Mac and Cheese with Buffalo Chicken

By lindsayvk

A crowd favorite for parties and family.

Ingredients

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 Tbsp cayenne pepper
• 1 1/2 Tbsp paprika
• 1 1/2 Tbsp salt
• 1 1/2 Tbsp ground cumin
• 1 1/2 Tbsp ground coriander
• 2 cups skim milk
• 3 large eggs, beaten to blend
• 4 cups cornflakes, ground to crumbs
• 1 lb. chicken cutlets, cut crosswise into 1-inch-wide strips
• Canola oil for frying
• 1 lb. small elbow macaroni (whole wheat)
• 2 cups chopped green onions (about 8 large)
• 2 Tbsp chopped fresh oregano
• 8 Tbsp (1 stick) butter, divided
• 3 cups chopped onions
• 2 large cloves garlic, chopped
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 cups skim milk
• 1 lb. extra-sharp cheddar cheese, grated
• 8 oz. provolone cheese, grated
• 2 tsp. paprika
• 1 tsp. salt
• 1 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
• 1 cup hot pepper sauce

Details

Servings 12

Preparation

Step 1

Chicken:
1. Whisk first 6 ingredients in a deep medium bowl to blend. Place milk in second bowl, eggs in third adn ground cornflakes in fourth. Working with four strips at a time, place in flour to coat, then milk, eggs, and cornflake crumbs, coating with each. Arrange on a sheet of foil.
2. Pour oil into heavy medium saucepan to depth of 2 inches. Heat, then add coated chicken to hot oil and fry in batches until golden and cooked through, turning occasionally, about 3 minutes. Using slotted spoon, transfer chicken strips to paper towels to drain. Cut strips into 1-inch-long pieces.

Macaroni:
1. Cook macaroni in a large pot of boiling salted water until just tender but still firm to bite. Drain; transfer to a very large bowl. Mix in green onion and oregano.
2. Melt 6 Tbsp. butter in same large pot over medium heat. Add 3 cups chopped onion and garlic. Cover, saute until onions are soft but not brown, stirring often, about 6 minutes. Add flour, stir 2 minutes. Whisk in milk. Bring to a boil, whisking constantly. Reduce heat and simmer 2 minutes. Add all cheese, paprika, 1 tsp salt and 1 tsp pepper. Whisk until cheese melts and sauce is smooth. Remove from heat. Season to taste. Mix cheese sauce into macaroni. Mix in chicken. Mound into 13x9x2-inch glass baking dish.
3. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Stir hot pepper sauce and remaining 2 Tbsp butter in small sauce pan; spoon over macaroni in dish. Bake macaroni uncovered, about 30 minutes.