Crispy Chicken Mac & Cheese

This Crispy Chicken Mac & Cheese is the ultimate indulgent comfort dish, combining ultra-crispy chicken with rich, creamy mac and cheese. Juicy chicken pieces are breaded and fried until golden, then tossed with perfectly cooked pasta and a blend of cheddar, mozzarella, Parmesan, and Velveeta. A garlic-infused butter cream sauce brings it all together, making every bite savory, cheesy, and deeply satisfying. Perfect for Mac & Cheese Mondays—or any time you want a meal that’s over-the-top delicious.

Author: These Carbs Don't Count

Category: Pasta

Cuisine: American

Difficulty: MEDIUM

Prep. Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Servings: 3 bowls

Calories: 2,196 kcal per serving

Ingredients

½ pound - pasta
⅛ - Salt
1 - chicken breast
1 cup - all-purpose flour
⅛ - Salt, pepper, garlic powder and paprika
2 - eggs
1 cup - breadcrumbs
⅛ - Vegetable oil
4 tablespoon - butter
3 cloves - garlic
1 ½ cup - heavy cream
⅛ - Salt and pepper
½ teaspoon - paprika
½ teaspoon - garlic powder
½ teaspoon - onion powder
1 cup - cheddar cheese
½ cup - mozzarella cheese
½ cup - Parmesan cheese
⅛ - Velveeta cheese
⅛ - parsley
⅛ - Reserved pasta water

Instructions

Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water and drain the rest.
Season flour with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
Dredge chicken pieces in seasoned flour, then dip into scrambled eggs, then coat in breadcrumbs.
Heat vegetable oil in a saucepan. Fry chicken in batches until crispy and golden. Remove and drain on paper towels. Season with salt.
In a large pan over medium heat, melt butter and add minced garlic. Cook until fragrant.
Pour in heavy cream and season with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Simmer for a few minutes, then add cheddar, mozzarella, Parmesan, and Velveeta. Whisk until smooth and creamy.
Add cooked pasta and a splash of pasta water. Stir to coat evenly.
Mix in some of the crispy chicken, reserving a few pieces for topping.
Serve hot, topped with remaining crispy chicken, extra Parmesan, and chopped parsley.