Southern Fried Chicken with Macaroni and Cheese, Mashed Potatoes, and Green Beans is the ultimate comfort food feast that brings together classic flavors loved across generations. This hearty main course combines crispy, flavorful fried chicken with creamy baked macaroni and cheese, buttery mashed potatoes topped with savory brown gravy, and tender green beans with garlic.
This recipe is perfect for anyone looking to create a satisfying, soul-warming meal for family or guests. With a marinating step that infuses the chicken with tangy buttermilk and hot sauce, and sides packed with rich textures and flavors, it’s a balanced, crowd-pleasing plate that works well for Sunday dinners or special occasions.
Why you’ll love this Southern Fried Chicken with Macaroni and Cheese, Mashed Potatoes, and Green Beans
- The fried chicken is marinated for hours, ensuring juicy, tender meat inside a crunchy, seasoned crust.
- The macaroni and cheese is baked to golden perfection with a creamy blend of sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses.
- Mashed potatoes are rich and fluffy, enhanced with butter and warm milk for a smooth texture.
- Green beans tossed with butter and garlic add a fresh, vibrant contrast to the rich main dishes.
- This meal offers a classic Southern comfort food experience that’s perfect for sharing and celebrating.
Ingredients
- 8 bone-in chicken pieces (legs and thighs or mixed pieces)
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 2 teaspoons hot sauce
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 2 teaspoons black pepper
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- oil for frying
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Monterey Jack or Colby cheese, shredded
- 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
- 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup warm milk or cream
- 1 1/2 cups brown gravy
- 12 ounces green beans, trimmed
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 small garlic clove, minced
Servings: 4 servings
Prep time: 30 minutes plus marinating time
Cook time: 45 minutes
The key ingredients for this recipe include bone-in chicken pieces, which provide juicy meat and crispy skin when fried properly. Buttermilk and hot sauce in the marinade tenderize and flavor the chicken deeply. The macaroni and cheese blend uses sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack to create a rich and creamy sauce that bakes to a golden crust. Russet potatoes are ideal for fluffy mashed potatoes, and fresh green beans tossed with garlic butter add a bright finish. Choosing fresh, quality ingredients will elevate this classic Southern meal.
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken: Combine buttermilk and hot sauce in a large bowl. Submerge the chicken pieces and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to tenderize and infuse flavor.
- Prepare macaroni: Boil the elbow macaroni in salted water until just shy of tender, about 1-2 minutes less than package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Make cheese sauce: In a saucepan, melt 3 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Whisk in 3 tablespoons flour and cook for 1-2 minutes without browning. Gradually whisk in whole milk and heavy cream, stirring constantly until thickened, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, mustard powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Combine macaroni and cheese: Mix the drained macaroni into the cheese sauce. Transfer to a baking dish and bake in a preheated 400°F (205°C) oven for about 20 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
- Cook mashed potatoes: Boil peeled and cubed russet potatoes in salted water until very tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain well. Mash with 4 tablespoons butter and 1/2 cup warm milk or cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Keep warm.
- Cook green beans: Boil or steam green beans until tender-crisp, about 4-6 minutes. Toss with 1 tablespoon butter and minced garlic. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Prepare seasoned flour: In a large bowl, mix 2 cups flour, 1/2 cup cornstarch, kosher salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper.
- Dredge chicken: Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off. Thoroughly coat each piece in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing to create a craggy, thick coating.
- Fry chicken: Heat oil in a deep fryer or large heavy skillet to 325-350°F (163-177°C). Fry chicken in batches, avoiding overcrowding, for 12-18 minutes until golden brown, crispy, and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F). Drain on a wire rack and season with a little extra salt and pepper.
- Warm gravy: Gently heat brown gravy separately on the stove or microwave until hot.
- Serve: Plate the fried chicken with baked macaroni and cheese, a scoop of mashed potatoes topped with brown gravy, and a side of garlic butter green beans.
Tips for the best results
- Marinate the chicken overnight for maximum tenderness and flavor infusion.
- Maintain oil temperature between 325-350°F to ensure crispy coating without burning.
- Use a wire rack to drain fried chicken, preventing sogginess from excess oil.
- For extra cheesy macaroni, add a little more shredded cheese before baking.
- Don’t overcook green beans; they should remain tender-crisp for the best texture.
- Warm the mashed potatoes and gravy just before serving to keep everything hot and fresh.
Variations and substitutions
- Use boneless chicken thighs or breasts if preferred, adjusting frying time accordingly.
- Swap out sharp cheddar for smoked gouda or fontina for a different cheese flavor in the macaroni.
- Replace russet potatoes with Yukon Gold for creamier mashed potatoes.
- Try steaming green beans with a splash of lemon juice instead of garlic butter for a lighter side.
- Make the dish gluten-free by using gluten-free flour and cornstarch blends for dredging and roux.
Serving suggestions
This Southern Fried Chicken meal shines when served family-style on large platters, allowing guests to help themselves. Pair it with sweet iced tea or a light, crisp white wine to balance the rich flavors. A fresh garden salad or coleslaw can add a refreshing crunch alongside the warm sides. For a festive occasion, add warm biscuits or cornbread to soak up the delicious gravy and cheese sauce.
Storage and reheating
Store leftover fried chicken, macaroni and cheese, mashed potatoes, and green beans separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the chicken in an oven at 350°F (175°C) to retain crispiness, about 10-15 minutes. Warm the macaroni and cheese and mashed potatoes gently in the oven or microwave, stirring occasionally. Reheat green beans in a skillet with a bit of butter to refresh their flavor.
Frequently asked questions
Can I make the fried chicken without marinating overnight?
While marinating overnight yields the best flavor and tenderness, you can marinate the chicken for at least 4 hours if short on time. Even a shorter marinating period helps tenderize the meat and improve flavor.
What oil is best for frying chicken?
Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point such as vegetable oil, peanut oil, or canola oil. These oils allow for high-temperature frying without burning and do not overpower the chicken’s flavor.
How can I tell when the fried chicken is fully cooked?
The safest way is to check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer; it should reach 165°F (74°C). The chicken should also have a deep golden brown crust and the juices should run clear.
Can I prepare the sides ahead of time?
Yes, macaroni and cheese can be assembled and refrigerated a few hours ahead before baking. Mashed potatoes can be made in advance and reheated with a splash of milk to restore creaminess. Green beans are best cooked fresh but can be blanched and reheated quickly.
What can I use instead of brown gravy?
If you prefer, serve mashed potatoes with white gravy, chicken gravy, or even a simple butter sauce. Mushroom gravy is another delicious alternative that pairs well with fried chicken.
Final thoughts
Southern Fried Chicken with Macaroni and Cheese, Mashed Potatoes, and Green Beans is a classic, hearty meal that brings comfort and joy to the table. Its rich flavors and satisfying textures make it an ideal choice for gatherings or a cozy family dinner. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy the warm, nostalgic taste of Southern hospitality right in your own kitchen.