Fried Chicken Mac and Cheese is more than just food; it’s a creamy and crunchy joy. Think of it as macaroni and cheese meets fried chicken. This top comfort food recipe will make your taste buds happy and leave you wanting more.
Key Takeaways
- Total weight of pasture-raised chicken breast: 2 lbs.
- Heavy cream and shredded cheese create a creamy base.
- Panko and corn flakes add a unique, crispy texture.
- Cooking time is under 30 minutes, making it an easy dinner idea.
- Shelf life of leftovers: 3 days in the fridge, extendable to 3 months in the freezer.
- Calories: 385kcal per serving.
- Sodium content: 1051mg per serving.
Introduction to Fried Chicken Mac and Cheese
Fried Chicken Mac and Cheese is a beloved southern dish. It combines crispy fried chicken with creamy macaroni and cheese. This dish is a staple in Southern cuisine, known for its hearty, flavorful meals.
This mac and cheese brings people together. It offers comfort and satisfaction with every serving. Its blend of tender fried chicken on cheesy mac and cheese is both nostalgic and modern.
Fried Chicken Mac and Cheese is popular everywhere. It takes only 20 minutes to prepare and 40 minutes to cook. It’s perfect for both busy nights and special occasions. Anyone can make this dish, whether you’re a pro chef or a home cook.
Try Fried Chicken Mac and Cheese and feel its comforting flavors. It’s a favorite in the U.S. for its savory taste and creamy richness. This classic southern dish is a celebration of tradition and innovation.
Ingredients for Fried Chicken Mac and Cheese
To create the best southern mac and cheese, you need the right ingredients. These should be high-quality for a dish that’s creamy, rich, and delicious. Here is a list of what you’ll need for fried chicken mac and cheese. It includes main items and seasonings for a great meal.
Main Ingredients
- Chicken: 2 lbs of pasture-raised, boneless chicken breasts ensure a lean yet flavorful addition to your mac and cheese.
- Elbow Macaroni: 1/2 lb of elbow noodles. Alternatively, tubetti, shells, or corkscrew shapes can be used for different textures.
- Cheese: A total of 2 cups of shredded cheese. Recommended blends include medium or sharp cheddar, Parmesan, and Swiss. You can substitute with cheeses like Gouda, Gruyere, or Monterey Jack for varied flavors.
- Heavy Cream: 1 pint, essential for creating a smooth and creamy cheese sauce.
- Cornflakes: 2 cups, finely ground to use in coating the chicken, providing a crispy texture without deep frying.
- Panko: 1 cup, mixed with ground cornflakes for an extra-crispy chicken coating.
- Flour: 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour seasoned with kosher salt and fresh cracked pepper, integral for the breading process.
- Egg: 2 eggs, beaten, used in the breading process to help the coating adhere to the chicken.
Seasonings
Seasonings are key for giving the dish its unique flavor. Here are the ones you’ll need:
- Ground Black Pepper: A must-have for seasoning both the chicken and the cheese sauce, adding a hint of spiciness.
- Hot Sauce: An optional ingredient, but adding a few dashes can elevate the southern mac and cheese flavor profile.
- Kosher Salt: Ensures proper seasoning throughout the dish, particularly the chicken breading and macaroni.
- Butter: Used for making the cheese sauce and for adding richness to the dish.
- Baking Instructions: Bake the coated chicken tenders at 425 degrees for a total of 14-15 minutes. Preheat your oven for optimal results.
- Fresh Parsley: Used as a garnish for a fresh, herbal note.
Choose these ingredients with care, and you’ll make a memorable southern mac and cheese. It’s a perfect blend of creamy macaroni and crispy oven-fried chicken.
Step-by-step Cooking Instructions
Getting Fried Chicken Mac and Cheese right means following cooking steps closely. This dish has a 4.62 rating from 44 votes!
Preparing the Macaroni
Begin by heating a large pot of water with a pinch of salt until it reaches a boil. Then, cook the macaroni al dente, a bit longer than usual. This makes it perfectly tender for baking. Drain and set the pasta aside.
Making the Cheese Sauce
Melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat for the sauce. Whisk in 1/4 cup of flour to make a smooth roux. Let it cook until it’s golden.
