Comforting Crispy Chicken Mac & Cheese Recipe for Soul Warmth

Crafting the ultimate crispy chicken mac & cheese can turn an ordinary meal into a culinary adventure.

Comfort meets crunch in this delightful dish that promises pure satisfaction.

Layers of golden macaroni blend seamlessly with tender, seasoned chicken pieces.

Cheesy goodness melts through every single bite, creating a symphony of flavors.

Each forkful delivers a perfect balance between creamy sauce and crispy exterior.

Crisp chicken strips nestled atop rich, bubbling cheese create an irresistible combination.

Chill Crispy Chicken Mac & Cheese

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap mac and cheese and chicken separately in freezer-safe containers. Freeze up to 2 months for best quality.
• Warm mac and cheese in a pan with a splash of milk, stirring gently to restore creamy texture. Add chicken during last minute of heating.
• Place mac and cheese in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and bake at 160°C (320°F) for 15-20 minutes. Add sliced chicken in the last 5 minutes to prevent drying out.

Side Ideas for Crispy Chicken Mac & Cheese

Elevate Flavor Harmony: Crispy Chicken Mac & Cheese Pairings

• Zesty Green Salad Companion: Toss a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the rich, creamy mac and cheese. Crisp greens and tangy dressing balance the dish's decadent cheese and crispy chicken.
• Perfect Wine Selection: Choose a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or unoaked Chardonnay. These crisp white wines complement the creamy sauce and provide a refreshing contrast to the chicken's crispy texture.
• Bright Vegetable Side: Roast colorful bell peppers and zucchini with olive oil and herbs. Grilled vegetables add a nutritious and vibrant element that enhances the main dish's hearty profile.
• Cool Beverage Pairing: Serve with a cold craft beer like a blonde ale or wheat beer. The light, effervescent drink cuts through the richness and cleanses the palate between bites.

Chicken Mac & Cheese Flavor Tweaks

• Gluten-Free Crispy Chicken Mac & Cheese: Replace panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed corn flakes. Use gluten-free macaroni and ensure all sauce ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Vegetarian Protein Option: Swap chicken with crispy tofu or plant-based chicken alternatives. Coat with same seasoning and air fry until golden and crunchy.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Substitute macaroni with cauliflower rice or riced cauliflower. Maintain the creamy cheese sauce and crispy chicken topping for a lighter version.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Use coconut milk instead of regular milk. Replace cream cheese with cashew cream. Select dairy-free cheese alternatives like nutritional yeast or vegan cheese shreds for sauce and topping.

FAQs

• How do I ensure the chicken stays crispy?

Coat the chicken evenly with panko breadcrumbs mixed with paprika and garlic powder. Spray with oil before air frying to help achieve a golden, crunchy exterior.

• Can I use different types of cheese?

Yes, you can experiment with various cheeses like gruyère or gouda. Just ensure they melt well and complement the overall flavor of the dish.

• What if I don't have an air fryer?

You can bake the chicken in a preheated oven at 200°C (392°F) for about 20-25 minutes, turning once halfway through to ensure even cooking and crispiness.

• How can I make the mac and cheese extra creamy?

Add a bit of reserved pasta water while making the sauce. This starchy water helps create a smoother, silkier texture and helps the sauce coat the pasta more evenly.

Mac & Cheese With Crispy Chicken For The Ultimate Combo

• Elevate Home Cooking: A Simple Gourmet Twist transforms an ordinary mac and cheese into a restaurant-worthy meal with minimal effort.
• Quick Kitchen Victory: The entire dish comes together in under 45 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknight dinners without compromising on taste or quality.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Combines crispy chicken with creamy, cheesy pasta that appeals to both kids and adults, ensuring everyone at the table feels satisfied and delighted.
• Customizable Culinary Canvas: Easily adaptable recipe allows home cooks to swap cheeses, adjust seasoning, or add extra vegetables to match personal preferences and pantry ingredients.

Crispy Chicken Mac and Cheese What You’ll Need

• Chicken Breasts: Main protein with a tender and juicy texture, choose fresh and high-quality cuts.
• Eggs: Helps breadcrumbs adhere to chicken and creates a crispy coating.

• Panko Breadcrumbs: Light and crispy coating for chicken, provides excellent crunch.
• Paprika: Adds mild spice and warm color to the coating.
• Garlic Powder: Enhances overall flavor profile of the chicken.

• Macaroni: Classic pasta shape for mac and cheese, holds sauce well.
• Milk: Creates smooth base for cheese sauce.
• Cream Cheese: Adds richness and creamy texture to sauce.
• Mozzarella: Provides stretchy and melty cheese element.
• Cheddar Cheese: Adds sharp flavor and golden brown topping.
• Parmesan Cheese: Provides sharp, salty finish as garnish.

