Memorial Day Mac & Cheese

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You will need chicken thighs, buttermilk, cayenne, salt, parsley, pepper, butter, american cheese, milk, flour, pasta noodles, sage, garlic powder, dried mustard, baking powder, paprika, onion powder, and cheddar cheese.

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In a large bowl, combine the buttermilk, garlic powder, dried mustard, paprika, and sage.

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Then add the chopped chicken and toss to coat every piece of chicken. Cover and marinate in the fridge for at least an hour and up to overnight.

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In a shallow bowl or dish, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, garlic powder, paprika, parsley, onion powder, and cayenne.

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Get all your stations ready to fry the chicken. Fill deep pan with oil, line a sheet pan with paper towels, get your tongs out, have a towel on you ready for any oil spills.

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Heat up your oil to 375 degrees. While that heats, place your buttermilk soaked chicken pieces in the dry mixture to thoroughly coat.

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Then carefully place each piece in the hot oil, making sure there is space around each piece of chicken.

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Turn as necessary until cooked through and golden brown, about 5-8 minutes. Once the chicken are fried, place on the cooling rack to drain the excess oil.

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In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the 8 tablespoons butter. While constantly whisking, add the flour a bit at a time to thicken the butter mixture.

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Reduce to low heat and while still whisking, carefully pour in the room temperature milk until everything is fully mixed. Let simmer for 5 minutes until the base of the sauce has thickened a bit.

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Add all but ¼ cup of the cheddar cheese, a handful at a time. Then add the American cheese and whisk until smooth.

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Then remove from heat and add the salt & pepper. Combine the cheese sauce and boiled noodles in a large bowl.

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In a buttered casserole dish, place half of the mac and cheese.

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Then add half of the fried chicken chunks.

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Repeat this one more time. Add the remaining half of the mac and cheese.

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Then add the remaining half of the fried chicken.

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Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top. Bake uncovered for 10-15 minutes.

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Get the full recipe via the link below!

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