Honey BBQ Mac N Cheese

Directions

1. Step 1

   Preheat the oven to 350°F.

2. Step 2

   Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente, then drain.

3. Step 3

   In a saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add chili powder, paprika, and garlic powder.

4. Step 4

   Stir in evaporated milk, heavy cream, and milk; mix until combined.

5. Step 5

   Remove from heat and stir in shredded pepper colby jack, gouda, and sharp cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.

6. Step 6

   In a baking dish, layer some cooked macaroni followed by a layer of cheese sauce. Repeat until all pasta and sauce is used, finishing with a layer of cheese.

7. Step 7

   Bake in the oven for 20 minutes.

8. Step 8

   While the mac and cheese is baking, marinate the cubed chicken thighs in buttermilk and hot sauce for at least 30 minutes.

9. Step 9

   In a bowl, mix flour with garlic, chili powder, and paprika.

10. Step 10

    In a separate bowl, place panko breadcrumbs.

11. Step 11

    Take marinated chicken, coat first in the flour mixture, then in panko breadcrumbs.

12. Step 12

    Fry the coated chicken in hot oil at 350°F for about 5 minutes until golden brown.

13. Step 13

    In a small saucepan, combine ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, honey, and cold butter. Heat until bubbly and smooth.

14. Step 14

    Once everything is cooked, toss the fried chicken in the honey BBQ sauce.

15. Step 15

    Serve the baked mac and cheese topped with honey BBQ chicken and garnished with parsley.