Parmesan Garlic Chicken Mac and Cheese
This parmesan garlic chicken mac and cheese pairs a rich, garlicky cheddar sauce with crispy fried chicken bites, delivering two classic comfort foods in one decadent dish.
-0:00
This parmesan garlic chicken mac and cheese pairs a rich, garlicky cheddar sauce with crispy fried chicken bites, delivering two classic comfort foods in one decadent dish.
Delivery in as fast as one hour.*
Prices vary by store
*Service fees apply. Instacart® and the Instacart logo are registered trademarks of Maplebear Inc. d/b/a Instacart.
In a large pan over medium heat, melt the butter.
Add the minced garlic and cook for a minute until fragrant, infusing the butter.
Stir in the red pepper flakes and the sprig of thyme.
Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
Stir in the Dijon mustard.
Turn off the heat. Gradually add the shredded sharp yellow and white cheddar cheeses, stirring constantly until fully melted and smooth.
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is silky and glossy.
Add the cooked elbow macaroni to the cheese sauce and mix until everything is well-coated.
Transfer the mac and cheese to a large oven-safe skillet or baking dish. Top evenly with the shredded three pepper Colby Jack cheese.
Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
While the mac and cheese bakes, prepare the chicken. Take your marinated chicken pieces and dredge them in a mixture of seasoned flour and breadcrumbs, ensuring they are fully coated.
Carefully place the coated chicken into hot oil and deep fry for 4-5 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through.
Remove the chicken from the oil with a spider strainer and place on a wire rack to drain. Season immediately with flaky salt.
In a separate bowl, toss the fried chicken with a homemade garlic parmesan sauce (recipe not provided in video).
Remove the mac and cheese from the oven. Arrange the parmesan garlic chicken bites on top.
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Store cooled mac and cheese in an airtight container up to 3 days; reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or milk. Fry chicken fresh and serve immediately for maximum crispness.
deep skillet or Dutch oven for frying chicken · thermometer for oil temperature
Yes. Prepare the pasta and sauce separately, store refrigerated in airtight containers up to 3 days, then reheat gently with a splash of cream to restore creaminess before adding the chicken.
Sharp yellow and white cheddar both melt smoothly and deliver stronger flavor than mild varieties. Freshly shredded cheese melts more evenly than pre-shredded.
Fry the chicken bites last, just before serving. Keep them on a wire rack rather than directly on the hot pasta to prevent steam from softening the coating.
Yes. Bread and bake chicken bites at 400°F for 12–15 minutes until golden, though pan-frying or shallow frying yields the crispiest texture.
Half-and-half works but will be less rich; use equal parts butter and flour as a roux base to thicken. Whole milk requires a roux as well and may need cornstarch for body.
Braised Lamb Shanks with Spiced Rice
90 min · The Golden Balance
Spicy Beef Arayes
25 min · The Golden Balance
Philly Cheesesteak
35 min · The Golden Balance
Stove Top Stuffing Meatloaf
85 min
Cajun Spaghetti With Creole Meat Sauce
55 min
BBQ Pork Sandwich
35 min
Greek Potato Salad
45 min
Creamy Corn Chowder
45 min
Chunky Chili
490 min
Easy Shrimp Etouffee
Crawfish Etouffee
