Dive into the world of ultimate comfort food with this delectable duo: Creamy Mac n Cheese and Extra Crispy Fried Chicken. It’s a pairing that promises to delight your taste buds and satiate your comfort food cravings. Whether it’s a weekend treat or a mid-week indulgence, this combo is sure to win hearts!
A Dive into Decadence: Creamy Mac n Cheese
First, we embark on a culinary journey with a classic favorite that never disappoints – the creamy Mac n Cheese. Here’s how you can achieve that perfect creamy goodness:
Ingredients:
- 12 oz dry macaroni
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup flour
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 1 cup light cream (about 10-12% milk fat)
- 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Optional: 1 can (10.75 oz) condensed cream of cheddar soup
- 4 cups sharp cheddar cheese (divided)
- 1/2 cup fresh parmesan cheese
Instructions:
- Pasta Perfection: Start by preheating your oven to 425 degrees. Cook your macaroni as per the package’s instructions. Once done, drain and give them a quick rinse with cold water to halt the cooking process, ensuring they remain delightfully al dente.
- Creating the Base: In a sizable saucepan, melt your butter over a medium flame. Next, whisk in the flour and keep it moving for about 2 minutes. You’re making a roux here, which will grant your dish that delightful thickness and depth of flavor.
- Milk Fusion: It’s time to slowly introduce the cream, milk, mustard powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper into the mix. Keep stirring over medium heat until you feel it thicken to a creamy consistency.
- Cheese Galore: Take the saucepan off the heat and mix in the parmesan along with 3 cups of the cheddar cheese. Stir until smooth. If you’re up for it, add the condensed cream of cheddar soup for an extra cheesy dimension.
- Baking Bliss: Now, combine the cheese sauce with your macaroni, ensuring each piece is smothered in cheesy goodness. Transfer this to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, sprinkle the remaining cheese on top, and let it bake for 18-24 minutes. You’re looking for that beautiful, bubbly top. Be watchful so as not to overcook.
- The Final Touch: Post-baking, allow your creation to cool for 10-15 minutes. This rest period lets the sauce further thicken, providing that quintessential Mac n Cheese texture. Serve it warm and witness it disappear in seconds!
The Savory Sidekick: Extra Crispy Fried Chicken
What’s better to pair with your creamy pasta than some juicy, extra crispy fried chicken? Here’s your roadmap to achieving that perfect crunch and flavor:
Ingredients:
- 3 pounds chicken, cut into pieces
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon seasoned salt (optional)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups canola or peanut oil
Instructions:
- Preparation: Begin by rinsing your chicken pieces in cold water, then pat them dry. This step ensures the flavors cling well and you achieve the ideal crispness.
- Marinade Magic: In a shallow bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Soak your chicken pieces in this mixture for 5 to 10 minutes, letting them absorb all the wonderful flavors.
- Coating Crunch: In a separate bag, mix flour with seasoned salt. Place your chicken pieces inside and shake them around until they are well-coated. Shake off any excess and let them rest to ensure the coating sticks.
- Frying Time: Heat your oil to 350 degrees F in a deep fryer or skillet. Add your chicken in batches, avoiding overcrowding. Fry them until golden brown and gorgeous, remembering to turn them for an even color and crunch.
- Drain and Serve: Lastly, let your golden pieces rest on paper towels, soaking up any extra oil, and maintaining their crispiness. Serve them up warm or at room temperature, as they are sure to be the star of the show!
Serving the Ultimate Comfort Dish
Now, all that’s left is to bring these two fantastic dishes together. Plate up a generous serving of your creamy Mac n Cheese with a side of your crispy fried chicken. There’s something magical about the creamy and crispy textures playing together, creating a symphony of flavors in your mouth. So, sit back, dig in, and let this comfort food duo warm your soul!