Making Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) Macaroni and Cheese Kentucky Fried Chicken Macaroni And Cheese Recipe is a culinary experience filled with excitement and satisfaction. The creamy, cheesy goodness of mac and cheese combined with the flavorful, crispy bite of KFC chicken creates a harmonious blend of comfort food.
The recipe starts with boiling elbow macaroni and preparing a rich, velvety cheese sauce using a mix of cheddar and cream. Then, freshly fried KFC chicken is chopped into bite-sized pieces and added to the dish, bringing an extra layer of flavor.
I’m making this for a group of close friends who love comfort food and good times. The kitchen is alive with laughter as we cook, savoring every step of the process. This dish is a crowd-pleaser, ensuring everyone enjoys a delicious, memorable meal together.
What Does Kentucky Fried Chicken Macaroni And Cheese Recipe Taste Like?
Kentucky Fried Chicken’s macaroni and cheese has a creamy, comforting flavor with a rich, cheesy sauce that coats each tender pasta bite. It’s a well-balanced blend of sharp cheddar and mild cheese, creating a smooth, savory experience.
The dish often has a slightly buttery finish, making it indulgent yet familiar, with just the right amount of seasoning to enhance the flavors without being overwhelming. It’s a perfect side dish that complements KFC’s crispy fried chicken.
How To Prepare Kentucky Fried Chicken Macaroni And Cheese Recipe?
Recipe Details
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Course: Main Course or Side Dish
Difficulty: Easy
Cuisine: American
Calories: Approximately 500-600 calories per serving (depends on the amount of popcorn chicken and serving size)
Yield: Serves 4
Kitchen Utensils:
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Medium saucepan for cheese sauce
- Colander (for draining pasta)
- Whisk
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Cutting board (for Velveeta)
- Knife
- Spoon for mixing
- Stove
Ingredients:
- 1 ¼ cups whole milk
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ¾ teaspoon cornstarch
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni (approximately ½ a box)
- ½ teaspoon dry ground mustard
- 1 ½ Tablespoons powdered milk
- Salt to taste
- 12 ounces Velveeta cheese, cut into small cubes
- Popcorn chicken (prepared separately, amount as desired)
Instructions:
1. Cook the Macaroni:
In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add a pinch of salt and cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions (usually 7-8 minutes). Drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the Cheese Sauce:
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the whole milk, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, Velveeta cubes, dry ground mustard, powdered milk, and cornstarch. Stir frequently to prevent burning and ensure all ingredients melt together smoothly. Continue stirring until the mixture thickens and becomes a creamy cheese sauce (about 5-7 minutes).
3. Combine:
Once the macaroni is drained, add it to the saucepan with the cheese sauce. Stir well to coat the pasta evenly with the cheesy mixture. Season with salt to taste.
4. Add Popcorn Chicken:
Add the desired amount of popcorn chicken on top of the macaroni and cheese. Gently stir or leave it on top for extra texture and flavor. (You can either warm the chicken in the microwave or air-fry it according to package instructions, then add it in).
5. Serve:
Transfer to a serving dish, and your creamy, cheesy macaroni and cheese with popcorn chicken is ready to enjoy!
Usage Suggestions Kentucky Fried Chicken Macaroni And Cheese Recipe
Kentucky Fried Chicken’s macaroni and cheese is a creamy, comforting side dish that pairs perfectly with any meal. To recreate it at home, simply combine elbow macaroni with a rich cheese sauce made from butter, flour, milk, and a blend of cheeses, then bake until golden and bubbly.
It’s a great side to serve alongside fried chicken, BBQ, or even as a standalone comfort food for a quick, satisfying meal.
Tips And Tricks For Perfect Kentucky Fried Chicken Macaroni And Cheese Recipe
1. Use a Blend of Cheeses: For the best flavor, mix sharp cheddar with mozzarella or Monterey Jack. This gives the mac and cheese a creamy texture and rich taste.
2. Cook Pasta Al Dente: Make sure your macaroni is slightly firm before draining. It will absorb the sauce better and prevent it from getting mushy.
3. Add a Touch of Dijon Mustard: Just a teaspoon of Dijon mustard will enhance the flavor and add depth to the cheese sauce.
4. Season in Layers: Don’t just season the sauce at the end. Add salt, pepper, and garlic powder while cooking the cheese sauce and pasta for a more even, well-seasoned dish.
5. Top with Crumbled Fried Chicken: For that KFC-inspired twist, sprinkle some crispy fried chicken pieces on top of your macaroni and cheese just before serving for extra flavor and texture.
How To Store Leftovers Kentucky Fried Chicken Macaroni And Cheese Recipe?
To store leftover Kentucky Fried Chicken macaroni and cheese, let it cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Place the container in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.
To reheat, you can microwave it in short intervals, stirring between each, or warm it on the stove with a splash of milk to maintain its creamy texture.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Kentucky Fried Chicken’s macaroni and cheese recipe is a delicious and comforting dish that combines creamy cheese with perfectly cooked pasta. With its simple yet flavorful ingredients, this recipe is a great way to recreate a beloved side dish from KFC at home.
Whether as a side or a main, it offers a satisfying, cheesy experience. By following the steps carefully, you can enjoy this indulgent treat with family and friends anytime.
kentucky fried chicken macaroni and cheese recipe
Equipment
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Medium saucepan for cheese sauce
- Colander (for draining pasta)
- Whisk
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Cutting board (for Velveeta)
- Knife
- Spoon for mixing
- Stove
Ingredients
- 1 ¼ cups whole milk
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ¾ teaspoon cornstarch
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni approximately ½ a box
- ½ teaspoon dry ground mustard
- 1 ½ Tablespoons powdered milk
- Salt to taste
- 12 ounces Velveeta cheese cut into small cubes
- Popcorn chicken prepared separately, amount as desired
Instructions
1. Cook the Macaroni:
- In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add a pinch of salt and cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions (usually 7-8 minutes). Drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the Cheese Sauce:
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the whole milk, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, Velveeta cubes, dry ground mustard, powdered milk, and cornstarch. Stir frequently to prevent burning and ensure all ingredients melt together smoothly. Continue stirring until the mixture thickens and becomes a creamy cheese sauce (about 5-7 minutes).
3. Combine:
- Once the macaroni is drained, add it to the saucepan with the cheese sauce. Stir well to coat the pasta evenly with the cheesy mixture. Season with salt to taste.
4. Add Popcorn Chicken:
- Add the desired amount of popcorn chicken on top of the macaroni and cheese. Gently stir or leave it on top for extra texture and flavor. (You can either warm the chicken in the microwave or air-fry it according to package instructions, then add it in).
5. Serve:
- Transfer to a serving dish, and your creamy, cheesy macaroni and cheese with popcorn chicken is ready to enjoy!
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