespoons paprika
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil (from the frying process)
• 2 tablespoons hot sauce (optional for extra heat)

Heat over low heat, stirring to combine, until the sauce is smooth and warmed through. Once the chicken is fried, brush the Nashville hot sauce generously over the crispy chicken. The heat and spice from the sauce will penetrate the crispy crust, giving the chicken that signature Nashville flavor.

Step 6: Prepare the Mac n Cheese

While the chicken is resting, it’s time to make the creamy mac n cheese. Start by cooking the elbow macaroni according to package instructions. Drain the pasta and set aside.

In a large saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add 1/4 cup of flour and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly to form a roux. Gradually add 2 cups of milk and 1 cup of heavy cream, whisking constantly to create a smooth sauce. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens.

Add 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste.

Toss the cooked macaroni in the cheese sauce until it’s fully coated.

Step 7: Serve the Nashville Chicken with Mac n Cheese

Now it’s time to assemble your dish! Place a generous portion of the creamy mac n cheese on each plate. Top with a crispy piece of Nashville hot chicken. Garnish with pickle slices for a tangy contrast to the spicy chicken.

Serve your Nashville chicken with mac n cheese recipe immediately and enjoy the rich, bold flavors!

Variations of the Nashville Chicken with Mac n Cheese Recipe

While the classic Nashville chicken with mac n cheese recipe is delicious on its own, you can customize it to suit your preferences:

1. Spicy Nashville Chicken with Cajun Mac n Cheese

For an extra spicy twist, add Cajun seasoning to the mac n cheese. This will complement the heat of the Nashville hot chicken and add another layer of flavor.

2. Nashville Chicken with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Mac n Cheese

If you love garlic and Parmesan, try adding more garlic powder to the cheese sauce and a generous amount of grated Parmesan. This will give the mac n cheese a rich, savory flavor that pairs perfectly with the spicy chicken.

3. Nashville Chicken with Veggie Mac n Cheese

For a healthier option, add some sautéed vegetables such as spinach, bell peppers, or broccoli to the mac n cheese. This will add some texture and nutrition to the dish.

4. Nashville Chicken with Truffle Mac n Cheese

For a decadent upgrade, add a splash of truffle oil to the mac n cheese sauce. The earthy, rich flavor of the truffle oil pairs beautifully with the spicy Nashville hot chicken.

Tips for the Perfect Nashville Chicken with Mac n Cheese Recipe

• Control the heat: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper in the Nashville hot sauce to suit your tolerance for spice. You can also use less cayenne if you prefer a milder flavor.
• Make it ahead: Both the Nashville chicken and mac n cheese can be made ahead of time and reheated when ready to serve. Just make sure to store them separately.
• Use a meat thermometer: To ensure that your chicken is cooked properly, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (74°C).
• Customize your mac n cheese: Don’t be afraid to get creative with your mac n cheese by adding your favorite cheeses or seasonings.

Conclusion

The Nashville chicken with mac n cheese recipe is a flavor-packed comfort food dish that brings together the perfect combination of crispy, spicy chicken and creamy, cheesy pasta.

Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, a special occasion, or just craving some bold flavors, this dish is sure to satisfy. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you’ll be able to create this Southern classic in your own kitchen.

Now that you have all the tips and tricks for making the ultimate Nashville chicken with mac n cheese recipe, it’s time to gather your ingredients and start cooking. Enjoy the flavors of Nashville right at home!

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