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This Mac and Cheese Fried Chicken Sandwich is the ultimate indulgence, combining crispy fried chicken with creamy macaroni and cheese, all sandwiched between delicious waffle-like buns. Perfect for comfort food lovers, this dish is as satisfying as it is visually stunning, making it an ideal centerpiece for any gathering or a decadent treat on a cozy night in.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This sandwich is a mouthwatering mash-up of two classic comfort foods, creating a dish that is sure to impress. It’s crispy, cheesy, and downright delicious.
- Indulgent flavors: The combination of fried chicken and macaroni and cheese is a flavor explosion.
- Great for gatherings: Perfect for parties or family meals, it’s a crowd-pleaser.
- Customizable: You can add your favorite toppings or sauces to make it your own.
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- 2 cups cooked macaroni
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 4 waffles (store-bought or homemade)
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Optional: pickles or hot sauce for topping
How to Make Mac and Cheese Fried Chicken Sandwich
- Prepare the fried chicken: In a shallow dish, combine flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. In another dish, beat the eggs. In a third dish, place the panko breadcrumbs.
- Slice the chicken breasts into fillets. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, dip into the egg, and then coat with panko breadcrumbs. Set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken fillets and fry for 5-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- While the chicken is frying, make the macaroni and cheese: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the cooked macaroni, milk, and cheese. Mix until the cheese is melted and the macaroni is creamy. Stir in Dijon mustard for an extra kick.
- To assemble the sandwich, place a piece of fried chicken on a waffle, top with a generous scoop of macaroni and cheese, and finish with another waffle. Optionally, add pickles or hot sauce for an extra punch.
Tips for the Best Results
- Use a thermometer to ensure your oil is at 350°F for perfectly crispy fried chicken.
- Let the macaroni rest for a few minutes to thicken before adding it to the sandwich.
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in buttermilk for a few hours before breading.
Easy Variations
- Swap out the cheddar for your favorite cheese, like pepper jack for a spicy kick.
- Add sautéed onions or jalapeños to the macaroni and cheese for an added flavor boost.
- Use cornbread waffles instead of traditional waffles for a Southern twist.
What to Serve With It
- Crispy fries or sweet potato fries for a satisfying side.
- A fresh coleslaw to balance the richness of the sandwich.
- Homemade potato salad for a classic comfort food pairing.
Storage and Reheating
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Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. For the best texture, avoid microwaving.
Recipe Card
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 4 sandwiches
Ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- 2 cups cooked macaroni
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 4 waffles
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Optional: pickles or hot sauce for topping
Instructions:
- Prepare the fried chicken: In a shallow dish, combine flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. In another dish, beat the eggs. In a third dish, place the panko breadcrumbs.
- Slice the chicken breasts into fillets. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, dip into the egg, and then coat with panko breadcrumbs. Set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken fillets and fry for 5-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- While the chicken is frying, make the macaroni and cheese: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the cooked macaroni, milk, and cheese. Mix until the cheese is melted and the macaroni is creamy. Stir in Dijon mustard for an extra kick.
- To assemble the sandwich, place a piece of fried chicken on a waffle, top with a generous scoop of macaroni and cheese, and finish with another waffle. Optionally, add pickles or hot sauce for an extra punch.
Notes: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in a preheated oven for the best texture.





















