Marry Me Mac and Cheese with Crispy Chicken
Recipe from Sunny Cho
This isn’t just mac and cheese—it’s mac and cheese that makes you fall in love at first bite. Creamy, cheesy, and finished with crispy panko-coated chicken, it’s indulgent comfort food that feels a little extra but is actually easy to pull off. With sharp cheddar, Gruyère, and sun-dried tomatoes, this dish is perfect for weeknight dinners that deserve something special. Serve it up and watch it disappear.
3 to 4
What You'll Need
Ingredients
For the Mac and Cheese:
- ½ pound macaroni pasta
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 teaspoons grated garlic
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1½ cups whole milk
- ½ cup chicken stock
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for topping
- ½ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
For the Crispy Chicken:
- 1 large chicken breast, split in half lengthwise
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 3 cups panko breadcrumbs
- Neutral oil, for fryin
Directions
Step 1
Cook the pasta: Fill the Perfect Pot with water, salt, and bring to a boil. Cook the macaroni for 3 minutes less than the al dente cooking time indicated on the package. Drain and set aside.
Step 2
Make the cheese sauce: In the Always Pan over medium-low heat, melt the butter and sauté the garlic for 1 minute, until fragrant. Add the flour and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in the milk and chicken stock. Cook until the mixture comes to a simmer and thickens slightly.
Step 3
Add the cheese: Stir in the cheddar, Gruyère, and Parmesan cheeses, along with the sun-dried tomatoes. Continue stirring until the cheeses have fully melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
Step 4
Combine and bake: Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and mix well. Transfer the mixture to a prepared baking dish and sprinkle additional grated Parmesan on top. Bake at 375°F for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the mac and cheese is bubbling.
Step 5
Prepare the chicken: In a medium bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg and milk to create a thick slurry.
Step 6
Coat the chicken: Dredge the chicken in the flour mixture, dip it into the egg slurry, and then coat it in panko, pressing gently to adhere. Set aside on a plate.
Step 7
Fry the chicken: Heat the Always Pan Pro with enough oil to shallow fry the chicken over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, fry the chicken for about 3 to 4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a wire rack or plate lined with paper towels.
Step 8
Fry the chicken: Heat the Always Pan Pro with enough oil to shallow fry the chicken over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, fry the chicken for about 3 to 4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a wire rack or plate lined with paper towels.
Sunny Cho
Sunny Cho is a Los Angeles-based food stylist and celebrity chef, known for her work on Food Network and HBO shows like Guy’s Grocery Games and Selena + Chef. She’s traveled the world creating recipes and hosting events for top athletes, chefs, and brands. With a passion for Asian, Middle Eastern, and Italian cuisines, Sunny brings a global flair to everything she creates.
