Southern Fried Chicken with Creamy Mac and Cheese

If there’s one meal that wraps you up in comfort from the first bite, it’s Southern Fried Chicken with Creamy Mac and Cheese. We’re talking golden, crispy, juicy fried chicken—the kind that crunches when you bite into it—paired with a rich, velvety mac and cheese that practically melts in your mouth. This combo is a full-on flavor hug from the South, and trust me, once you make it, your kitchen is going to feel like the coziest soul food spot in town. It’s indulgent, satisfying, and absolutely worth every bite. Whether you’re planning a Sunday dinner, impressing guests, or just craving some deep-down comfort, this meal delivers all the feel-good vibes. Get ready—this one’s going to be a keeper.

Why You’ll Love Southern Fried Chicken with Creamy Mac and Cheese

Crispy Meets Creamy: That perfect balance of textures—the crunchy, flavorful crust of the chicken alongside smooth, cheesy pasta—is pure magic
Comfort Food Classic: This duo is a Southern staple for a reason. It’s warm, nostalgic, and endlessly satisfying
Totally Customizable: Want it spicy? Add cayenne. Like your mac extra cheesy? Go ahead and blend those cheeses! You can make it just the way you love
Perfect for Gatherings: This dish is always a hit at cookouts, Sunday dinners, or potlucks. You’ll have people lining up for seconds
Made from Pantry Staples: No fancy ingredients here. Just real, classic comfort food goodness using things you probably already have on hand

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Ingredients in Southern Fried Chicken with Creamy Mac and Cheese

Ingredients for Southern Fried Chicken

Chicken Pieces: Use bone-in, skin-on pieces like thighs, legs, or breasts for the best flavor and juiciness
Buttermilk: The secret to tender, flavorful chicken. It tenderizes the meat and helps the breading stick
All-Purpose Flour: Forms the crispy coating. Mix with spices for that signature Southern flavor
Cornstarch: Helps create an ultra-crispy crust when combined with flour
Spices: A blend of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and a pinch of cayenne for a little kick
Oil for Frying: Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point like vegetable, canola, or peanut oil

Ingredients for Creamy Mac and Cheese

Elbow Macaroni: The classic pasta choice. It holds onto the cheese sauce beautifully
Butter: For the roux that starts your creamy cheese sauce
All-Purpose Flour: Combined with butter to make the roux, which thickens the sauce
Milk (or Half-and-Half): Gives the sauce its creamy texture. Whole milk is ideal for richness
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar brings bold flavor. You can mix with Monterey Jack or mozzarella for extra creaminess
Cream Cheese (optional): Adds a luscious texture and a bit of tang
Salt, Pepper, Garlic Powder: Simple seasonings to let the cheese shine

Instructions

Marinate the Chicken

Place the chicken pieces in a bowl or zip-top bag with the buttermilk and a bit of salt. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours—or overnight if you can

Prepare the Breading

In a separate bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, and your spices. This is where the crispy magic happens

Dredge the Chicken

Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, letting excess drip off, then coat each piece in the seasoned flour. Press the coating onto the chicken to help it stick well

Fry the Chicken

Heat oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven to 350°F (175°C). Fry chicken in batches until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp of 165°F). Drain on a wire rack or paper towels

Make the Mac and Cheese

Cook the Pasta: Boil the macaroni until just al dente. Drain and set aside
Make the Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan, melt the butter. Whisk in flour and cook for a minute. Slowly add milk, whisking until smooth. Let it thicken slightly
Add the Cheese: Stir in shredded cheese, cream cheese (if using), and seasonings. Stir until melted and smooth
Combine with Pasta: Mix the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce until evenly coated. Serve hot, creamy, and ridiculously comforting

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: ~750 (varies based on cut of chicken and cheese used)
Total Fat: 45g
Saturated Fat: 18g
Cholesterol: 140mg
Sodium: 820mg
Carbohydrates: 45g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 6g
Protein: 38g
Note: Nutrition values are estimates and may vary based on ingredients and portion size

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Marinate Time: 2–12 hours (overnight is best)
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes (plus marinating)

How to Serve Southern Fried Chicken with Creamy Mac and Cheese

With Collard Greens or Green Beans: A fresh, garlicky side balances out the richness
Add a Slice of Cornbread: Because you can never have too many carbs when they’re this good
Drizzle with Hot Honey or Serve with Pickles: For a little sweet heat or tangy crunch to cut through all that creamy, crispy goodness
Serve Family-Style: Lay everything out on a big platter with tongs and let everyone dig in—it’s casual, fun, and totally inviting

Additional Tips

Don’t Skip the Buttermilk: It makes a big difference in flavor and tenderness
Let the Chicken Rest After Frying: This helps the juices settle and keeps the coating crisp
Use Freshly Shredded Cheese: It melts better than pre-shredded and gives the sauce a smoother texture
Add a Cheese Topping: Want an oven-baked twist? Sprinkle extra cheese on the mac and broil until bubbly and golden

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use boneless chicken?
A1: Yes, boneless works great, especially for quicker frying—but bone-in adds more flavor and juiciness

Q2: Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?
A2: You can! Coat it in seasoned breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes and bake at 400°F until crispy and cooked through

Q3: How can I spice up the mac and cheese?
A3: Add a pinch of cayenne, a few dashes of hot sauce, or stir in some diced jalapeños

Q4: Can I make the mac ahead of time?
A4: Yes—just reheat gently on the stovetop or in the oven with a splash of milk to keep it creamy

Q5: What’s the best oil for frying?
A5: Peanut oil is traditional for Southern fried chicken, but any high-smoke-point oil like vegetable or canola will do

Conclusion

There’s nothing quite like Southern Fried Chicken with Creamy Mac and Cheese when you’re craving something that’s equal parts indulgent, comforting, and full of soul. It’s crispy, creamy, and just downright delicious. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just treating yourself to a plate of pure Southern joy, this recipe delivers every single time. Go ahead—get your comfort food fix. You deserve it.

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