Jerk Mac & Cheese with Creamy Jerk Sauce

Name: Jerk Mac & Cheese with Creamy Jerk Sauce
Ingredients: 2 teaspoons YardSpice (substitution); 2 teaspoons WhiteSpice (substitution); 1 teaspoon dark brown sugar; 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme leaves; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon peeled and finely grated fresh ginger; 1½ lb boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces (about 6 thighs); 8 cups chicken broth; 4 cups water; 1 tablespoon kosher salt; 16 ounces elbow macaroni; 8 oz smoked Gouda, shredded; 8 oz extra-sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded; ½ cup unsalted butter; 1 garlic clove, grated; 1 cup half-and-half; 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk; 1 tablespoon CajunSpice (substitution); 1 tablespoon WhiteSpice; 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 1 teaspoon jerk seasoning, such as Walkerswood; 1 tablespoon avocado oil, plus more if needed; 1 green onion, green part only, finely chopped; 1 green onion, green part only, finely chopped

Preparation info

Makes
6–8
servings

Difficulty
Easy

Appears in

Tastemaker

By Scot Louie

Published 2024

About

By now, you may have noticed my tendency to add jerk chicken to deliciously cheesy dishes. I truly believe jerk chicken is the gift that keeps on giving, and there are no rules when it comes to elevating a dish beyond tradition. This trio of cheesy mac, jerk chicken, and creamy jerk sauce may be my greatest combination yet.

Ingredients

For the Jerk Chicken

2 tablespoons jerk seasoning, such as Walkerswood
1 tablespoon avocado oil

Dinner

Method

To make the jerk chicken, in a medium bowl, whisk together the jerk seasoning, avocado oil, YardSpice, WhiteSpice, salt, brown sugar, thyme, garlic, ginger, and green onion. Add the chicken, mix well, and set aside to marinate for 20 minutes at room temperature, or up to 3 hours in the refrigerator.

To make the mac and cheese, in a large pot, combine the chicken broth, water, and salt.