Blackened Chicken Mac N' Cheese

So we had big plans to do Cajun Chicken Mac & Cheese (which is still something we may do in the future, let’s be honest!) but as we were planning the recipes we sat back and said … oh man WE LOVE BLACKENED CHICKEN. So we decided to take out blackened chicken recipe, cut it up and add it to our delicious Mac N’ Cheese recipe! It turned out better then we could have imagined!

Blackened Chicken Ingredients

• 2 Chicken Breast

• 4 Tbsp. Melted Butter

• 3 Tsp. Paprika

• 1 Tsp. Salt

• 1 Tsp. Pepper

• 1 Tsp. Onion Powder

• 1 Tsp. Garlic Powder

• 1/2-1 Tsp. Cayenne Pepper

Ingredients

• 2 Cups dried Macaroni Pasta, cooked and drained

• 2.5 Cups Milk or Half & Half Crea,

• 1.5 Cups Shredded Cheddar Cheese

• 1.5 Cups Shredded Mozza Cheese

• 1/2 Cup Parmesan Cheese

• 1 Stick + 2 Tbsp. Unsalted Butter

• 3 Tbsp. Flour

• 1 Tsp. Vegetable Oil

• 4 Cloves Garlic, minced

• 1 Tsp. Cayenne Pepper

• Salt to taste

• Pepper to taste

Blackend Chicken Directions

• Heat a castiron pan over medium to high heat on the BBQ.

• While the pan is heating up on the BBQ, place the chicken breast in a tight Ziploc bag and bang with a mallet to flatten and ensure that both chicken breast have a similar thickness so they cook consistently.

• Remove the chicken from the bag and lay out, then cut into strips. Brush melted butter on all sides of the chicken strips. Combine all spices together and then rub the spices onto all sides of the chicken.

• Once the pan has heated properly, add the remaining melted butter. Add the chicken and sear both sides of each piece quickly.

• Allow to continue cooking, flipping 1/2 way through until the chicken is fully cooked, reaching 165F degrees minimally. Set aside while the mac and cheese cooks.

Mac & Cheese Directions

• Pre-heat oven to 400F degrees.

• Cook pasta noodles, drain and set aside, toss with 1 tsp. vegetable oil to avoid sticking.

• In a medium sauce pan, heat the 1 stick of butter until just melted, add the flour and whisk well. Whisk and continue to cook on medium heat for about 5-6 minutes. Gradually add the milk or cream, raise the heat and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat again back to medium and cook until mixture thickens. Whisking often.

• Mix all 3 cheeses together in a bowl. Add the cheese (handfuls at a time) to the milk/flour mixture ensuring to save 1-2 handfuls for the end. Continue to whisk until mixture is soft. Add in salt, garlic powder & pepper to taste.

• Pour mixture into greased casserole dish, add in the strips of chicken and mix in then top with remaining cheese. Bake until cheese is melted (approx. 15 minutes) then broil on LO until top is golden brown and top with chives or green onion before serving.