Tired Of Boring Healthy Meals? Try This High Protein Crispy Nashville Hot Chicken Mac N Cheese! 🍗🧀
Are you ready to spice up your dinner routine with a dish that’s not only delicious but also packed with protein? If you’re tired of bland and boring meals, you’re in for a treat! This High Protein Crispy Nashville Hot Chicken Mac N Cheese is the ultimate comfort food, combining the smoky, spicy flavors of Nashville hot chicken with creamy, cheesy goodness. Perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in, this easy recipe will make your taste buds dance with joy!
The Inspiration Behind the Dish
Nashville hot chicken has taken the culinary world by storm, and it’s easy to see why. Known for its crispy coating and fiery seasoning, this dish brings a kick that invigorates your palate. Now, imagine marrying that spiciness with a classic mac and cheese—a childhood favorite that everyone loves. That’s how this recipe was born! It’s perfect for serving at a casual gathering, game day, or simply when you want something indulgent yet protein-packed. Enjoy it alone or add a side of greens for a well-rounded meal!
Ingredients
Before we jump into the cooking time, let’s gather everything you’ll need to whip up this high-protein delight.
For the Crispy Nashville Hot Chicken:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons Nashville hot chicken seasoning (adjust to taste)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for frying
For the Mac N Cheese:
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 cups milk
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnishing:
- Chopped parsley (optional)
- Extra Nashville hot seasoning (for those who crave more heat!)
Instructions
Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to create the best High Protein Crispy Nashville Hot Chicken Mac N Cheese:
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
-
Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the chicken breasts and buttermilk. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for best results).
-
Set Up for Frying: In a separate bowl, mix the flour, Nashville hot chicken seasoning, salt, and pepper. Coat the marinated chicken in this mixture.
-
Fry the Chicken: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry the chicken for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Let it rest before slicing it into strips.
Step 2: Make the Mac N Cheese
-
Cook the Pasta: Boil the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
-
Prepare the Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir for about 1-2 minutes to create a roux. Gradually whisk in milk, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens.
-
Mix in the Cheese: Remove from heat and stir in the cheddar and mozzarella cheese until melted and creamy.
-
Combine: Toss the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until well coated.
Step 3: Put It All Together
In a large serving dish, layer the mac and cheese, and top it with crispy Nashville hot chicken strips. For extra flair, sprinkle chopped parsley and a drizzle of Nashville hot seasoning over the top.
Tips/Variations
- Add Veggies: Consider mixing in steamed broccoli or spinach for a nutritious twist.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour and macaroni with gluten-free alternatives.
- Spice Levels: Adjust the Nashville seasoning based on your heat preference; you can even add a bit of honey to balance the spice.
Final Thoughts
This High Protein Crispy Nashville Hot Chicken Mac N Cheese is not just a meal; it’s an experience! Try it for your next dinner, and we promise you won’t be disappointed. 🍽️
Have fun experimenting with this recipe, and don’t forget to share your results with us! Try it and let us know how it turned out in the comments below! Enjoy every delicious bite!