When you combine golden, crunchy chicken with creamy, cheesy pasta, you get something absolutely magical. 🧀✨ This Crispy Chicken Mac & Cheese is the ultimate comfort food — it’s crunchy, creamy, cheesy, and packed with so much flavor you’ll want to make it every week!
I whipped this up for Mac & Cheese Monday and let’s just say… there were zero leftovers. 😏
Ready to dive into a new favorite? Let’s get cooking! 🧑🍳
Why You’ll Love This Crispy Chicken Mac & Cheese
- Crispy and Creamy Combo: That contrast between crunchy chicken and velvety cheese sauce? Unbeatable.
- Homemade Goodness: Made completely from scratch — no boxed shortcuts here!
- Family Favorite: Kids, adults, everyone will be obsessed.
- Customizable: Switch up the cheeses or add extra seasonings to make it your own.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you need to create this cheesy masterpiece:
- ½ lb pasta (elbows, cavatappi, shells — any short pasta works!)
- 1 large chicken breast, or two smaller ones
- Flour (for dredging)
- Breadcrumbs (regular or panko for extra crunch)
- 1 egg, scrambled (for coating)
- Veggie oil (for frying)
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1.5 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- A few cubes of Velveeta cheese
- Seasonings: salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
How to Make Crispy Chicken Mac & Cheese
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
First, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Add your pasta and cook until perfectly al dente, according to package directions.
Before draining, reserve 1 cup of pasta water — it’ll help make your cheese sauce extra silky later!
Step 2: Prepare and Bread the Chicken
Meanwhile, cut your chicken breast into bite-sized pieces.
In three separate shallow bowls, set up a breading station:
- Flour seasoned with salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Scrambled egg.
- Plain breadcrumbs.
Dredge each chicken piece first in flour, then egg, and finally coat it fully in breadcrumbs.
This triple-layer coating guarantees the crispiest chicken ever!
Step 3: Fry the Chicken
Next, heat vegetable oil in a deep saucepan until shimmering (about 350°F if you have a thermometer).
Working in batches, carefully fry the chicken pieces until they’re golden brown and crispy — about 2–3 minutes per batch.
Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a paper towel-lined plate and season immediately with a little salt.
Tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan! Fry in small batches so the chicken stays super crispy.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce
Now, it’s time for the sauce!
In a large pan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, stirring constantly so it doesn’t burn.
Pour in the heavy cream, stirring well to combine.
Season the sauce with salt, pepper, paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder to match the flavors in the chicken.
Once the cream is hot and starting to simmer, add:
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Mozzarella cheese
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- A few cubes of Velveeta for that extra gooeyness
Whisk everything together until the sauce is thick, creamy, and oh-so-cheesy.
Step 5: Assemble the Dish
Toss your cooked pasta into the cheese sauce, stirring gently to coat each piece.
If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it up beautifully.
Then, fold in most of your crispy chicken, reserving a few pieces for topping.
Mix everything together until every bite is packed with cheesy, crispy goodness!
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Spoon the mac & cheese into bowls or plates.
Top with extra crispy chicken, a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, and fresh parsley if you like.
Serve immediately — while it’s still hot and gooey!
Get ready for some serious comfort food heaven. 😍
Pro Tips for the Best Crispy Chicken Mac & Cheese
🔪 Cut chicken evenly: Same-sized pieces cook more evenly and crisp up perfectly.
🔥 Fry in batches: Keep the oil temperature steady by not overcrowding the pan.
🧀 Use freshly grated cheese: It melts better and gives a creamier texture.
💦 Don’t skip pasta water: It’s like magic for adjusting sauce thickness without losing flavor.
🍴 Serve fresh: This dish tastes best hot and fresh, straight from the stove!
Fun Twists and Variations
- Spicy Version: Add cayenne pepper to the chicken seasoning or hot sauce to the cheese sauce.
- BBQ Style: Drizzle the finished dish with a little BBQ sauce for a smoky twist.
- Extra Veggies: Stir in some peas or roasted broccoli to balance the richness.
- Different Cheeses: Swap cheddar for gouda, pepper jack, or gruyère for different flavor profiles.
What to Serve With Crispy Chicken Mac & Cheese
Since this dish is super rich and hearty, pair it with something lighter like:
- A crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette
- Roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts
- Pickles or a light coleslaw to cut through the richness
Final Thoughts
This Crispy Chicken Mac & Cheese is the definition of next-level comfort food.
Between the crunchy chicken, the creamy cheese sauce, and the tender pasta, every bite is pure, cheesy bliss. 🧀💛
Whether you’re making it for a fun family dinner, a cozy date night, or just because it’s Monday and you deserve it — this recipe is guaranteed to impress.
So grab your fork (and maybe a napkin), and get ready to dig into the cheesiest, crispiest, most satisfying mac & cheese ever! 🍴✨