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Indulge in the ultimate comfort food experience with this Fried Chicken Mac and Cheese Sandwich. This delightful creation brings together crispy fried chicken, creamy mac and cheese, and fluffy waffles, resulting in a mouthwatering treat that’s perfect for a fun meal or a casual gathering. Whether you’re craving something savory, cheesy, or just a little bit different, this sandwich is sure to satisfy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Fried Chicken Mac and Cheese Sandwich is a delicious blend of flavors and textures that will leave you wanting more. It’s a fun twist on traditional comfort food that combines the crunch of fried chicken with the richness of macaroni and cheese, all nestled between sweet waffles. Perfect for brunch or a hearty lunch, this recipe will impress your family and friends.
- Combines savory and sweet flavors.
- Easy to make and customize.
- Great for serving at parties or casual get-togethers.
- Simple ingredients that pack a punch!
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
- 2 cups cooked macaroni pasta
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for cheese sauce)
- 2 large waffles (store-bought or homemade)
- Optional: hot sauce for serving
How to Make Fried Chicken Mac and Cheese Sandwich
- Marinate the chicken breasts in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight in the refrigerator for maximum flavor and tenderness.
- In a shallow dish, mix together flour, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off, then dredge each piece in the flour mixture until fully coated.
- Carefully place the chicken in the hot oil and fry for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the 2 tablespoons of flour and cook for 1 minute.
- Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens. Then, add the shredded cheddar cheese and stir until melted and smooth.
- In a toaster or on a skillet, warm the waffles until crispy.
- Assemble the sandwich by placing a piece of fried chicken on one waffle, topping it with a generous scoop of mac and cheese, and then placing the second waffle on top.
- For an extra kick, drizzle with hot sauce if desired, then slice in half and serve immediately.
Tips for the Best Results
- Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying the chicken to get a crispy exterior.
- Use freshly cooked macaroni for the best texture in your mac and cheese.
- Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese for the mac and cheese, such as Monterey Jack or Gouda.
Easy Variations
- Substitute the chicken with crispy fried tofu for a vegetarian option.
- Add sautéed vegetables like spinach or jalapeños to the mac and cheese for an extra flavor boost.
- Try using pancakes instead of waffles for a different sweet base.
What to Serve With It
- A light side salad to balance the richness of the sandwich.
- Sweet potato fries for a deliciously crispy side.
- Coleslaw for a refreshing crunch.
Storage and Reheating
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Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the sandwich in a toaster oven or skillet over low heat until warmed through and crispy again.
Recipe Card
Prep Time: 45 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 2 servings
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
- 2 cups cooked macaroni pasta
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for cheese sauce)
- 2 large waffles (store-bought or homemade)
- Optional: hot sauce for serving
Instructions:
- Marinate the chicken breasts in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes, or overnight.
- Mix flour, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a shallow dish.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Remove chicken from buttermilk, dredge in flour mixture, and fry for 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
- In a saucepan, melt butter, whisk in flour, then gradually add milk until thickened. Stir in cheddar cheese until melted.
- Warm waffles until crispy in a toaster or skillet.
- Assemble the sandwich with fried chicken, mac and cheese, and top with the second waffle.
- Drizzle with hot sauce if desired, slice in half, and serve immediately.
Notes: Adjust seasoning to taste and enjoy your delicious sandwich!





