• Salt: Enhances overall flavor of dish.
• Black Pepper: Adds mild heat and depth to seasoning.
• Mustard: Introduces tangy complexity to cheese sauce.

• Parsley: Fresh herb for color and light flavor, adds visual appeal.

Crispy Chicken Mac & Cheese in a Few Steps

Step 1: Prepare Succulent Chicken

Cut chicken breasts and make them tender by pounding between parchment paper.

• Salt
• Black pepper

• Panko breadcrumbs
• Paprika
• Garlic powder

Spray with cooking oil and air fry until golden and perfectly cooked at 180°C.

Step 2: Cook Perfect Pasta

Boil macaroni in salted water until tender.

Drain while saving some pasta water for later magic.

Step 3: Craft Creamy Cheese Sauce

• Cream cheese
• Mustard
• Salt
• Pepper

Splash in reserved pasta water and simmer until sauce reaches velvety consistency.

Fold in macaroni and mozzarella, adjusting thickness as needed.

Step 4: Achieve Cheesy Browning

Sprinkle cheddar on top and grill until bubbly and beautifully caramelized.

Step 5: Create Delicious Plate

Scoop macaroni into serving dishes.

Top with sliced crispy chicken.

Finish with Parmesan and fresh parsley garnish.

Crispy Mac & Cheese Tips with Juicy Chicken

• Use gentle, even pressure when pounding chicken to create uniform thickness, ensuring consistent cooking and crispy texture throughout.
• Mix panko with extra herbs like dried thyme or oregano for added flavor depth and aromatic crunch in the chicken coating.
• Save and use pasta water as a secret weapon to adjust sauce consistency, helping create a silky, smooth cheese sauce without separating.
• Grate cheeses freshly for better melting and more intense flavor, combining different types like sharp cheddar and creamy mozzarella for complex taste profile.
• Let chicken rest for 2-3 minutes after air frying to maintain maximum crispiness and lock in juicy interior before slicing and serving.

Crispy Chicken Mac & Cheese Recipe

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4.8 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 2 1x

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Description

Creamy comfort meets crunchy delight in this irresistible crispy chicken mac & cheese, blending Southern comfort with gourmet flair. Cheesy pasta topped with golden-brown chicken promises a mouthwatering experience you won’t forget.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 x 100 grams (7.05 ounces) uncooked chicken breasts
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Coating:

• 30 grams (1.06 ounces) panko breadcrumbs
• Oil spray

Cheese & Pasta:

• 100 grams (3.53 ounces) uncooked macaroni
• 200 milliliters (6.76 fluid ounces) low-fat milk
• 30 grams (1.06 ounces) light cream cheese
• 10 grams (0.35 ounces) mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 40 grams (1.41 ounces) cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 teaspoon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste

Garnish:

• 1 teaspoon parmesan cheese, grated
• Fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

1. Prepare the chicken by generously seasoning with salt and pepper. Place between parchment paper and gently pound to even thickness using a kitchen mallet.
2. Create a crispy coating by dipping the chicken into beaten egg, then thoroughly coat with a mixture of panko breadcrumbs, paprika, and garlic powder.
3. Lightly spray the breaded chicken with oil and air fry at 180°C for approximately 20 minutes until achieving a golden-brown exterior and ensuring complete internal cooking.
4. Cook macaroni in generously salted water for 8-10 minutes, maintaining a firm al dente texture. Carefully drain, reserving some pasta water for sauce consistency.
5. Develop a creamy cheese sauce by gently simmering milk in a saucepan. Incorporate cream cheese, mustard, salt, and pepper, whisking continuously to prevent scorching.
6. Enhance sauce texture by introducing reserved pasta water, simmering until reaching a smooth, velvety consistency.
7. Fold macaroni into the cheese sauce, adjusting moisture with additional pasta water if needed. Integrate mozzarella for extra richness.
8. Transfer mac and cheese to a baking dish, generously sprinkle cheddar cheese on top, and grill for 5-8 minutes until developing a bubbly, golden-brown surface.
9. plate by dividing mac and cheese, strategically placing sliced crispy chicken on top. Finish with a delicate garnish of grated Parmesan and freshly chopped parsley.

Notes

• Pounding chicken ensures even cooking and tender texture, helping it crisp up perfectly in the air fryer.
• Using panko creates extra crunch; adding spices like paprika and garlic powder enhances flavor complexity.
• Whisking continuously prevents cheese from burning and creates a smooth, creamy consistency.
• Reserved pasta water contains starch that helps sauce bind and creates a silkier texture.
• Replace regular pasta with gluten-free options, use plant-based cheese for vegetarian version, or swap chicken with tofu for alternative protein.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 635
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 900mg
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 65g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 40g
• Cholesterol: 130mg