Mac cheese with Crispy Fried Chicken

Mac and cheese meets crispy fried chicken in this all-in-one comfort food masterpiece. Imagine creamy, cheese-coated macaroni, smoky bacon bits, and golden fried chicken coated in a sticky, honey-soy glaze. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a hug from the inside out, perfect for weeknights or indulgent weekends when you want a hearty, flavorful meal.

Whether you’re a mac and cheese fanatic or a fried chicken lover, this recipe delivers the best of both worlds in a single dish!

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Why You’ll Love This Mac & Cheese with Crispy Fried Chicken 💛

1. Classic Comfort Food Combo: Combining mac and cheese with fried chicken makes for a meal that’s pure comfort on a plate.
2. Layers of Flavor: From the tangy honey-soy glaze on the chicken to the rich, cheesy pasta sauce, every bite is loaded with flavor.
3. Great for Leftovers: This dish holds up well in the fridge, making it perfect for meal-prepping or enjoying the next day.
4. Easy to Customize: Swap cheeses, adjust seasonings, or add your favorite veggies to make this dish uniquely yours!

Ingredients You’ll Need 🛒

Let’s break down what goes into this decadent meal:

For the Mac & Cheese

• 8 oz macaroni pasta – Traditional elbow macaroni is great, but any short pasta shape works.
• 8 oz bacon – Cubed and cooked for a smoky, crispy addition to the mac and cheese.
• 2 Tbsp butter – Adds richness to the sauce.
• Minced garlic – A touch of garlic brings out the depth in the cheese sauce.
• 3 Tbsp all-purpose flour – To thicken the cheese sauce.
• 1/2 cup chicken broth – Adds a savory depth to the sauce.
• 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream – Gives the sauce that creamy, luxurious texture.
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese – Adds sharpness and extra flavor.
• 1 cup shredded cheese(s) – Choose from cheddar, gouda, or your favorite melting cheese.
• Salt and pepper – For seasoning the mac and cheese.

For the Fried Chicken

• 1 lb chicken breast – Boneless, skinless, and sliced for even cooking.
• 1-3 Tbsp all-purpose flour – For the initial light coating.
• 1 large egg – Helps the flour stick to the chicken.
• 1/2 cup milk – Keeps the chicken tender.
• 1 Tbsp sour cream – Adds slight tang and moisture.
• 1 tsp vinegar – Enhances the flavor in the chicken breading.

Breading Mix

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1/4 tsp ground black pepper

Honey-Soy Sauce

• 1/4 cup honey – Adds sweetness to balance the savory flavors.
• 2 Tbsp soy sauce – For a bit of salty, umami depth.
• 2 Tbsp chicken broth – Adds moisture and flavor.
• 1 Tbsp lemon juice – A little acidity brightens the sauce.
• 1/2 tsp ground black pepper – For mild heat.
• 3/4 tsp chili powder – Adds a slight kick to the sauce.

Step-by-Step Instructions 📋

Let’s break down each step to create the ultimate mac and cheese with crispy fried chicken!

Step 1: Cook the Macaroni 🍲

1. Boil the Pasta
   Cook 8 oz of macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain, cover, and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken for Frying 🍗

1. Prepare the Breading Stations
   • Bowl 1: Place 1-3 Tbsp of flour for a light initial coating.
   • Bowl 2: Whisk together 1 large egg, 1/2 cup milk, 1 Tbsp sour cream, and 1 tsp vinegar for a wet batter.
   • Bowl 3: In a third bowl, mix 1/2 cup flour, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp paprika, and 1/4 tsp black pepper for the seasoned breading.
2. Coat the Chicken
   Dip each slice of chicken breast into Bowl 1 (flour), Bowl 2 (egg mixture), and finally Bowl 3 (seasoned flour), making sure it’s thoroughly coated in each.

Step 3: Fry the Chicken 🔥

1. Heat Oil in a Skillet
   In a skillet, heat 3 Tbsp oil over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add the breaded chicken pieces.
2. Cook Until Golden Brown
   Fry the chicken breasts for about 4-5 minutes per side or until golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.

