There’s a soul-soothing quality to Southern Fried Chicken with Creamy Mac and Cheese that makes it a timeless comfort food staple. This dish embodies the warmth of Southern hospitality—crisp, flavorful chicken and rich, cheesy pasta come together to create a meal that brings families around the table. Whether you’re preparing a cozy weeknight dinner or celebrating with friends and family, this recipe is sure to please.

Why you’ll love this dish

Southern Fried Chicken paired with Creamy Mac and Cheese is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. Not only is it incredibly satisfying, but it also offers a delightful combination of textures and flavors. This recipe is straightforward and budget-friendly, making it perfect for a weeknight family dinner or a special occasion. The crispy chicken, when paired with the gooey, cheesy pasta, creates a balance of crunch and creaminess that no one can resist.

"This might just be the best fried chicken I’ve ever made! The mac and cheese was so creamy and flavorful. A total hit with my family!" – A delighted home cook.

Preparing Southern Fried Chicken with Creamy Mac and Cheese

To create this classic dish, you’ll follow a two-part cooking process: marinating and frying the chicken, then cooking the macaroni and assembling the creamy cheese sauce. This step-by-step overview will help you navigate the cooking journey without a hitch.

You’ll begin with marinating the chicken in buttermilk to achieve maximum flavor and tenderness. Then, while the chicken is resting, you can tackle the mac and cheese, which involves cooking the pasta and whipping up a creamy cheese sauce. By the end of your cooking session, your kitchen will be filled with mouthwatering aromas!

What you’ll need

Gather these essentials to make the perfect Southern Fried Chicken with Creamy Mac and Cheese:

• 4 pieces of chicken (thighs, breasts, or wings)
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for spice)
• 1 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
• 8 oz elbow macaroni (or your preferred pasta)
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (optional for topping)

Feel free to swap the chicken parts based on your preference, and if you’re looking to lighten the dish, opt for whole wheat pasta in the mac and cheese!