Name: Southern Fried Chicken with Creamy Mac and Cheese Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 4 bone-in chicken thighs; 4 chicken drumsticks; 2 cups buttermilk; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; vegetable oil for frying; 12 ounces elbow macaroni; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 3 cups whole milk; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (optional topping)

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Get ready to indulge in some real comfort food magic with this recipe for Southern Fried Chicken with Creamy Mac and Cheese! Imagine ultra-crispy, golden-fried chicken served alongside a dreamy, cheese-laden macaroni casserole—the kind that instantly transports you to a sunny porch in the South. This dish effortlessly combines robust spices and savory flavors for a meal that’s as satisfying as it is irresistible. Whether you’re making it for family night or to impress friends with a showstopping weekend dinner, it hits that nostalgic spot every time and always keeps everyone coming back for seconds.

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

Ingredients You’ll Need

Part of the beauty in Southern Fried Chicken with Creamy Mac and Cheese lies in its everyday ingredients, coming together for maximum flavor and texture. Each item in this line-up has a starring role, highlighting crispy crust, tender chicken, and silky cheese sauce. Let’s break down what you’ll need and why they matter!

Chicken Thighs & Drumsticks: Dark meat stays moist and flavorful, perfect for juicy fried chicken.
Buttermilk: This tangy bath both tenderizes the meat and helps the flour stick, adding flavor and crispiness.
All-Purpose Flour: Foundation of that crunchy, irresistible chicken coating.
Paprika: Brings a subtle warmth and a beautiful, golden color to the crust.
Garlic Powder: Essential for that savory Southern depth in both chicken and mac.
Onion Powder: Extra layer of flavor in the dredge—you want this in every bite.
Cayenne Pepper: Just the right kick; adjust for your heat preference.
Salt & Black Pepper: Classic seasonings that tie the spice blend together.
Vegetable Oil: Neutral flavor and high smoke point make it perfect for frying golden chicken.
Elbow Macaroni: Holds all the creamy cheese sauce in its curves for the best bite.
Unsalted Butter: Rich base for the roux, giving the cheese sauce depth and silkiness.
Flour (for sauce): Thickens the sauce for that perfect, clingy texture.
Whole Milk & Heavy Cream: Combo delivers ultra-creaminess and body to the mac and cheese.
Dijon Mustard: Elevates the cheese with a little tang, subtly enhancing the overall flavor.
Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Packs a bold, classic mac and cheese taste.
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Adds gooey melt and stretch to each forkful.
Grated Parmesan Cheese: A little salty kick and umami to round out the sauce.
Panko Breadcrumbs (optional): For a crispy, golden topping if you want to broil the mac and cheese.

How to Make Southern Fried Chicken with Creamy Mac and Cheese

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Submerge your chicken thighs and drumsticks in a bowl of tangy buttermilk, making sure each piece is fully coated. The buttermilk’s acidity helps break down proteins, giving you tender, flavorful chicken. For the best results, let the chicken soak for at least two hours (or even better, overnight) in the fridge. This is how you build deep flavor from the very start!

Step 2: Dredge the Chicken in Seasoned Flour

While the chicken’s finishing its bath, mix together your flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper in a shallow dish. Give each chicken piece a thorough coating in this seasoned flour—really press it on! This step guarantees the audibly crispy shell that makes Southern Fried Chicken with Creamy Mac and Cheese a total crowd-pleaser.

Step 3: Fry the Chicken to Perfection

Heat about two inches of vegetable oil in a heavy skillet or Dutch oven until it shimmers at 350°F. Gently lay in your coated chicken pieces, making sure not to crowd the pan. Fry in batches, turning occasionally, until the chicken turns deeply golden and crispy all over (about 12 to 15 minutes). Let them rest briefly on a paper towel–lined plate so excess oil can drain. This is where the magic happens: you’re building intense flavor and texture!

Step 4: Cook the Macaroni

While the chicken is frying, cook your elbow macaroni just until al dente according to package directions. Drain and set aside. This ensures that, once mixed with the sauce, the pasta maintains the perfect bite and doesn’t go mushy.

Step 5: Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce

In a large saucepan, melt the butter and whisk in the flour, cooking for about a minute—it’ll smell toasty and divine. Slowly add the milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly until the mixture thickens to a luscious, pourable sauce (about five minutes). Stir in the Dijon, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Then, reduce the heat and shower in all that sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Stir until silky smooth and totally melted. Swooning yet?

