Indulge in the ultimate comfort food experience with our Honey Glaze Sweet & Spicy Fried Chicken and Buttermilk Mac & Cheese. Learn how to create this flavor-packed duo that combines crispy, honey-kissed chicken with creamy, dreamy macaroni and cheese.
Ingredients:
For the Honey Glaze Sweet & Spicy Fried Chicken:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to your spice preference)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Vegetable oil for frying
- 1/2 cup honey, for glazing
For the Buttermilk Mac & Cheese:
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
Instructions:
For the Honey Glaze Sweet & Spicy Fried Chicken:
1. Marinate the Chicken:
- In a bowl, marinate the chicken thighs in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes, ensuring they are well coated.
2. Prepare the Coating:
- In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to create the seasoned flour mixture.
3. Coat the Chicken:
- Remove each chicken thigh from the buttermilk, allowing any excess to drip off.
- Dredge the chicken in the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring it’s evenly coated. Press the flour mixture onto the chicken for a thicker coating if desired.
4. Fry the Chicken:
- In a deep skillet or frying pan, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C) over medium-high heat.
- Carefully place the coated chicken thighs in the hot oil.
- Fry for approximately 10-12 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove the fried chicken from the oil and place it on a wire rack to drain.
5. Glaze the Chicken:
- While the chicken is still hot, drizzle honey over the top, allowing it to create a sweet glaze as it melts.
For the Buttermilk Mac & Cheese:
1. Cook the Macaroni:
- Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the Cheese Sauce:
- In a saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat.
- Stir in the all-purpose flour and cook for about 1-2 minutes, creating a roux.
- Gradually whisk in the buttermilk, ensuring a smooth sauce forms.
- Add the shredded sharp cheddar cheese, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Stir continuously until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is creamy.
3. Combine Macaroni and Cheese Sauce:
- Pour the cheese sauce over the cooked macaroni and stir until the macaroni is evenly coated with the creamy cheese sauce.
4. Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve the Honey Glaze Sweet & Spicy Fried Chicken alongside the Buttermilk Mac & Cheese for a flavor explosion that’s sure to satisfy your comfort food cravings.
With our Honey Glaze Sweet & Spicy Fried Chicken and Buttermilk Mac & Cheese, you’ll have the ultimate comfort food experience. Crispy, honey-kissed chicken thighs with a hint of spiciness are fried to golden perfection in this extraordinary combination. Their sweet and spicy glaze provides a delectable contrast that elevates each bite. Along with this exceptional chicken, you’ll enjoy a creamy dreamy macaroni and cheese made with sharp cheddar cheese and a blend of seasonings for the ultimate comfort food touch. The tender elbow macaroni is coated in a velvety sauce., buttermilk-infused cheese sauce that’s rich in flavor and guaranteed to satisfy your cravings. Whether you’re serving it up for a special occasion or treating yourself and your loved ones to a comforting weeknight meal, this culinary duo promises an explosion of flavors that’s nothing short of sensational. Create this delightful pairing, savor each bite, and let the goodness of Honey Glaze Sweet & Spicy Fried Chicken and Buttermilk Mac & Cheese embrace your senses.