SWEET & SPICY FRIED CHICKEN AND BUTTERMILK MAC & CHEESE

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!