Southern Comfort Feast with Crispy Chicken and Mac Cheese
why make this recipe
Southern Comfort Feast with Crispy Chicken and Mac Cheese is a classic dish that brings warmth and joy to any meal. It’s hearty, delicious, and perfect for family gatherings or a cozy night in. The crispy chicken is tender on the inside and has a crunchy outer layer, while the creamy mac and cheese is a delightful side that everyone loves. Together, they create a comforting feast that satisfies your taste buds.
how to make Southern Comfort Feast with Crispy Chicken and Mac Cheese
Ingredients:
- 4 chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for frying
- 2 cups macaroni
- 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 cups milk
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Gravy (prepared or store-bought)
Directions:
- Marinate chicken in buttermilk for at least 1 hour.
- In a bowl, mix flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Dredge the marinated chicken in the flour mixture.
- Heat oil in a skillet and fry chicken until golden brown and cooked through.
- Boil macaroni according to package instructions.
- In a saucepan, melt butter, whisk in flour to form a roux, then gradually add milk, stirring until smooth.
- Add cheese to the sauce and mix until melted.
- Combine cooked macaroni with cheese sauce, season with salt and pepper.
- Serve crispy chicken over macaroni and drizzle with gravy.
how to serve Southern Comfort Feast with Crispy Chicken and Mac Cheese
Serve this dish warm on a large plate. Place a generous portion of mac and cheese at the center and top it with the crispy chicken. Drizzle some gravy over everything for added flavor. You can also serve it with a side of coleslaw or green beans to balance the meal.
how to store Southern Comfort Feast with Crispy Chicken and Mac Cheese
To store leftovers, let the chicken and macaroni cool completely. Place them in airtight containers and store them in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 3 days. If you want to reheat, simply warm them in the oven or microwave until heated through.
tips to make Southern Comfort Feast with Crispy Chicken and Mac Cheese
- For extra crispy chicken, double-dip the chicken pieces in the buttermilk and flour mixture.
- Use a thermometer to check the oil temperature while frying. It should be around 350°F (175°C) for the best results.
- You can add different types of cheese to the mac and cheese for added flavor, like mozzarella or pepper jack.
variation
You can make a spicy version of this dish by adding cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes to the flour mixture. If you want a healthier option, try using baked chicken instead of frying, or substitute whole wheat pasta for the macaroni.
FAQs
Q: Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
A: Yes, you can use chicken breasts, but they may need a slightly shorter cooking time.
Q: Can I use different types of cheese?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to mix different cheeses like Monterey Jack or Gouda for a unique flavor.
Q: How long can I keep the leftovers?
A: Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure they are in an airtight container.
Crispy Chicken and Mac Cheese
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 4 pieces chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 cup buttermilk Marinate chicken in buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour For dredging
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for frying
For the Mac and Cheese
- 2 cups macaroni Cook according to package instructions
- 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded Feel free to mix different cheeses
- 2 cups milk
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour For the cheese sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Gravy (prepared or store-bought)
Instructions
Preparation
- Marinate chicken in buttermilk for at least 1 hour.
- In a bowl, mix flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Dredge the marinated chicken in the flour mixture.
Cooking Chicken
- Heat oil in a skillet and fry chicken until golden brown and cooked through.
Cooking Mac and Cheese
- Boil macaroni according to package instructions.
- In a saucepan, melt butter, whisk in flour to form a roux, then gradually add milk, stirring until smooth.
- Add cheese to the sauce and mix until melted.
- Combine cooked macaroni with cheese sauce, season with salt and pepper.
Serving
- Serve crispy chicken over macaroni and drizzle with gravy.
