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The ultimate comfort food duo — golden, crispy fried chicken paired with rich, velvety mac and cheese. Perfect for Sunday suppers, family gatherings, or whenever you need a hearty, soul-warming meal!

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🍴 Ingredients:

For the Southern Fried Chicken:

• 4 pieces chicken (thighs, breasts, or wings)
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for spice)
• 1 cup vegetable oil (for frying)

For the Creamy Mac and Cheese:

• 8 oz elbow macaroni (or your preferred pasta)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
• ¼ cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)

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🧑‍🍳 Instructions:

1️⃣ Prepare the Fried Chicken:

Marinate the Chicken:
In a large bowl, pour the buttermilk over the chicken pieces. Cover and marinate for at least 30 minutes — or overnight in the fridge for extra juicy flavor!

Season the Flour:
In a shallow dish, mix together the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using).

Coat the Chicken:
Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, letting any excess drip off. Dredge each piece in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure a good coating. Shake off the excess.

Fry the Chicken:
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or deep fryer over medium-high heat. Carefully add the chicken pieces and fry for about 10–12 minutes per side, or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.

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2️⃣ Make the Creamy Mac and Cheese:

Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Make the Roux:
In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk continuously for 1–2 minutes, forming a golden roux.

Create the Sauce:
Slowly pour in the milk while whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Continue to cook and whisk until the sauce thickens, about 5–7 minutes.

Add the Cheese:
Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the shredded cheddar and Parmesan cheeses until melted and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.

Combine:
Fold the cooked pasta into the cheese sauce, stirring gently until every piece is coated in creamy goodness.

Optional Topping:
For extra indulgence, sprinkle breadcrumbs over the mac and cheese, then broil for 2–3 minutes until golden and crispy!

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✨ Serving Suggestions:

Plate up a generous helping of creamy mac and cheese alongside that crispy, juicy fried chicken. Add a side of collard greens or buttery cornbread for the full Southern feast experience!

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📋 Quick Recipe Stats:

• Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus marinating time)
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Servings: 4

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📢 Hashtags for Sharing the Love:

#SouthernComfortFood #FriedChicken #MacAndCheese #SoulFood #CrispyChicken #CheesyGoodness #HomemadeDelights #ComfortFoodGoals #FamilyDinner #FoodieFavorites

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