Step 4: Make the Honey-Soy Sauce 🍯

1. Combine Ingredients
   In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup honey, 2 Tbsp soy sauce, 2 Tbsp chicken broth, 1 Tbsp lemon juice, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 3/4 tsp chili powder.
2. Simmer with Chicken
   Pour the sauce over the cooked chicken in the skillet. Bring to a simmer, then remove from heat. Cover to keep the chicken warm.

Step 5: Cook the Bacon 🥓

1. Cook Until Crispy
   In a separate skillet, cook 8 oz cubed bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon pieces, setting aside about 1 Tbsp of bacon grease in the skillet.

Step 6: Make the Cheese Sauce 🧀

1. Sauté Garlic
   Add 2 Tbsp butter and minced garlic to the skillet with bacon grease. Cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
2. Add Flour and Cook
   Stir in 3 Tbsp of flour, cooking for another minute to make a roux.
3. Add Broth and Cream
   Slowly add 1/2 cup chicken broth and 1/2 cup heavy cream, whisking constantly until the mixture is smooth and begins to thicken.
4. Add Cheeses and Seasoning
   Stir in 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese and 1 cup shredded cheese(s). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Continue stirring until the sauce is creamy and smooth.

Step 7: Combine Macaroni, Bacon, and Cheese Sauce 🥣

1. Mix Together
   Add the cooked macaroni and crispy bacon to the skillet with the cheese sauce. Stir well to coat everything in the creamy, cheesy goodness.

Step 8: Serve with Sliced Chicken 🍽️

1. Slice the Chicken
   Slice the fried chicken breast into pieces. Either mix the sliced chicken into the mac and cheese or place on top of each serving.
2. Serve and Enjoy!
   Serve immediately, garnished with parsley if desired. Enjoy your delicious mac and cheese with crispy fried chicken!

Tips for Making the Perfect Mac & Cheese with Crispy Fried Chicken 🧑‍🍳

• Make Sure the Oil is Hot for Frying: If the oil is too cool, the chicken won’t get crispy. Test the oil by dropping a bit of batter into it—if it sizzles, it’s ready!
• Use Freshly Grated Cheese: Pre-grated cheeses contain anti-caking agents that prevent them from melting smoothly. Grating your cheese fresh makes a big difference in the sauce’s creaminess.
• Customize Your Cheese Mix: Try mixing cheeses like cheddar, gouda, or mozzarella for different flavors.
• Adjust the Heat Level: Add more or less chili powder depending on your spice preference.

Delicious Variations to Try

1. Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese
   Swap the honey-soy sauce for buffalo sauce for a spicy twist!
2. BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese
   Instead of honey-soy sauce, drizzle BBQ sauce over the chicken for a smoky flavor.
3. Loaded Mac & Cheese
   Add extra toppings like jalapeños, green onions, or even a sprinkle of blue cheese crumbles.

Serving Suggestions 🍽️

This dish is rich and flavorful on its own, but here are some side options that would complement it:

• Side Salad: A crisp side salad with fresh greens balances out the richness.
• Steamed Veggies: Broccoli, asparagus, or green beans add a nice color and crunch.
• Cornbread or Rolls: For a little extra comfort, serve with buttery cornbread or rolls.

Frequently Asked Questions ❓

1. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the mac and cheese and fried chicken ahead of time. Store them separately and reheat before serving.

2. Can I bake instead of fry the chicken?
Absolutely! For a healthier version, bake the breaded chicken at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.

3. Can I use different pasta?
Yes, any short pasta shape will work well. Try penne, fusilli, or rigatoni if you prefer.

This Mac & Cheese with Crispy Fried Chicken is the ultimate comfort food with a twist! It’s rich, creamy, and has layers of flavor that keep you coming back for more. Perfect for a cozy night in or impressing friends at a gathering, this recipe has everything a comfort food lover could dream of. Enjoy every cheesy, crispy, savory bite!