Mac and Cheese with Buffalo Chicken

milk/cream cheese chicken onion pasta bake sauté super bowl fall winter deep-fry bon appétit

David Burke

Makes 12 servings

Source

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)

Method

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.