Description
Southern Fried Chicken with Creamy Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort meal featuring crispy, flavorful fried chicken paired with rich, cheesy macaroni — a true Southern classic that’s perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
- For the Fried Chicken:
- 4 lbs chicken pieces (drumsticks, thighs, breasts)
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- For the Creamy Mac and Cheese:
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 cups milk
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
Instructions
- Marinate chicken pieces in buttermilk for at least 2 hours or overnight in the refrigerator.
- In a large bowl, combine flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Remove chicken from buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off, then dredge in the flour mixture, pressing lightly to coat.
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 350°F (175°C). Fry chicken in batches for 12–15 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Drain on paper towels.
- Meanwhile, cook macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.
- Gradually whisk in milk, cooking until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in cheddar, mozzarella, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika until cheese melts and sauce is smooth.
- Add cooked macaroni to cheese sauce and stir to combine.
- Serve fried chicken hot with creamy mac and cheese on the side.
Notes
- For extra crispy chicken, double-dip by dipping back into buttermilk then flour mixture before frying.
- Use a thermometer to maintain oil temperature for perfect frying.
- Add breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes to flour mixture for more crunch.
- Mac and cheese can be baked with breadcrumbs on top for a crispy crust.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 780
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 920mg
- Fat: 45g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keywords: southern fried chicken, mac and cheese, comfort food, crispy fried chicken, creamy macaroni and cheese