🍗 The Comfort Food Glow-Up You Didn’t Know You Needed
Let’s be real—Mac & Cheese Chicken Parm is not your average dinner. Think of it as the grown-up, glammed-up version of your childhood faves: boxed mac and chicken nuggets. Only now, it’s leveled up with crispy chicken, gooey cheese, and pasta smothered in rich, velvety sauce. It’s fun, indulgent, and totally drool-worthy.
If you’re craving the ultimate cozy meal that hits every nostalgic note and makes your tastebuds sing, this one’s for you.
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything that goes into this cheesy, crispy masterpiece:
For the Chicken:
- 2 thin chicken breasts
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 eggs, scrambled
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 cups vegetable oil (for frying)
- Mozzarella cheese (for broiling on top)
For the Mac & Cheese:
- 1/2 lb pasta (elbows or shells work beautifully!)
- 4 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, dried parsley
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup sharp cheddar
- 3/4 cup Parmesan
- 1/2 cup mozzarella
- Optional: A handful of Velveeta for that ultra-creamy texture
- 1 cup reserved pasta water
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling salted water, then cook your pasta until al dente. Before draining, scoop out a cup of the pasta water and set it aside.
2. Bread the Chicken
Meanwhile, set up your dredging station:
- One bowl with flour, salt, pepper, and garlic powder
- One bowl with scrambled eggs
- One bowl with breadcrumbs
Coat each chicken breast in flour, dip in egg, then press into the breadcrumbs to fully coat.
3. Fry the Chicken
Next, heat the oil in a skillet over medium-high. Once it’s hot (you can test with a breadcrumb—it should sizzle), add your breaded chicken. Fry until golden and crisp on both sides. Then place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
4. Make the Cheese Sauce
In a separate pan, melt butter and add minced garlic. Let it cook until fragrant. At this point, season with salt, pepper, garlic and onion powder, and parsley. Pour in the heavy cream and reduce the heat.
Gradually add the cheddar, parmesan, mozzarella, and Velveeta (if using). Stir until everything melts together into a silky, cheesy sauce.
5. Broil the Chicken Parm
Now, spoon a little cheese sauce over the cooked chicken and top with extra mozzarella. Broil for a few minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep an eye on it—it goes fast!
6. Toss the Pasta
Finally, add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce. Pour in a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed. Stir well, and sprinkle in a bit more Parmesan for good measure.
✨ Tips for Perfect Mac & Cheese Chicken Parm
- Use thin-sliced or pounded chicken for quicker, more even cooking.
- For ultra-crispy chicken, let the breaded pieces rest for 5–10 minutes before frying.
- Don’t skip the pasta water—it helps create that silky, clingy sauce.
- Add a dash of cayenne or red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick!
🍽 Serving Suggestions
This dish is a full-on flavor party, but if you want to serve something on the side, here are a few ideas:
- A light arugula salad with lemon dressing for freshness
- Roasted or steamed broccoli for balance
- Garlic bread, because carbs on carbs are always a vibe
🔁 Make It Your Own
Want to customize? Go for it!
- Swap the chicken for tofu cutlets for a vegetarian twist.
- Use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs for a GF-friendly version.
- Add crispy bacon bits or roasted tomatoes to the mac for a little extra flair.
😍 Final Thoughts
Mac & Cheese Chicken Parm is everything comfort food should be—crispy, creamy, cheesy, and absolutely unforgettable. It brings the best of both worlds together in one plate. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or treating yourself, this one’s guaranteed to earn a spot in your top five dinners ever.
If you try it, don’t forget to tag me @KeiraRecipes so I can see your masterpiece! 💛