Southern Fried Chicken with Creamy Mac and Cheese Recipe
If you’re craving a meal that wraps you up in pure comfort and Southern hospitality, look no further than this Southern Fried Chicken with Creamy Mac and Cheese Recipe. Imagine that perfectly crispy, golden fried chicken paired with a rich, velvety mac and cheese that’s bursting with cheesy goodness. This combination is downright irresistible! Every bite will transport you to a cozy Southern kitchen, making it a beloved classic that’s easy to prepare yet delivers big on flavor. Whether feeding family or friends, this dish is sure to fill your table with smiles and satisfied appetites.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Southern Fried Chicken with Creamy Mac and Cheese Recipe calls for simple, essential ingredients that work harmoniously to create texture, taste, and vibrant colors. Using pantry staples along with fresh dairy ensures you get that perfect balance of crispiness and creaminess every single time.
- Chicken thighs and drumsticks: Bone-in and skin-on for maximum flavor and juicy tenderness after frying.
- Buttermilk: Tenderizes the chicken and adds a subtle tang that enhances the crust.
- Hot sauce (optional): Adds a gentle heat to the marinade, waking up the flavors.
- All-purpose flour: The base for the crispy coating and the creamy roux in the mac and cheese.
- Seasonings (salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper): A balanced mix that delivers depth, warmth, and a bit of spice in your fried chicken crust.
- Vegetable oil for frying: A neutral oil that creates a crunchy exterior without overpowering flavors.
- Elbow macaroni: Classic pasta choice that holds sauce beautifully for creamy mac and cheese.
- Unsalted butter: The key to a smooth roux, giving the cheese sauce its luscious texture.
- Whole milk: Rich and creamy, it blends perfectly for the cheese sauce foundation.
- Sharp cheddar cheese: Provides a tangy, bold flavor that defines the mac and cheese.
- Mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese: Adds melty stretch and a gentle creaminess that balances sharpness.
- Salt and pepper: To season both chicken coating and mac and cheese to perfection.
How to Make Southern Fried Chicken with Creamy Mac and Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by combining buttermilk and optional hot sauce in a large bowl. This marinade is your secret weapon—it tenderizes the chicken and infuses it with subtle flavor. Place the bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs and drumsticks into the marinade, covering them well, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. Patience here equals juicy, flavorful chicken.
Step 2: Prepare the Seasoned Flour
While the chicken marinates, mix the all-purpose flour with salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and optional cayenne pepper. This dry mix will create that irresistibly crispy crust bursting with savory spices that is signature to Southern fried chicken.
Step 3: Dredge and Coat the Chicken
Remove each chicken piece from the buttermilk marinade, letting the excess drip off. Dredge thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing down gently so the coating sticks tightly. A thick, even crust is what you want for the ultimate crunch and flavor.
Step 4: Fry the Chicken to Golden Perfection
Heat 2 to 3 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Carefully fry the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding; turning occasionally for even cooking. It usually takes 12 to 15 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the internal temperature hits 165°F. Drain on paper towels and allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes to lock in juices.
Step 5: Cook the Macaroni
While the chicken fries, boil your elbow macaroni until just al dente, following package instructions. Drain and set it aside – this pasta will soak up that luscious cheese sauce beautifully.
Step 6: Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce
In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for about a minute to create your roux — this will thicken the sauce perfectly. Slowly add in the whole milk while stirring, cooking until thick and smooth, about 4 to 5 minutes. Remove from heat and immediately stir in sharp cheddar and mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese until velvety and melted. Season with salt and pepper to your taste.
Step 7: Combine Macaroni and Cheese Sauce
Pour your creamy cheese sauce over the drained elbow macaroni, mixing gently but thoroughly until every noodle shines with cheesy goodness. This mac and cheese is rich, smooth, and utterly comforting — the ideal partner for your crispy chicken.
How to Serve Southern Fried Chicken with Creamy Mac and Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
For a pop of freshness and color, sprinkle chopped parsley or chives over both the fried chicken and mac and cheese. A wedge of lemon beside the chicken also adds a bright note that beautifully cuts through the richness.