Add 2 cups of milk slowly, whisking to prevent lumps. Let it thicken for about 5-7 minutes.
Then, mix in 1 cup Swiss, 1 cup cheddar, and 1/2 cup Parmesan until smooth. You can also use Gouda, Gruyere, or Monterey Jack. Season with salt and pepper. Finally, add 1/2 cup of ranch dressing for a zesty flavor.
Combining Ingredients
It’s assembly time. In a 13×9-inch dish, mix the macaroni and fried chicken. Cover with cheese sauce and stir gently.
Bake at 350°F for 30 to 35 minutes until it’s golden and bubbling. Serve it hot and enjoy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Making fried chicken macaroni and cheese at home brings lots of joy and comfort. The homemade version shines with a unique richness. It mixes several cheeses like mozzarella, provolone, cheddar, blue cheese, and cream cheese beautifully. Adding shredded chicken breast makes it a hearty, must-have dish for any event.
You can tweak this recipe to your taste. Frank’s Red Hot gives it a nice zing. You can also play with the spiciness by adding more hot sauce or cayenne pepper. Choose Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a new taste. Or add panko breadcrumbs, Ritz crackers, or fried onions for a twist.
| Cheese Types | Topping Options | Additional Ingredients |
|---|---|---|
| Mozzarella, Provolone, Cheddar, Blue Cheese, Cream Cheese | Panko Breadcrumbs, Ritz Crackers, Crunchy Fried Onions | Shredded Chicken, Hot Sauce, Ranch Dressing |
| Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack | Breadcrumbs, Butter, Bacon Strips, Fresh Parsley | Elbow Macaroni, 2% Milk, Sour Cream |
This recipe is a breeze to prepare, taking only 30 minutes from start to finish. Its amazing taste is ideal for quick dinners or weekend fun. Making this southern favorite at home lets you indulge in its freshness. And you’ll feel proud to share your cooking with others.
Adding chopped chicken and spice makes this dish customizable for all tastes. Homemade fried chicken and mac? It’s the perfect mix of tasty indulgence and nutritional value. Your family and friends will love the memorable meal you create.
Tips for Perfect Fried Chicken Mac and Cheese
The secret to amazing fried chicken mac and cheese is all in the details. It’s about choosing the right ingredients and knowing the best techniques. These steps lift the dish from good to great.
Choosing the Right Chicken
Choosing the right chicken is key for tasty fried chicken. Dark meat, like boneless, skinless chicken thighs, is juicier and easier to cook. But, if you prefer white meat, go for large boneless chicken breasts. Make sure the pieces are the same thickness for even cooking.
Adjusting the Heat Level
You can adjust the spice in your mac and cheese to taste. Add hot sauce or cayenne pepper to turn up the heat. For a milder flavor, use paprika or mild chili powder. This way, you can enjoy a creamy, spicy balance that suits everyone.
This summary shows how versatile this dish is, along with its key aspects:
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Cooking Time | Less than 30 minutes |
| Main Protein | 2 large chicken breasts or 4 chicken thigh fillets |
| Cheese Selection | Parmesan, mozzarella, cheddar |
| Calories Per Serving | 629 |
| Optional Add-ins | Mushrooms, zucchini, fire-roasted peppers |
| Preparation Time | 30 minutes |
| Milk Options | 2%, low-fat, alternatives |
| Leftovers | 3-4 days in the fridge |
| Freezing Instructions | Partially thaw in fridge, then bake |
By following these tips and adjusting the heat, you will make perfect mac and cheese every time. Experiment with different ingredients for your own take on this classic comfort food.
Serving Suggestions
Mac and cheese with fried chicken can make any meal a delight. Here are fun ways to serve it and make your dish the star at gatherings or special events.
- Coleslaw: Crunchy slaw goes well with the creamy taste of this dish. Use pre-shredded cabbage to save time.
- Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread helps scoop up leftover cheese. It also complements the dish’s flavors.
- Green Beans: Sautéed green beans with lemon zest offer a fresh contrast to the heavy dish.
- Turmeric Roasted Cauliflower: Its bright color and mild spice add an appealing and healthy side.
