Crispy Chicken and Mac Cheese
A classic Southern dish featuring tender crispy chicken paired with creamy macaroni and cheese, perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in.
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.
Notes
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). Different types of cheese can be added to the mac and cheese for variety.