Today, I’m serving up a dish that hits all the right notes: Nashville Hot Chicken with creamy, gooey Mac n Cheese. This Southern combo pairs crispy, spicy fried chicken with rich, cheesy pasta for a meal that’s indulgent, bold, and full of comfort. If you’re ready to spice things up and dive into a plate of Southern charm, this one’s for you!
The inspiration for this recipe comes from the iconic Nashville Hot Chicken, known for its fiery heat and crispy crust, balanced perfectly with a comforting side like Mac n Cheese. It’s a match made in heaven that’ll have you coming back for seconds.
Ready to take on this spicy, cheesy adventure? Let’s get cooking!
Nashville Hot Chicken with Mac n Cheese
Ingredients
For the Nashville Hot Chicken
- 4 bone-in skin-on chicken thighs or drumsticks
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 1 tbsp hot sauce
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Vegetable oil for frying
- 1/4 cup cayenne pepper for the hot glaze
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup hot frying oil reserved from frying
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- Bread or buns optional, for serving
For the Mac n Cheese
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard optional
Instructions
For the Nashville Hot Chicken
Marinate the Chicken
- In a large bowl, combine buttermilk and hot sauce.
- Add the chicken and toss to coat.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight, for maximum flavor.
Prepare the Coating
- In a separate bowl, mix the flour, paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
Coat the Chicken
- Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off.
- Dredge each piece in the seasoned flour, pressing firmly to coat well.
- Let the coated chicken rest for 10 minutes to help the crust adhere.
Fry the Chicken
- Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry the chicken in batches for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C).
- Remove and drain on paper towels.
Make the Hot Glaze
- In a small bowl, whisk together cayenne pepper, brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, chili powder, and 1/4 cup of the hot frying oil.
- Brush or drizzle the glaze over the fried chicken.
For the Mac n Cheese
Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the macaroni and cook according to package instructions.
- Drain and set aside.
Make the Cheese Sauce
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.
- Gradually whisk in the milk and cook until thickened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in the cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, and Dijon mustard (if using).
- Season with salt and black pepper.
Combine
- Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until well coated.
- Keep warm until ready to serve.
Assemble the Dish
- Plate the Nashville Hot Chicken alongside a generous scoop of Mac n Cheese.
- Garnish with pickles or coleslaw for an extra Southern touch.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Adjust the spice level by adding more or less cayenne pepper to the hot glaze.
- For an even crispier chicken crust, double-dredge the chicken by dipping it in the buttermilk and flour mixture twice.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheated in the oven for crispy chicken and creamy pasta.
Nutritional Info (per serving, assuming 4 servings):
- Calories: 820
- Protein: 38g
- Fat: 44g
- Carbohydrates: 68g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 8g
Bringing It All Together
So, there you have it – Nashville Hot Chicken with Mac n Cheese, a Southern comfort meal that’s bold, spicy, and oh-so-satisfying. Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner or treating yourself to some indulgent flavors, this dish is sure to impress. The combination of fiery chicken and creamy, cheesy pasta is truly unforgettable.
I hope you enjoy making (and devouring) this dish as much as I do. It’s one of those recipes that brings people together around the table, with plenty of smiles and satisfied appetites. If you have any questions or want to share how your version turned out, drop me a message—I love hearing from you and seeing your culinary creations.
Until next time, keep cooking with love and spice!
