Crispy Chicken Mac and Cheese: Comfort Food at Its Finest

Elevate your classic mac and cheese with a twist! This creamy, cheesy dish is topped with crispy chicken bites and drizzled with a rich, flavorful sauce, making it the ultimate comfort food. Perfect for weeknight dinners or indulgent weekends!

Ingredients

For the Mac and Cheese:

• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Crispy Chicken:

• 2 chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 egg (beaten)
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• Oil for frying

For the Sauce:

• 1/4 cup barbecue sauce
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Macaroni

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Cheese Sauce

1. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and whisk to create a roux.
2. Gradually add milk, whisking constantly until the mixture thickens.
3. Stir in cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and mix well. Keep warm.

Step 3: Cook the Crispy Chicken

1. In a bowl, mix flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
2. Dip the chicken pieces into the beaten egg, then coat with the flour mixture.
3. Heat oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken until golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

1. In a small bowl, mix barbecue sauce, honey, and Dijon mustard. Heat slightly in the microwave or on the stovetop until warm.

Step 5: Assemble the Dish

1. Scoop the mac and cheese into serving bowls.
2. Top with crispy chicken bites.
3. Drizzle the honey barbecue sauce over the chicken.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comforting and Satisfying: Creamy mac and cheese combined with crispy chicken is a match made in heaven.
• Rich and Flavorful: The honey barbecue sauce adds a sweet and tangy touch.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for both kids and adults alike.

Tips for Success

1. Use Freshly Shredded Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese may not melt as smoothly.
2. Double Fry the Chicken: For extra crispiness, fry the chicken pieces twice.
3. Customize the Sauce: Add chili flakes for a spicy kick or more honey for sweetness.

Conclusion
This crispy chicken mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort food that combines rich flavors and satisfying textures. Perfect for any occasion, it’s a dish you’ll want to make over and over again. Try it tonight for a truly indulgent meal!