Fried Chicken Macaroni & Cheese Recipe

Cooking Instructions

1. 1

   Prepare the Chicken

   In a bowl, soak the chicken thighs in buttermilk for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results.

2. 2

   Fry the Chicken

   In a large bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Remove chicken from buttermilk, dredge in the flour mixture, and fry until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels and chop into bite-sized pieces.

3. 3

   Cook the Pasta

   In a pot, bring salted water to a boil. Cook the Mancini pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

4. 4

   Make the Béchamel Sauce

   In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute. Gradually add the milk, whisking constantly until the mixture thickens. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.

5. 5

   Combine Everything

   In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, chopped fried chicken, and béchamel sauce. Mix well to ensure everything is coated.

6. 6

   Bake

   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish. Top with breadcrumbs and additional cheddar cheese if desired. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly.

7. 7

   Serve

   Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.