Crispy Nashville Hot Chicken n’ Mac & Cheese

Introduction

Crispy Nashville Hot Chicken n’ Mac & Cheese is the ultimate fusion of spice and comfort, combining two beloved dishes into one unforgettable meal. This recipe brings together the fiery, crispy perfection of Nashville hot chicken with the creamy, cheesy goodness of classic mac and cheese. The result is a rich and indulgent dish that’s sure to excite your taste buds and satisfy your cravings.

The Nashville hot chicken is coated in a bold, spicy rub and fried to golden, crunchy perfection, creating the perfect contrast to the smooth, velvety mac and cheese. Whether you’re a fan of spicy flavors or creamy comfort food, this dish offers the best of both worlds. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner, a family gathering, or any occasion when you want to serve up something hearty and full of flavor.

For an extra touch, serve it with pickles, a drizzle of honey, or a side of coleslaw to balance the heat. Whether you’re sharing it with friends or treating yourself, Crispy Nashville Hot Chicken n’ Mac & Cheese is a soul-warming dish that hits all the right notes.

Perfect for:

Indulgent dinners
Game-day gatherings
Impressing guests with a Southern-inspired feast
Comfort food cravings

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why Crispy Nashville Hot Chicken n’ Mac & Cheese will become a household favorite:

Perfect Flavor Balance: Spicy, crispy chicken paired with creamy, cheesy mac and cheese is a match made in heaven.
Restaurant Quality at Home: Bring the flavors of Nashville to your kitchen.
Customizable Spice Level: Adjust the heat to suit your taste.
Crowd-Pleaser: A guaranteed hit with family and friends.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Total Time: 50 minutes
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4-6
Calories per serving: Approximately 700-800 calories
Key Nutrients: Protein, calcium, iron

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts, pounded thin)
1 cup buttermilk
1 tsp hot sauce
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup cornstarch
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Vegetable oil, for frying

For the Nashville Hot Sauce:

1/3 cup melted butter
2 tbsp cayenne pepper (adjust for heat)
1 tbsp brown sugar
1 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp chili powder

For the Mac & Cheese:

8 oz elbow macaroni
2 tbsp unsalted butter
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk (or half-and-half)
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional Toppings:

Chopped parsley
Crumbled bacon
Pickles

Ingredient Highlights

Nashville Hot Sauce: Packed with cayenne and paprika, delivering iconic Nashville heat.
Cheese Blend: A mix of cheddar and mozzarella for a creamy, gooey mac and cheese.
Buttermilk Chicken Marinade: Ensures juicy, tender chicken with a crispy coating.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Chicken:

Marinate the Chicken:
In a large bowl, combine buttermilk and hot sauce. Add the chicken, ensuring it’s fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours.
Coat the Chicken:
In a shallow dish, whisk together flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, letting excess drip off, and dredge in the flour mixture. Press firmly to coat well.
Fry the Chicken:
Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet to 350°F (175°C). Fry the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through. Drain on paper towels.
Make the Nashville Hot Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, cayenne pepper, brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, and chili powder. Brush the sauce generously over the fried chicken.

Prepare the Mac & Cheese:

Cook the Pasta:
Cook macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Make the Cheese Sauce:
In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute. Slowly add milk, whisking constantly, until the mixture thickens. Stir in cheddar and mozzarella cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
Combine:
Toss the cooked macaroni in the cheese sauce until fully coated.

Assemble the Dish:

Serve:
Plate the creamy mac and cheese and top with a piece of Nashville hot chicken. Garnish with parsley, crumbled bacon, or pickles if desired.

Pairing Suggestions:

Serve with:

Coleslaw
Sweet cornbread
Iced tea or lemonade

How to Serve

This dish can be enjoyed in several ways:

As a Hearty Dinner: Serve as is for a filling and satisfying meal.
For a Party: Cut the chicken into smaller pieces for bite-sized portions.
For Meal Prep: Keep the chicken and mac and cheese separate for easy reheating.

Additional Tips

Brine the Chicken: For extra juiciness, brine your chicken in a mixture of buttermilk and spices for at least 2 hours or overnight. This helps tenderize the meat and enhances flavor.
Use Cornstarch for Extra Crispy Coating: Mixing cornstarch into your flour helps the chicken achieve a crispier texture when frying.
Fry in Hot Oil: Make sure the oil is at the right temperature (around 350°F) before frying the chicken. This ensures a crispy crust and prevents sogginess.
Double-Coat the Chicken: For an extra crunchy exterior, dip the chicken in the buttermilk and flour mixture twice before frying.
Control the Heat Level: Nashville hot chicken is known for its heat, but adjust the amount of cayenne and hot sauce to match your spice tolerance. You can always add more later.
Rest the Chicken After Frying: Let the fried chicken rest on a wire rack for a few minutes before serving to prevent it from becoming greasy.
Use a Cast-Iron Skillet: A cast-iron skillet retains heat well, ensuring an even fry and crispy results.
Cheese Choice for Mac & Cheese: Use a combination of sharp cheddar and mozzarella for a creamy yet tangy flavor. Adding a bit of Parmesan will give it a nice, rich finish.
Boost Mac & Cheese Flavor: Stir in some Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, or a splash of hot sauce into the cheese sauce for extra depth.
Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Top your Nashville Hot Chicken and Mac & Cheese with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro to add a burst of color and freshness that contrasts with the richness of the dish.

