Southern Fried Chicken with Creamy Mac and Cheese

Cook the pasta: Boil the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Make the roux: In a large pot, melt 2 tbsp of butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk to form a roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes until it turns golden.

Add milk: Slowly add the milk while whisking constantly. Continue whisking until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.

Stir in the cheese: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar and Parmesan cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth.

Season the sauce: Add salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika to taste. Adjust seasoning as desired.

Combine with pasta: Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring to coat the pasta evenly.

Optional crispy topping: If desired, sprinkle breadcrumbs on top of the mac and cheese and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes to create a crispy topping.

Serve the Dish:

Plate: Serve the fried chicken alongside the creamy mac and cheese.

Enjoy: Enjoy your Southern Fried Chicken with Creamy Mac and Cheese!

Serving and Storage Tips: