If you’re craving a comfort food classic that combines crispy, flavorful chicken and rich, velvety cheese, this Southern Fried Chicken with Creamy Mac and Cheese Recipe is about to become your new go-to. This dish brings together perfectly seasoned, crunchy fried chicken and luscious mac and cheese that’s loaded with sharp cheddar and gooey mozzarella, creating a pairing so satisfying it’ll have everyone asking for seconds. Whether it’s a weekend feast or a special family dinner, this recipe captures the heart of Southern hospitality in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every great dish starts with a handful of simple yet essential ingredients, and this Southern Fried Chicken with Creamy Mac and Cheese Recipe is no exception. Each ingredient has been carefully chosen to build layers of flavor, texture, and color—from the tangy buttermilk marinade that tenderizes the chicken to the blend of cheeses that create luscious creaminess in the mac and cheese.
- Bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces: Choose a mix of thighs, legs, and breasts for a variety of textures and flavors.
- Buttermilk: This tenderizes the chicken and adds a subtle tang that helps the coating stick perfectly.
- Hot sauce (optional): Adds just a hint of heat for an extra flavorful marinade.
- All-purpose flour: The base for the crispy coating and the roux in the cheese sauce.
- Paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper: These spices pack a punch of smoky and savory notes in the chicken’s crust.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning both the chicken and mac and cheese.
- Vegetable oil: For frying to golden perfection.
- Elbow macaroni: Classic shape that holds the cheese sauce beautifully.
- Butter and flour: Combined to create the rich roux that thickens the cheese sauce.
- Whole milk and heavy cream: The creamy base for the mac and cheese, making it delightfully smooth.
- Sharp cheddar cheese: Provides bold, tangy flavor.
- Mozzarella cheese: Adds that irresistible stretchy, gooey texture.
- Ground mustard (optional): Adds subtle depth and keeps the cheese sauce from tasting flat.
How to Make Southern Fried Chicken with Creamy Mac and Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Begin by marinating your chicken pieces in buttermilk mixed with a touch of hot sauce if you like a little kick. Letting the chicken soak for at least 4 hours or overnight not only tenderizes the meat but also infuses it with flavor. This step is key to juicy, flavorful fried chicken that stays moist inside even after frying.
Step 2: Prepare the Seasoned Flour
While the chicken marinates, combine all-purpose flour with paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl. This seasoning mix will form the crispy, aromatic crust that’s the hallmark of this Southern Fried Chicken with Creamy Mac and Cheese Recipe, delivering that perfect balance of spice and savoriness.
Step 3: Heat the Oil
Pour vegetable oil into a heavy skillet or Dutch oven, enough to submerge about 2 inches deep, and heat it to around 350°F (175°C). Proper oil temperature is crucial here—too hot, and the coating burns; too cool, and the chicken gets greasy. This heat level ensures crispy, golden-brown perfection.
Step 4: Dredge the Chicken
Take each piece of chicken out of the marinade, allowing the excess liquid to drip off, then dredge it thoroughly in your seasoned flour mixture. Press the flour firmly onto the chicken to create a thick, even coating that will fry up crunchy and flavorful.
Step 5: Fry to Crispy Perfection
Fry the chicken in batches, so it cooks evenly and doesn’t overcrowd the pan, for about 12 to 15 minutes. Turn occasionally to ensure every side becomes beautifully golden and crisp. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) for safe and juicy chicken. Drain on a wire rack to keep that crust crisp.
Step 6: Cook the Macaroni
While your chicken fries, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni until just al dente. Perfectly cooked pasta will hold the sauce well without turning mushy, providing a satisfying bite in every spoonful of mac and cheese.
Step 7: Make the Roux
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and whisk in flour. Cook this mixture for about 1 to 2 minutes until it forms a bubbly roux that smells slightly nutty. This thickening base is essential to creating a creamy, smooth cheese sauce for your mac and cheese.
Step 8: Add Milk and Cream
Gradually whisk in whole milk and heavy cream while stirring constantly. Let this mixture simmer and thicken for about 5 minutes until velvety and luscious, the perfect canvas for your cheese blend.
Step 9: Melt in the Cheeses
Remove the sauce from heat and stir in sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until fully melted and silky smooth. Add salt, black pepper, and a pinch of ground mustard if desired for an extra layer of flavor that ties the dish together beautifully.
Step 10: Combine Pasta and Cheese Sauce
Fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, stirring gently to coat every single noodle with that rich, creamy goodness. Heat through so every bite is warm and comforting.
Step 11: Serve Immediately
Plate your crispy Southern fried chicken next to a generous helping of creamy mac and cheese. Serve this soul-satisfying meal immediately to enjoy the contrast of textures and flavors at their best.
