Fried Chicken Mac and Cheese

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because every bite offers a delicious contrast of crispy chicken and creamy macaroni. The homemade cheese sauce is smooth and flavorful, while the seasoned fried chicken adds the perfect crunchy topping. I also appreciate how easy it is to customize with different cheeses, seasonings, or spicy additions.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Fried Chicken

• boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• buttermilk
• all-purpose flour
• cornstarch
• paprika
• garlic powder
• onion powder
• salt
• black pepper
• cayenne pepper (optional)
• vegetable oil, for frying

For the Mac and Cheese

• elbow macaroni
• unsalted butter
• all-purpose flour
• whole milk
• heavy cream
• sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• mozzarella cheese, shredded
• Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
• Dijon mustard
• garlic powder
• onion powder
• salt
• black pepper

Optional Garnishes

• chopped fresh parsley
• sliced green onions
• hot sauce
• crispy bacon bits

Directions

1. I marinate the chicken in buttermilk while preparing the macaroni.
2. I cook the macaroni according to the package directions until al dente, then drain it and set it aside.
3. I prepare the cheese sauce by melting the butter, whisking in the flour, and gradually adding the milk and heavy cream until smooth.
4. I stir in the cheddar, mozzarella, and Monterey Jack cheeses until the sauce becomes creamy.
5. I season the cheese sauce with Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
6. I fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until evenly coated.
7. I coat the marinated chicken in the seasoned flour mixture and fry it until crispy, golden brown, and fully cooked.
8. I let the fried chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing it into strips or bite-sized pieces.
9. I serve the creamy mac and cheese topped with the crispy fried chicken and garnish with parsley, green onions, hot sauce, or bacon if desired.

Servings and Timing

I usually prepare this recipe in about 1 hour.

• Servings: 6
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour

Variations

I sometimes drizzle the fried chicken with honey hot sauce for a sweet and spicy twist. When I want extra heat, I mix diced jalapeños into the cheese sauce or sprinkle Cajun seasoning over the chicken. I also enjoy using smoked gouda, pepper jack, or Gruyère cheese to create different flavor combinations. For a baked version, I top the mac and cheese with breadcrumbs and bake it until golden before adding the fried chicken.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftover Fried Chicken Mac and Cheese in separate airtight containers whenever possible to keep the chicken crispy. Both the chicken and mac and cheese stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. I reheat the chicken in the oven or air fryer to restore its crispiness and warm the mac and cheese on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of milk to maintain its creamy texture. I can also freeze the mac and cheese for up to 2 months, although the fried chicken is best enjoyed fresh.

FAQs

Can I use chicken tenders instead of chicken breasts?

Yes. I often use chicken tenders because they cook quickly and create perfectly crispy pieces for serving over the mac and cheese.

What cheeses work best for mac and cheese?

I enjoy using a combination of sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and Monterey Jack because they create a rich, creamy sauce with excellent flavor and meltability.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes. I prepare the mac and cheese in advance and fry the chicken just before serving to keep it crispy.

Can I make this recipe spicier?

Yes. I add cayenne pepper to the chicken coating, stir diced jalapeños into the cheese sauce, or drizzle the finished dish with hot sauce for extra heat.

What side dishes pair well with Fried Chicken Mac and Cheese?

I enjoy serving it with coleslaw, roasted broccoli, green beans, corn on the cob, biscuits, or a fresh garden salad.

Conclusion

I always enjoy making Fried Chicken Mac and Cheese because it combines two beloved comfort foods into one unforgettable meal. The crispy fried chicken, creamy cheese sauce, and tender pasta create the perfect balance of textures and flavors. Whether I prepare it for a family dinner, a weekend treat, or a special gathering, it is always a satisfying dish that everyone loves.

Fried Chicken Mac and Cheese

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Fried Chicken Mac and Cheese combines crispy, golden fried chicken with rich, creamy macaroni and cheese for the ultimate comfort food meal. This hearty dish is perfect for family dinners, game days, or whenever you’re craving something indulgent.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Fry
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Halal

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
• Vegetable oil, for frying
• 12 oz elbow macaroni
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• Chopped fresh parsley (optional)
• Sliced green onions (optional)
• Hot sauce (optional)
• Crispy bacon bits (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

1. Marinate the chicken in the buttermilk while preparing the macaroni and cheese.
2. Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. Melt the butter in a saucepan, whisk in the flour, then gradually add the milk and heavy cream until smooth.
4. Stir in the cheddar, mozzarella, and Monterey Jack cheeses until melted and creamy.
5. Season the cheese sauce with Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper, then fold in the cooked macaroni.
6. Combine the flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and optional cayenne. Coat the marinated chicken in the mixture.
7. Heat the vegetable oil and fry the chicken until crispy, golden brown, and fully cooked.
8. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes, then slice into strips or bite-sized pieces.
9. Serve the creamy mac and cheese topped with the crispy fried chicken and garnish with parsley, green onions, hot sauce, or bacon bits if desired.

Notes

• Drizzle the fried chicken with honey hot sauce for a sweet and spicy variation.
• Add diced jalapeños or Cajun seasoning for extra heat.
• Try smoked Gouda, pepper Jack, or Gruyère for different cheese flavors.
• Bake the mac and cheese with a breadcrumb topping before adding the chicken for a crispy finish.
• Store the chicken and mac and cheese separately in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Reheat the chicken in an oven or air fryer and the mac and cheese with a splash of milk to maintain its creamy texture.
• Freeze the mac and cheese for up to 2 months; fried chicken is best enjoyed fresh.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 890 kcal
• Sugar: 7 g
• Sodium: 980 mg
• Fat: 48 g
• Saturated Fat: 21 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 23 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 63 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 49 g
• Cholesterol: 180 mg