There’s nothing quite like indulging in a comforting plate of mac and cheese. But what if we told you that you could take that dish to a whole new level by adding some Southern flair? That’s right, we’re talking about Roscoe’s Chicken and Waffles Mac and Cheese!
To get started, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, gather all your ingredients:
For the mac and cheese:
– 1 pound elbow macaroni
– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 cups milk
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
– 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
– 2 cups shredded pepper jack cheese
For the chicken and waffles:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 2 cups buttermilk
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tablespoon baking powder
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
– Vegetable oil, for frying
– 8 pre-made waffles
To make the mac and cheese, start by cooking your macaroni according to the package instructions. Set aside. In a large saucepan, melt your butter over medium heat. Once melted and bubbly, add in your flour and whisk until smooth. Gradually add in your milk and heavy cream, whisking continuously until smooth and thickened. Add in your cayenne pepper, nutmeg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir in your shredded cheddar and pepper jack cheeses until melted and fully combined. Fold in your cooked macaroni until fully coated.
To make the chicken and waffles, start by marinating your chicken breasts in buttermilk for at least an hour in the refrigerator. In a separate bowl, whisk together your flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Heat a large pot filled with vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, take your marinated chicken breasts and dredge them in your flour mixture until fully coated. Fry your chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side. Set aside.
To assemble your dish, take your pre-made waffles and toast them in the oven until crispy and golden brown. Assemble your plate with a scoop of your mac and cheese, a chicken breast on top, and a waffle on the side. Enjoy the perfect Southern twist on a classic comfort food dish!