Nashville Hot Chicken Mac & Cheese
by
Carla Hall
Carla Hall turns up the heat with her Nashville Hot Chicken Mac & Cheese, blending spicy Southern flavor with creamy, cheesy comfort. Alongside Clinton Kelly and Michael Symon, the trio dives into stove-top vs. baked mac debates, hot chicken history, and the comfort foods they can’t live without.
Prep Time:
55 Minutes
Cook Time
25 Minutes
Serves:
4 Servings
Level:
Beginner
3 tbsp butter
1⁄4 cup onion, minced
1 tsp salt
1 tsp smoked paprika, divided
1–11⁄2 tsp cayenne, divided
1 tbsp mustard powder
3 tbsp flour
3 cups whole milk
8 oz sharp cheddar, shredded
4 oz pepper jack, shredded
1⁄2 lb elbow macaroni
2 cups cooked chicken, bite-sized
2 tbsp brown sugar
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1⁄4 tsp white pepper
1 tbsp hot sauce
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
1 tbsp oil or butter
Ingredients
Step 1
Toss chicken with spices, sugar, garlic, onion, pepper, hot sauce.
Step 2
Toast panko in skillet with butter/oil.
Step 3
Cook pasta until al dente.
Step 4
Make cheese sauce: butter, onion, flour, milk, cheeses, paprika, cayenne, mustard powder.
Step 5
Combine pasta + chicken with cheese sauce.
Step 6
Serve topped with toasted panko.
Instructions
Serve bubbling hot, topped with extra hot sauce and pickles.