How to Serve Southern Fried Chicken with Creamy Mac and Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives over the mac and cheese adds a vibrant pop of color and freshness that balances the richness. For the chicken, a wedge of lemon on the side can lift the dish with a bright zing, cutting through the fried goodness.
Side Dishes
This Southern Fried Chicken with Creamy Mac and Cheese Recipe is a hearty meal on its own, but some light sides like a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or sautéed collard greens can add contrast and freshness, rounding out the plate beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the mac and cheese in individual ramekins topped with a crispy breadcrumb crust for a fun twist. You can also elevate your fried chicken by stacking the pieces on a rustic wooden board alongside bowls of mac and cheese, pickles, and hot sauce, perfect for a cozy family-style dinner.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover fried chicken and mac and cheese separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Fried chicken tastes best within 2 to 3 days, while the mac and cheese can last up to 4 days when properly chilled.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the mac and cheese in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Fried chicken can also be frozen but may lose some crispiness; reheat carefully to restore its crunch. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat the mac and cheese gently on the stovetop or in the oven with a splash of milk to bring back creaminess. For the fried chicken, use an oven or air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to crisp up the coating while warming the meat through without drying it out.
FAQs
Can I use skinless chicken for this Southern Fried Chicken with Creamy Mac and Cheese Recipe?
While you can use skinless chicken, the skin adds essential crispiness and flavor to the fried chicken. For best results, keep the skin on when frying.
What if I don’t have buttermilk for the marinade?
No worries! You can make a buttermilk substitute by combining 2 cups of milk with 2 tablespoons of lemon juice or white vinegar. Let it sit for 5 minutes, and you’re good to go.
Can I make the mac and cheese gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use gluten-free pasta and substitute regular flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch to make the roux. The cheese sauce will still come out creamy and delicious.
How spicy is this recipe?
The recipe is mild by default, with just a touch of cayenne and optional hot sauce adding gentle heat. You can increase or decrease the cayenne and hot sauce to suit your spice preference.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?
Yes, the mac and cheese stores and reheats very well, making it a great option for meal prep. The fried chicken is best eaten fresh but can be reheated carefully with good results.
Final Thoughts
This Southern Fried Chicken with Creamy Mac and Cheese Recipe is pure comfort on a plate, offering a perfect blend of textures and flavors that warm the soul. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or simply indulging in some self-care through food, this dish delivers joy in every bite. Give it a try—you might just find yourself hooked on this Southern classic!
Print
Southern Fried Chicken with Creamy Mac and Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 65 minutes (including marinade time)
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Southern American
Description
This classic Southern Fried Chicken with Creamy Mac and Cheese recipe offers crispy, flavorful chicken marinated in buttermilk and fried to perfection, paired with a rich and cheesy macaroni side. Perfect for a comforting, hearty meal that serves 4.
Ingredients
For the Fried Chicken:
- 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces (thighs, legs, breasts)
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 2 teaspoons hot sauce (optional)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Vegetable oil for frying
For the Mac and Cheese:
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon ground mustard (optional)
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: Combine buttermilk and hot sauce (if using) in a large bowl. Add the chicken pieces, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight to tenderize and infuse flavor.
- Prepare the Coating: In another large bowl, mix together the flour, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper to create a seasoned flour mixture for dredging the chicken.
- Heat the Oil: Pour about 2 inches of vegetable oil into a heavy skillet or Dutch oven and heat it over medium-high until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer for accuracy to ensure proper frying temperature.
- Dredge the Chicken: Remove chicken from the marinade, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge each piece thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing gently so the coating adheres well.
- Fry the Chicken: Carefully place the coated chicken pieces in the hot oil in batches, avoiding overcrowding. Fry for 12–15 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even browning, until the chicken is golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Drain on a wire rack set over paper towels to keep it crispy.
- Cook the Pasta: While the chicken fries, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Make the Roux: In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly to form a smooth roux without browning.
- Add Milk and Cream: Gradually whisk in the whole milk and heavy cream, continuing to stir constantly. Cook the mixture until it thickens, about 5 minutes.
- Incorporate Cheeses: Remove the sauce from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until they melt completely, creating a smooth cheese sauce. Season with salt, black pepper, and ground mustard if desired.
- Combine Pasta and Cheese Sauce: Fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce and stir well to coat evenly. Heat through gently if necessary.
- Serve: Plate the crispy fried chicken alongside the creamy mac and cheese. Serve immediately to enjoy the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- For the best flavor, marinate the chicken overnight.
- Use a thermometer to maintain frying oil temperature for crispy, evenly cooked chicken.
- You can substitute champagne or white pepper for black pepper if desired.
- Ground mustard adds a subtle tang to the cheese sauce but is optional.
- Drain fried chicken on a wire rack instead of paper towels to maintain crispiness.
