Main menu

Crispy Hennessy Glazed Fried Chicken Over Cajun Mac n’ Cheese

A Symphony of Flavors: Hennessy Glazed Fried Chicken Over Cajun Mac and Cheese

Crispy Hennessy Glazed Fried Chicken Over Cajun Mac n’ 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:

  1. Cook macaroni according to package directions, drain, and set aside.
  2. Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute, creating a roux.
  3. Gradually whisk in milk and heavy cream until smooth. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly, until thickened.
  4. Reduce heat and stir in cheddar, Monterey Jack, Parmesan, Cajun seasoning, paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper.
  5. 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:

  1. 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.
  2. Combine flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a shallow dish.
  3. Dredge chicken pieces in flour mixture, shaking off excess.
  4. Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C).
  5. Fry chicken until golden brown and cooked through. Drain on paper towels.

Hennessy Glaze:

  1. In a small saucepan, combine Hennessy, brown sugar, and butter. Simmer over medium heat until sugar dissolves and sauce thickens.

Assembly:

  1. Generously spoon Cajun mac and cheese onto a plate.
  2. Top with a piece of crispy fried chicken.
  3. Drizzle with Hennessy glaze.
  4. 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.

Comments