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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken by generously seasoning with salt and pepper. Place between parchment paper and gently pound to even thickness using a kitchen mallet.
- Create a crispy coating by dipping the chicken into beaten egg, then thoroughly coat with a mixture of panko breadcrumbs, paprika, and garlic powder.
- 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.
- 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.
- Develop a creamy cheese sauce by gently simmering milk in a saucepan. Incorporate cream cheese, mustard, salt, and pepper, whisking continuously to prevent scorching.
- Enhance sauce texture by introducing reserved pasta water, simmering until reaching a smooth, velvety consistency.
- Fold macaroni into the cheese sauce, adjusting moisture with additional pasta water if needed. Integrate mozzarella for extra richness.
- 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.
- 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