In warmer months, light salads like orzo or cherry tomatoes are perfect. They offer a refreshing taste. In colder seasons, go for hearty sides like mashed potatoes or butternut squash.
| Season | Side Dish |
|---|---|
| Summer | Orzo Salad, Cherry Tomatoes |
| Winter | Mashed Potatoes, Butternut Squash |
Make It a Centerpiece:
- For a striking display, serve the dish in a large dish at your table’s center.
- Surround it with sides for a buffet feel. Guests can choose what they like.
- Add meat like Grilled Chicken Drumsticks or Pulled Pork for a rich, protein-filled meal.
For casual meals or picnics, use the dish’s easy-to-carry nature. Serve it in ramekins or unique containers. This makes it simple to eat without needing utensils. With these fried chicken serving tips, every bite will be memorable.
Variations and Substitutions
When making fried chicken mac and cheese, you’re free to vary the recipe. You can pick from many mac and cheese styles to please any taste or dietary need. For instance, using gluten-free pasta makes the dish available to everyone, even those with dietary limits.
Try adding veggies like cherry tomatoes, steamed broccoli, and sautéed mushrooms to your mac and cheese. These additions boost flavor and also pack a nutritional punch with vitamins and minerals. Adding vegetables can turn your meal into something both filling and healthy.
If you’re a cheese fanatic, try different cheeses in your mac and cheese. The basic mix uses Swiss, cheddar, and Parmesan. Yet, tossing in aged Gouda, Gruyere, or Monterey Jack can transform your dish. These cheeses offer a distinct taste and creaminess.
Need to make substitute ingredients for mac and cheese with what’s in your kitchen? You can swap 2% milk for low-fat or plant-based milks like almond or soy. Plus, changing the pasta shape from the classic elbow to shells, corkscrew, or tubetti can add a fun alteration to your dish.
For extra crunch or flavor, think about toppings. Crispy onions, bread crumbs, and bacon bits can truly elevate your dish. Adding fresh parsley or chives as garnish not only looks great but also adds a fresh flavor burst.
| Ingredient | Substitute | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Regular Pasta | Gluten-Free Pasta | Ideal for gluten-sensitive diets |
| 2% Milk | Almond Milk | Dairy-free alternative |
| Swiss Cheese | Gruyere Cheese | Richer flavor profile |
| Fried Chicken | Grilled Chicken | Lower in calories and fat |
These mac and cheese changes and alternatives let you enjoy a classic favorite in new ways. You can adjust the dish to fit any preference or dietary need.
Nutritional Information
Knowing what’s in your favorite meals is important for smart eating choices. Let’s take a close look at the nutrients in fried chicken mac and cheese. We’ll share what you need to know about its calories too.
This tasty meal should be eaten in moderation because it’s rich in nutrients. We’ll go over the specifics now:
| Dish | Calories | Protein | Fat |
|---|---|---|---|
| Buttermilk Fried Chicken | 297 | 61g | 7g |
| Mac & Cheese | 913 | 286g | 32g |
When you mix the two, you get a meal that combines crunchy chicken with creamy mac and cheese. Now, let’s look at the percentages based on eating 2,000 calories a day:
- Calories: Eating them together means getting about 1,100 to 1,200 calories.
- Protein: The chicken boosts the protein, helping you meet your needs.
- Fat: The fat is on the higher side, so balance your meals.
The nutrition facts we talked about come from tests in top labs. They follow U.S. FDA rules. But, how you make it can change the nutrition facts.
Eating fried chicken mac and cheese in moderation is wise. Knowing its nutrition helps you fit it into a healthy diet well.
Conclusion
The Fried Chicken Mac and Cheese recipe is a perfect blend of creamy mac and cheese with crispy fried chicken. It shows how two favorites can become one ultimate comfort food. By following simple steps, making homemade mac and cheese becomes easy.
Cooking this dish brings joy not just to your kitchen but also to your dining table. It is a way to share love with family and friends. This recipe is great for everyone, whether you’re great at cooking or just starting out. Its flavors and textures are sure to be loved by all.
When you make this indulgent recipe, share your creations online. Social media is great for showing off what you’ve made and finding new ideas. It invites you into a world of cooking fun. Enjoy making and eating homemade mac and cheese in a new way.