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)
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.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, add more cayenne or hot sauce to the buttermilk marinade.
- You can bake the mac and cheese for a firmer texture if preferred.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying, Stovetop, Baking (optional for mac and cheese)
- Cuisine: Southern, American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece chicken + 1 cup mac and cheese
- Calories: 820
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 940 mg
- Fat: 44 g
- Saturated Fat: 19 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 62 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 44 g
- Cholesterol: 175 mg
