If you’re after the soul-soothing comfort of a true Southern classic, look no further than Southern Fried Chicken with Creamy Mac and Cheese. With irresistible crunch, juicy chicken, and a beautifully rich, gooey mac and cheese, this dish is the perfect marriage of crispy, creamy, savory, and satisfying all in one plate. Whether you’re feeding a Sunday crowd, hosting a family gathering, or just treating yourself to some down-home goodness, this is the kind of meal that brings big smiles and keeps folks coming back for seconds.

Southern Fried Chicken with Creamy Mac and Cheese Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Pulling off Southern Fried Chicken with Creamy Mac and Cheese is all about using humble but important ingredients to create something magical. Each item on this list plays a special part, whether it’s adding a touch of spice, a creamy base, or that signature melty cheese pull that makes everyone hungry the moment you plate it up.

Bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces (8 pieces – legs and thighs): The star of the meal, these cuts stay juicy and flavorful after frying.
Buttermilk (2 cups): Tenderizes the chicken and helps the coating stick for extra crunch.
Hot sauce (1 tablespoon, optional): Brings subtle heat and a classic Southern kick to the marinade.
All-purpose flour (2 cups): Essential for that golden, crispy crust on the chicken.
Salt (1 teaspoon): Draws out flavor in both the chicken breading and the mac and cheese.
Black pepper (1 teaspoon): Adds warmth and a gentle bite to both the crust and the creamy sauce.
Paprika (1 teaspoon): Gives a smoky, earthy note and a gorgeous golden color.
Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Subtle savory boost in the chicken breading.
Onion powder (1/2 teaspoon): Rounds out the spice blend for depth of flavor.
Cayenne pepper (1/4 teaspoon): For a hint of fire, totally adjustable to your liking.
Vegetable oil: Needed for deep frying, neutral flavor and high smoke point.
Elbow macaroni (12 oz): The pasta classic for soaking up all that cheesy sauce.
Butter (2 tablespoons): Kicks off the roux and gives a rich base to the cheese sauce.
All-purpose flour (2 tablespoons): Thickens the sauce so it hugs every bite of macaroni.
Whole milk (2 cups): Balances richness and ensures a silky sauce.
Heavy cream (1 cup): Makes the mac extra velvety and luxurious.
Sharp cheddar cheese (2 cups, shredded): The backbone of classic Southern mac and cheese flavor.
Mozzarella cheese (1 cup, shredded): For creaminess and those epic cheese pulls.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Perfectly seasons the cheese sauce.
Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Heightens the hearty, comforting flavor of the mac.
Ground mustard (1/4 teaspoon, optional): Adds a gentle tang and sharpness to balance all the cheese.

How to Make Southern Fried Chicken with Creamy Mac and Cheese

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Place your chicken pieces in a roomy bowl, then pour the buttermilk over the top. Add a splash of hot sauce if you’re feeling adventurous. Cover and let those flavors mingle in the fridge for at least 4 hours (or even better, overnight). This step tenderizes the chicken and helps every bite soak up maximum flavor—a true Southern secret!

Step 2: Prepare the Dredge and Coat the Chicken

In a large, shallow bowl, combine the flour, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne. Take each chicken piece from the marinade, let any extra buttermilk drip off, then give it a nice, thorough roll in the seasoned flour. Press to coat really well—the thicker, the better for that extra crunch. Let the coated chicken rest for 15 minutes, which helps the breading stick when frying.

Step 3: Fry the Chicken

Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Fry the chicken pieces in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook each piece for 10 to 14 minutes per side, turning as needed, until beautifully golden brown and the internal temperature hits 165°F (74°C). Once done, transfer to a wire rack or paper towels to drain and let rest for 5 minutes so those juices lock in.

Step 4: Cook the Macaroni

While your chicken is frying, bring a big pot of salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni until just al dente (don’t overcook—it’ll keep cooking in the sauce!). Drain and set aside while you make the cheese sauce.

Step 5: Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce

In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat, then stir in the flour to make a quick roux, cooking for about 1 minute. Slowly whisk in the milk and cream, stirring constantly until thickened and velvety, which takes about 4 to 5 minutes. Lower the heat, then gradually add the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, stirring until everything melts smoothly. Finish with salt, black pepper, and a pinch of ground mustard if you love a little depth.