Recipe Variations

Spicy Honey Nashville Hot Chicken with Garlic Parmesan Mac & Cheese: Add a drizzle of honey over your crispy Nashville hot chicken and serve with a garlic Parmesan mac and cheese for a sweet and savory twist.
Buffalo Nashville Hot Chicken with Blue Cheese Mac & Cheese: Swap the classic Nashville hot sauce for a buffalo sauce base, and pair it with mac and cheese that’s mixed with blue cheese for a creamy, tangy flavor.
Southern BBQ Nashville Hot Chicken with Cheddar Jalapeño Mac & Cheese: For a southern BBQ kick, brush your hot chicken with a smoky barbecue sauce and pair it with a creamy cheddar jalapeño mac and cheese.
Crispy Nashville Hot Chicken with Truffle Mac & Cheese: Elevate the classic with a drizzle of truffle oil over the mac and cheese, creating a rich, indulgent pairing with the spicy chicken.
Vegan Nashville Hot “Chicken” with Cashew Cheese Mac: Make a plant-based version using crispy vegan chicken and cashew-based mac and cheese for a creamy, dairy-free alternative.
Buttermilk Marinated Nashville Hot Chicken with Bacon Mac & Cheese: Marinate the chicken in buttermilk for extra juiciness, then serve it with a decadent mac and cheese that’s loaded with crispy bacon bits.
Crispy Nashville Hot Chicken with Pesto Mac & Cheese: Add a fresh twist by mixing pesto into your mac and cheese, giving it a basil-forward, herby flavor to complement the heat from the chicken.
Crispy Nashville Hot Chicken with White Cheddar and Truffle Oil Mac & Cheese: Upgrade your mac and cheese with white cheddar and finish with a few drops of truffle oil to bring out its creamy richness alongside the spicy chicken.
Nashville Hot Chicken with Chipotle Mac & Cheese: Spice up your mac and cheese by incorporating smoky chipotle peppers into the cheese sauce, balancing the heat from the hot chicken.
Crispy Nashville Hot Chicken with Cajun Shrimp Mac & Cheese: Combine two Southern favorites: crispy Nashville hot chicken with shrimp cooked in a Cajun-style seasoning, mixed into a creamy mac and cheese for a seafood twist.

Freezing and Storage

Storage: Store chicken and mac and cheese separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat chicken in the oven at 375°F (190°C) to maintain crispiness. Warm mac and cheese on the stovetop with a splash of milk.
Freezing: Freeze cooked chicken and mac and cheese separately for up to 2 months.

Special Equipment

Deep Skillet or Dutch Oven: For frying the chicken.
Whisk: To ensure a smooth cheese sauce.
Tongs: For handling the chicken during frying.

FAQ Section

Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?
Yes, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, for a healthier option.
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
While freshly fried chicken is best, pre-cooked chicken can work in a pinch. Toss it in the hot sauce for flavor.
Can I make this less spicy?
Reduce or omit the cayenne pepper in the sauce and coating for a milder version.
What’s the best cheese for mac and cheese?
Cheddar is classic, but mixing it with mozzarella or gouda creates a creamier texture.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Use gluten-free flour and pasta to adapt the recipe for a gluten-free diet.

Conclusion

Crispy Nashville Hot Chicken n’ Mac & Cheese is the ultimate comfort food mashup that delivers bold flavors, indulgent textures, and a fiery kick. This dish combines the crispy, spicy goodness of Nashville hot chicken with the creamy, cheesy decadence of mac and cheese, creating a meal that’s both satisfying and unforgettable.

Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, treating family and friends, or indulging in a special night of comfort food, this recipe is guaranteed to impress. Customize your mac and cheese with toppings like breadcrumbs, extra cheese, or even a drizzle of hot honey to elevate the flavors. Pair it with a fresh side salad or some cooling ranch dressing for a well-balanced feast.

Get ready to enjoy the perfect blend of spice, creaminess, and crunch in every bite of Crispy Nashville Hot Chicken n’ Mac & Cheese. It’s a dish that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser and will quickly become a favorite in your recipe rotation!