Step 6: Combine and Bake (Optional)

Gently fold the cooked pasta into your cheese sauce, making sure every noodle is well-coated. For the ultimate comfort, pour everything into a baking dish and scatter over the panko breadcrumbs. Broil for two to three minutes—you’ll have an irresistible, bubbly golden crust. Prefer a firmer, casserole-style dish? Bake at 375°F for 20 minutes to set it beautifully.

Step 7: Plate and Enjoy!

Serve hearty portions of fried chicken alongside generous scoops of molten mac and cheese. This is the ultimate Southern Fried Chicken with Creamy Mac and Cheese experience—hot, fresh, and deeply satisfying.

How to Serve Southern Fried Chicken with Creamy Mac and Cheese

Garnishes

Add a sprinkle of fresh chives or sliced scallions on your mac and cheese for a pop of color and bright flavor, and tuck a lemon wedge beside the fried chicken to cut through the richness. A touch of hot sauce drizzle is classic and brings a little extra zing to every bite.

Side Dishes

While Southern Fried Chicken with Creamy Mac and Cheese easily steals the show, it loves company! Try adding a side of tangy coleslaw, some sweet buttered corn, or a plate of flaky buttermilk biscuits for the full Southern spread. A crisp, simple green salad can help balance out the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

To jazz things up, serve the mac and cheese in individual ramekins and the chicken piled high on a pretty platter. If you’re feeding a crowd, set up a Southern comfort buffet: let guests help themselves to fried chicken, mac and cheese, and all your favorite fixings—family-style at its best.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Tuck any leftover chicken and mac and cheese into separate airtight containers as soon as they’ve cooled. Stored properly, the fried chicken keeps its best flavor in the fridge for two days, while mac and cheese lasts three to four days—making Southern Fried Chicken with Creamy Mac and Cheese a great make-ahead treat, too.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze the mac and cheese in portioned, airtight containers for up to two months. Fried chicken can be frozen too, but wrap it carefully to preserve that crunch; consider individual wrapping, then placing in a freezer bag. Thaw both components overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat fried chicken, place it on a wire rack over a baking sheet and bake at 375°F for 10-15 minutes until crisp and hot. Mac and cheese can be gently reheated in a saucepan over low heat with a splash of milk, or in the microwave—stir halfway through so it stays creamy and luscious.

FAQs

Can I use boneless chicken instead of thighs and drumsticks?

Absolutely! While bone-in pieces offer juicier, more flavorful results, boneless thighs or breasts can easily be used—just shorten the frying time and watch closely for doneness.

What can I do if I don’t have buttermilk?

No problem! You can make your own quick buttermilk substitute by mixing 2 cups whole milk with 2 tablespoons lemon juice or white vinegar. Let it sit for five minutes, and you’re good to go.

How do I make the chicken spicier?

To dial up the heat, add extra cayenne pepper to the flour mixture and splash your favorite hot sauce into the buttermilk marinade. Find your perfect spice level with a quick taste test before frying.

Can I prep Southern Fried Chicken with Creamy Mac and Cheese ahead of time?

Yes! Marinate the chicken and make the cheese sauce a day ahead. Store them covered in the fridge, then dredge and fry the chicken and finish off the mac and cheese just before serving for optimal taste and texture.

Is there a lighter version of this dish?

You can lighten up Southern Fried Chicken with Creamy Mac and Cheese by baking the chicken instead of frying (spray with oil and bake at 425°F until crisp), and subbing in reduced-fat cheese or milk for part of the sauce. The result will still be crave-worthy!

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving soul-warming flavor and joyful, stick-to-your-ribs comfort, Southern Fried Chicken with Creamy Mac and Cheese is a must-try. Gather your favorite people, dig in with gusto, and watch this classic Southern combo disappear fast—smiles guaranteed, every time!

Southern Fried Chicken with Creamy Mac and Cheese Recipe

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4.6 from 8 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes (plus marinating time)
Yield: 6 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, flavorful chicken alongside cheesy, gooey macaroni is a classic combination that never fails to satisfy.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

4 bone-in chicken thighs
4 chicken drumsticks
2 cups buttermilk
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
vegetable oil for frying

For the Mac and Cheese:

12 ounces elbow macaroni
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
3 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (optional topping)

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Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: Marinate chicken in buttermilk, then dredge in seasoned flour and fry until golden and cooked through. Drain on paper towels.
Make the Mac and Cheese: Cook macaroni, prepare a cheese sauce, and combine with cooked macaroni. Optionally, top with panko breadcrumbs and broil until golden.
Serve: Enjoy the crispy fried chicken with creamy mac and cheese for a delicious Southern meal.