KFC Nashville Hot Mac & Cheese Bowl Copycat Recipe (Comfort Food Elevated)
This comfort food mashup hit all my cravings! The creamy mac and cheese gets an incredible kick from Nashville hot seasoning while maintaining that familiar comfort food satisfaction that makes it perfect for sharing or indulging solo.
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts 1.5 lbs
- Buttermilk 1.5 cups
- All-purpose flour 2 cups
- Cornstarch 0.25 cups
- Egg 1 large
- Elbow macaroni 2 cups
- Whole milk 1.5 cups
- Evaporated milk 0.5 cups
- Sharp cheddar cheese (shredded) 2 cups
- Monterey Jack cheese (shredded) 1 cups
- Unsalted butter 2 tbsp
- Vegetable oil (for frying) 3 cups
- Pickle chips (for garnish) 12 pieces
Seasonings/Sauce
- Kosher salt 2.5 tsp
- Black pepper 1.5 tsp
- White pepper 1 tsp
- Paprika 2 tsp
- Cayenne pepper 2 tsp
- Garlic salt 1 tsp
- Celery salt 0.5 tsp
- Dried mustard 0.5 tsp
- Ground ginger 0.25 tsp
- Dried basil 0.5 tsp
- Dried oregano 0.5 tsp
- MSG (optional) 0.5 tsp
- Brown sugar 1 tbsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates
45 g
29%
Protein
27 g
17%
Fat
33 g
54%
Cooking steps
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1
1. Marinate the chicken: Cut the boneless chicken breasts into bite-size pieces. In a bowl, toss them with 1 cup buttermilk, 1/2 tsp kosher salt, 1/2 tsp paprika, and 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes — the buttermilk brine is KFC's secret to juicy, tender chicken.
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2
2. Prepare Nashville hot oil: In a small saucepan, add 1/2 cup frying oil and gently heat. Stir in 1 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tsp cayenne, 1/2 tsp paprika, and a pinch of the spice blend. Warm until bubbling, set aside for glazing. This is the Nashville kick that sets this bowl apart.
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3. Bread the chicken: Whisk egg with remaining 1/2 cup buttermilk in a shallow bowl. Combine flour, cornstarch, all remaining seasoning blend, and optional MSG in another. Dip each chicken piece in the flour mixture, then buttermilk-egg wash, then again in the seasoned flour. Press firmly for maximum coating. This double-breading mimics the signature crispy KFC texture.
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4
4. Fry the chicken: Heat 3 cups vegetable oil in a Dutch oven to 340°F. Fry chicken in batches (do not overcrowd), turning occasionally for even browning, until crispy and cooked through (about 5 minutes per batch). Drain on a wire rack. Immediately brush with the Nashville hot oil glaze while the chicken is hot for authentic flavor.
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5
5. Make mac & cheese: Boil pasta according to package instructions, drain. In a saucepan, melt butter, stir in whole milk and evaporated milk, then slowly whisk in cheese. Add a pinch of seasoning blend for depth. Stir until smooth and creamy, then fold in macaroni. Taste for salt.
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6
6. Assemble the bowls: Divide mac & cheese among 6 bowls. Top generously with Nashville hot crispy chicken. Garnish with pickle chips. Serve immediately and savor the creamy, spicy, crispy combo just like the KFC classic!
Personalized Q&A
Q. Does this homemade KFC Nashville Hot Mac & Cheese Bowl really taste like the original?
Absolutely! This recipe captures KFC’s authentic flavor using a buttermilk brine for juiciness, the signature 11 herbs and spices blend (including optional MSG for umami), and a double-breading, deep fry technique for a perfect crispy exterior. The Nashville hot oil glaze delivers classic heat that matches the original experience.
Q. What’s the key to keeping the chicken breading crispy when frying?
Be sure to double dredge—first in seasoned flour, then in buttermilk-egg, then back in flour. Press the coating on well and fry in hot oil (about 340°F) without overcrowding. Drain on a wire rack, not paper towels, for best crunch. Add the hot oil glaze while the chicken is fresh for flavor that sticks.
Q. Can I make this without MSG or with a seasoning substitution?
Yes! MSG is optional for an umami boost but can be omitted. You can adjust the cayenne pepper for less heat or use smoked paprika for a different twist. For maximum authenticity, stick as close as possible to the provided herb and spice blend.
Q. How many calories per serving, and is this bowl high in carbs or protein?
Each serving (about 320g) has approximately 625 kcal, with 45g carbohydrates (29%), 27g protein (17%), and 33g fat (54%). It’s a hearty, protein-rich comfort food inspired by KFC’s nutrition balance.
Q. How should I store and reheat leftover Nashville Hot Mac & Cheese Bowls?
Store mac & cheese and chicken separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat the chicken in a 375°F oven for 10 minutes to restore crispiness, and warm mac & cheese on the stovetop with a splash of milk.
