MEMPHIS-STYLE CHICKEN MAC 'N CHEESE

Memphis-Style Chicken Mac 'n Cheese image

A classic creamy mac 'n cheese dish from Julie Wampler of Table For Two that's amped up with flavor from incorporating Memphis-style chicken throughout!

Provided by Reynolds Kitchens(R)

Categories Trusted Brands: Recipes and Tips Reynolds®

Time 1h5m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 16

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Ingredients

1 tablespoon chili powder
1 tablespoon dark brown sugar
1 teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon pepper
½ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
2 ½ cups cavatappi pasta, or similar shape such as rotini pasta
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
½ cup chicken broth
1 cup shredded extra-sharp orange Cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded extra-sharp white Cheddar cheese
½ teaspoon salt and pepper
Reynolds Wrap® Non-Stick Foil

Steps:

Preheat grill to medium-high.
Whisk all the ingredients for the Memphis-style rub in a small bowl and set aside.
Place 2 to 3 chicken thighs on a large 12x18-inch piece of Reynolds Wrap® Non-Stick Foil. Generously sprinkle Memphis-style rub on all sides of the chicken, gently pressing it down.
Wrap up the chicken thighs in the foil. Repeat with the remaining chicken thighs.
Place foil-wrapped chicken thighs onto the grill.
Cover the grill and grill the chicken thighs for 15 to 20 minutes (longer or shorter depending on thickness of chicken) until tender and juices run clear or meat thermometer reads 165 degrees F. After the chicken is cooked through, carefully place the foil packet on a large plate. Carefully open foil with a pair of tongs and then, if desired, place chicken thighs directly onto grill to get nice grill marks and some char.
Let chicken thighs rest for 15 to 20 minutes or until cool enough to handle. Chop chicken into pieces.
Boil a pot of water, add the pasta and cook until al dente, about 10 to 12 minutes depending on the pasta shape you use. Drain.
Melt butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Whisk in flour and chicken broth. Let thicken for 3 to 5 minutes. Add cheeses to the skillet and stir with a spatula until melted and smooth.
Add the pasta to the cheese sauce and stir to incorporate.
Add the chicken pieces to the mac 'n cheese and stir to incorporate. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 665.1 calories, Carbohydrate 36.6 g, Cholesterol 180.7 mg, Fat 36.9 g, Fiber 2.4 g, Protein 48 g, SaturatedFat 17 g, Sodium 1179.6 mg, Sugar 3.7 g