Step 6: Combine and Serve

Gently fold the drained macaroni into the lush cheese sauce until every nook and cranny is coated. Dish up generous helpings of the creamy mac right next to the crispy fried chicken—Southern Fried Chicken with Creamy Mac and Cheese is best enjoyed while everything is piping hot, creamy, and splendidly crunchy.

How to Serve Southern Fried Chicken with Creamy Mac and Cheese

Garnishes

Nothing finishes off Southern Fried Chicken with Creamy Mac and Cheese quite like a sprinkle of fresh green onions or chives for color and a pop of freshness. A light dusting of extra shredded cheddar on the mac and a touch of flaky sea salt on the chicken can make your presentation shine. Add some hot sauce on the side if you’re craving a little zing.

Side Dishes

For an authentic feast, consider serving with sweet cornbread, tangy pickles, collard greens, or a crisp, simple slaw. These sides brighten up the plate and balance the richness of the creamy mac and the crunchy fried chicken, turning any meal into a true Southern celebration.

Creative Ways to Present

You can get playful with plating Southern Fried Chicken with Creamy Mac and Cheese by stacking the chicken over a pool of mac in shallow bowls, or even layering a bit of mac inside a biscuit sandwich. For parties, serve bite-sized chicken and little pots of mac for an irresistible appetizer spread!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Pack any leftover chicken and mac and cheese separately in airtight containers. The chicken coating will stay crisper if kept out of the fridge for just a short while before chilling, and the mac and cheese will keep its creamy texture if covered snugly. Both can be enjoyed within 3 days for fresh flavor.

Freezing

If you need to freeze, wrap the fried chicken tightly in foil or plastic wrap and store in freezer bags for up to 2 months. Mac and cheese can also be frozen, though it may lose some creaminess after thawing. A splash of milk when reheating will help revive the sauce’s silky texture.

Reheating

To bring Southern Fried Chicken with Creamy Mac and Cheese back to life, reheat the chicken in a 375°F (190°C) oven on a wire rack until hot and crispy, around 15–18 minutes. The mac and cheese is best reheated gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk, stirring until warmed through and creamy again.

FAQs

Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can swap in boneless thighs or breasts for quicker cooking, but bone-in pieces deliver more flavor and juiciness that make Southern Fried Chicken with Creamy Mac and Cheese truly classic.

What’s the secret to super crispy fried chicken?

Letting the chicken rest after dredging, keeping your oil at a steady 350°F, and frying in batches all help create that crave-worthy crunch every time!

Can the mac and cheese be made ahead?

Definitely! Prepare the mac and cheese up to two days in advance, then reheat it on the stove with a splash of milk before serving. This actually lets the flavors deepen, making Southern Fried Chicken with Creamy Mac and Cheese even more delicious.

What cheeses can I substitute in the mac and cheese?

Feel free to use Monterey Jack, Colby, or even a little pepper jack alongside or instead of mozzarella for added dimension and creamy meltiness.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! Just reduce or omit the cayenne and hot sauce if you’re serving little ones, and you’ll have a wildly popular, family-friendly version of Southern Fried Chicken with Creamy Mac and Cheese on your hands.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been dreaming of pure comfort and flavor, I wholeheartedly encourage you to make Southern Fried Chicken with Creamy Mac and Cheese at home. It’s the kind of timeless Southern feast that promises big flavor, even bigger smiles, and some seriously happy tummies. Give it a try—you’ll want to add it to your regular dinner rotation!

Southern Fried Chicken with Creamy Mac and Cheese Recipe

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4.6 from 30 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this recipe for Southern Fried Chicken paired with creamy Mac and Cheese. Crispy, juicy chicken alongside rich and cheesy pasta is a classic combo that will satisfy your cravings.

Ingredients

Scale

For the fried chicken:

8 bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces (legs and thighs)
2 cups buttermilk
1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional)
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
vegetable oil for frying

For the creamy mac and cheese:

12 oz elbow macaroni
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon ground mustard (optional)

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Instructions

For the fried chicken: Place chicken in buttermilk, coat with seasoned flour, and fry until golden brown.
For the creamy mac and cheese: Cook pasta, make a cheese sauce, and combine with pasta for a creamy finish.