SWEET & SPICY FRIED CHICKEN AND BUTTERMILK MAC & CHEESE

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Here are the recipes for Sweet & Spicy Fried Chicken and Buttermilk Mac & Cheese:

Sweet & Spicy Fried Chicken:

Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

  • 8 pieces of chicken (a mix of thighs, drumsticks, and breasts)
  • 2 cups buttermilk
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon paprika
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Oil for frying

For the Sweet & Spicy Glaze:

  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup hot sauce
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ginger, grated

Instructions:

  1. Marinate the Chicken:
    • In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces with buttermilk. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight.
  2. Prepare the Glaze:
    • In a small saucepan, combine honey, hot sauce, soy sauce, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Simmer over low heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened. Set aside.
  3. Coat the Chicken:
    • In a shallow dish, mix together flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
    • Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, shaking off any excess, and dredge each piece in the flour mixture until well coated.
  4. Fry the Chicken:
    • Heat oil in a deep fryer or large skillet to 350°F (175°C).
    • Fry the chicken in batches until golden brown and cooked through, about 12-15 minutes for larger pieces and 8-10 minutes for smaller pieces. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
  5. Glaze the Chicken:
    • Brush the fried chicken pieces with the prepared sweet & spicy glaze while still hot.
  6. Serve:
    • Serve the sweet & spicy fried chicken hot, garnished with chopped green onions or sesame seeds if desired.

Buttermilk Mac & Cheese:

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound macaroni pasta
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)

Instructions:

  1. Cook the Pasta:
    • Cook the macaroni pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. Prepare the Cheese Sauce:
    • In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until golden brown.
    • Gradually whisk in the milk and buttermilk until smooth. Cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
    • Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  3. Combine Pasta and Cheese Sauce:
    • Add the cooked macaroni pasta to the cheese sauce and stir until well coated.
  4. Bake (Optional):
    • Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture to a greased baking dish. Sprinkle breadcrumbs over the top if desired.
    • Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown on top.
  5. Serve:
    • Serve the buttermilk mac & cheese hot as a side dish with the sweet & spicy fried chicken.

Enjoy your delicious Sweet & Spicy Fried Chicken and Buttermilk Mac & Cheese!

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