Creamy Crispy Chicken Mac & Cheese is the ultimate comfort food upgrade. Ultra-creamy mac and cheese meets golden, crispy chicken for a dish that’s rich, satisfying, and impossible to resist. Perfect for family dinners, indulgent weekends, or when you want a restaurant-style meal at home, this recipe delivers big flavor with familiar ingredients.
If classic mac and cheese is your weakness, this crispy chicken version takes it to the next level.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ultra Creamy – Smooth, rich cheese sauce
- Perfect Crunch – Crispy chicken adds amazing texture
- Family Favorite – Kid-approved comfort food
- Hearty & Filling – A full meal in one bowl
- Simple Ingredients – Easy-to-find staples
- Customizable – Spice it up or add extra cheese
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Ingredients
Mac & Cheese
- 12 oz elbow macaroni
- 3 tbsp butter
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2½ cups milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- ½ tsp garlic powder
Crispy Chicken
- 2 cups cooked chicken tenders or breaded chicken, chopped
(store-bought or homemade) - Optional: paprika or chili flakes
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
Boil macaroni in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside. - Make the Cheese Sauce:
Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk until smooth and thickened. - Add Cheese:
Lower heat and stir in cheddar, mozzarella, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until melted and creamy. - Combine Pasta:
Add cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and stir until fully coated. - Prepare Chicken:
If needed, reheat crispy chicken in oven or air fryer until hot and crunchy. Chop into bite-sized pieces. - Assemble & Serve:
Spoon mac and cheese into bowls and top generously with crispy chicken. Add extra seasoning if desired.
How to Serve
- Plating Tips: Serve hot with extra cheese on top
- Side Pairings: Simple salad, coleslaw, or roasted veggies
- Leftover Uses: Reheat gently with a splash of milk
- Beverage Pairing: Iced tea, lemonade, or soda
Additional Tips
- Use freshly shredded cheese for best melting
- Keep heat low when adding cheese
- Air-fry chicken for extra crispiness
- Add pasta water if sauce thickens too much
Variations
- Spicy Version: Add buffalo sauce or cayenne
- Extra Cheesy: Add cream cheese or more cheddar
- Baked Version: Transfer to a baking dish, top with chicken, and bake until bubbly
- BBQ Twist: Drizzle BBQ sauce over crispy chicken
Storage & Freezing
- Refrigerate: Up to 4 days
- Freeze: Up to 2 months (best without chicken topping)
- Reheat: Stovetop or microwave with milk
Special Equipment
- Saucepan
- Pasta pot
- Whisk
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes, but bread or pan-fry it for crispiness.
What cheese works best?
Cheddar for flavor, mozzarella for stretch.
Is this kid-friendly?
Absolutely,just skip spicy add-ins.
Can I bake this dish?
Yes, bake at 375°F until bubbly.
Conclusion
Creamy Crispy Chicken Mac & Cheese is comfort food at its finest, smooth, cheesy pasta topped with crunchy, golden chicken. Easy to make and endlessly satisfying, it’s a recipe you’ll want on repeat for cozy nights and family meals.
