A Symphony of Flavors: Hennessy Glazed Fried Chicken Over Cajun Mac and Cheese
This culinary masterpiece is a harmonious blend of textures and tastes. Crispy, golden-brown fried chicken, drizzled with a rich Hennessy glaze, sits proudly atop a bed of creamy, Cajun-spiced mac and cheese. Each bite is a journey through a spectrum of flavors, from the savory and spicy to the sweet and indulgent.
Ingredients:
For the Cajun Mac and Cheese:
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 4 ounces Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
- 2 ounces Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning blend
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
For the Crispy Fried Chicken:
- 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces (or use bone-in chicken thighs and drumsticks)
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (your favorite)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Vegetable oil for frying
- 1/2 cup Hennessy cognac
- 1/4 cup dark brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Instructions:
Cajun Mac and Cheese:
- Cook macaroni according to package directions, drain, and set aside.
- Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute, creating a roux.
- Gradually whisk in milk and heavy cream until smooth. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly, until thickened.
- Reduce heat and stir in cheddar, Monterey Jack, Parmesan, Cajun seasoning, paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper.
- Combine with cooked macaroni and transfer to a greased baking dish. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until golden and bubbly.
Crispy Fried Chicken:
- In a large bowl, marinate chicken pieces in buttermilk, hot sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, and pepper for at least 30 minutes or overnight.
- Combine flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a shallow dish.
- Dredge chicken pieces in flour mixture, shaking off excess.
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry chicken until golden brown and cooked through. Drain on paper towels.
Hennessy Glaze:
- In a small saucepan, combine Hennessy, brown sugar, and butter. Simmer over medium heat until sugar dissolves and sauce thickens.
Assembly:
- Generously spoon Cajun mac and cheese onto a plate.
- Top with a piece of crispy fried chicken.
- Drizzle with Hennessy glaze.
- Serve immediately.
Tips:
- For extra crispy chicken, double-dip pieces in flour mixture.
- Customize spice levels to your preference.
- Use bone-in chicken for richer flavor.
- Serve with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
- Experiment with different cheeses in the mac and cheese.
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