Side Dishes
Classic Southern sides like tangy coleslaw, sautéed greens, or fluffy buttermilk biscuits complement the Southern Fried Chicken with Creamy Mac and Cheese Recipe perfectly. These sides bring balance, texture, and authenticity to your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Southern Fried Chicken with Creamy Mac and Cheese Recipe family-style on a large platter to encourage sharing and smiles around the table. For a fun twist, try individual cast iron skillets lined with mac and cheese topped with a crispy chicken piece for an impressive presentation at dinner parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let leftover fried chicken cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Similarly, keep the mac and cheese in a sealed container to maintain freshness.
Freezing
You can freeze both elements separately for up to 2 months. Wrap fried chicken pieces individually in foil or plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn. Place mac and cheese in a freezer-safe container, ensuring it’s covered tightly to keep its creamy texture.
Reheating
Reheat fried chicken in a 375°F oven for about 15 minutes to regain its crispiness. For the mac and cheese, warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of milk if it feels too thick. Avoid microwaving to keep textures intact.
FAQs
Can I use different cuts of chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! While bone-in thighs and drumsticks are traditional and offer great flavor and juiciness, you can certainly use wings or even boneless breasts if you prefer, but cooking times might vary slightly.
Is there a way to make the mac and cheese gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour in the roux with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch. Also, use gluten-free pasta to keep the dish safe for gluten-sensitive eaters without compromising creaminess.
How spicy is the chicken coating?
The heat level is totally up to you! The cayenne pepper and hot sauce are optional and adjustable. Leaving them out will create a more classic mild Southern fried chicken, perfect for kids or anyone who prefers a gentler flavor.
Can I bake the mac and cheese instead of stovetop cooking?
Yes! After mixing the macaroni with the cheese sauce, transfer it to an oven-safe dish, top with breadcrumbs, and broil for a few minutes until golden and crunchy. This gives a lovely baked texture that many love.
What type of cheese works best if I want a different flavor profile?
While sharp cheddar and mozzarella or Monterey Jack are traditional, you can experiment with smoked gouda, gruyere, or even pepper jack for a spicier twist. Just be sure to use cheeses that melt smoothly for that perfect creamy sauce.
Final Thoughts
This Southern Fried Chicken with Creamy Mac and Cheese Recipe is one of those comforting meals that feels like a warm hug in food form. It’s satisfying, indulgent, and surprisingly straightforward to make. Once you try it, it’s bound to become a favorite in your home, perfect for sharing with loved ones or simply treating yourself to some serious Southern soul food. Trust me, this combo is worth every bit of effort, and I can’t wait for you to experience all those irresistible flavors and textures!
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Southern Fried Chicken with Creamy Mac and Cheese Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Southern Fried Chicken with Creamy Mac and Cheese recipe combines crispy, flavorful fried chicken with a rich and cheesy macaroni side. Perfect for a comforting meal, the chicken is marinated in buttermilk and spices, then fried to golden perfection, while the mac and cheese features a smooth, creamy cheese sauce made with sharp cheddar and mozzarella.
Ingredients
For the fried chicken:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 4 bone-in, skin-on drumsticks
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Vegetable oil for frying
For the creamy mac and cheese:
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken: In a large bowl, combine buttermilk and hot sauce. Add chicken pieces, cover, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to tenderize and infuse flavor.
- Prepare the seasoned flour: In a separate bowl, mix together flour, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. This mixture will coat the chicken to create a crispy crust.
- Coat the chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting excess buttermilk drip off. Dredge each piece thoroughly in the seasoned flour, pressing firmly to ensure a good coating.
- Heat the oil: In a deep skillet or Dutch oven, heat 2–3 inches of vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer for accurate temperature.
- Fry the chicken: Fry the chicken pieces in batches, turning occasionally, for 12–15 minutes or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Avoid overcrowding the pan to maintain oil temperature.
- Drain and rest: Remove fried chicken and place on paper towels to drain excess oil. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.
- Cook the macaroni: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make the cheese sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux. Slowly whisk in milk and continue stirring until the mixture thickens, about 4–5 minutes.
- Add cheese and season: Remove sauce from heat and stir in shredded cheddar and mozzarella until fully melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine macaroni and cheese sauce: Add cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring to coat the pasta evenly. Serve immediately alongside the fried chicken.
Notes
- For a baked-style mac and cheese, add a crunchy breadcrumb topping and broil for a few minutes until golden and crisp.
- Serve the fried chicken and mac and cheese hot with classic Southern sides like coleslaw, collard greens, or soft biscuits.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus 4 hours marinating time)
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Southern
