Mac and Cheese with Buffalo Chicken |
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Prep Time: 0 Minutes Cook Time: 0 Minutes |
Ready In: 0 Minutes Servings: 12 |
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A comfort classic meets a bar-food favorite.WHAT TO DRINK: Pabst Blue Ribbon, an old-school brew that's enjoying a cult revival, is a light and refreshing foil for this rich dish. Ingredients:
2 1/4 cups all purpose flour |
1 1/2 tablespoons cayenne pepper |
1 1/2 tablespoons paprika |
1 1/2 tablespoons salt |
1 1/2 tablespoons ground cumin |
1 1/2 tablespoons ground coriander |
2 cups whole milk |
3 large eggs, beaten to blend |
4 cups cornflakes, ground to crumbs in processor |
1 pound chicken cutlets, cut crosswise into 1-inch-wide strips |
canola oil (for deep-frying) |
1 pound small elbow macaroni |
2 cups chopped green onions (about 8 large) |
2 tablespoons chopped fresh oregano |
8 tablespoons (1 stick) butter, divided |
3 cups chopped onions |
2 large garlic cloves, chopped |
1/2 cup all purpose flour |
4 cups whole milk |
1 pound extra-sharp cheddar cheese, coarsely grated (about 4 cups packed) |
8 ounces provolone cheese, coarsely grated (about 2 cups packed) |
2 teaspoons paprika |
1 teaspoon salt |
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper |
1 cup hot pepper sauce (preferably frank's redhot original) |
Directions:
1. For chicken: Whisk first 6 ingredients in deep medium bowl to blend. Place milk in second bowl, eggs in third bowl, and ground cornflakes in fourth bowl. Working with 4 chicken strips at a time, place in flour mixture and toss to coat. Dip same chicken strips into milk, then eggs, then cornflake crumbs, coating with each; arrange on sheet of foil.
2. Pour oil into heavy medium saucepan to depth of 2 inches. Attach deep-fry thermometer to side of pan; heat oil to 335°F to 350°F. Working in batches, add coated chicken strips to hot oil and fry until golden and cooked through, turning occasionally, about 3 minutes. Using slotted spoon, transfer chicken strips to paper towels to drain. Cut strips into 1-inch-long pieces.
3. For macaroni: Cook macaroni in large pot of boiling salted water until just tender but still firm to bite. Drain; transfer to very large bowl. Mix in green onions and oregano.
4. Melt 6 tablespoons butter in same large pot over medium heat. Add 3 cups chopped onions and garlic. Cover; sauté until onions are soft but not brown, stirring often, about 6 minutes. Add flour; stir 2 minutes. Gradually whisk in milk. Bring to boil, whisking constantly. Reduce heat and simmer sauce 2 minutes. Add all cheeses, paprika, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon pepper. Whisk until cheeses melt and sauce is smooth, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat. Season to taste with more salt and pepper, if desired. Mix cheese sauce into macaroni. Mix in chicken pieces. Mound mixture in 13x9x2-inch glass baking dish. DO AHEAD Can be prepared 2 hours ahead. Let stand at room temperature.
5. Preheat oven to 350°F. Stir hot pepper sauce and remaining 2 tablespoons butter in small saucepan over medium heat until butter melts; spoon 4 tablespoons over macaroni in dish. Bake macaroni uncovered until heated through, about 30 minutes, or 45 minutes if made ahead. Serve, passing remaining butter and hot-sauce mixture separately.
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