Nikki D's Fried Chicken with Mac 'n Cheese

Today marks the 2nd time that I've made fried chicken and I must say... I could be a pro at this! :)  The steps are easy and the time went by pretty fast... 2 hours, from start to finish.  I'm sure this will change as I get better and get used to frying foods, but it didn't seem like 2 dreadful hours and I was busy the entire time.

1. Season the meat - I used garlic salt, cajun seasoning and pepper.  I don't measure, but I was generous with the seasoning.  I added these same ingredients to create a mixture with flour, in a plastic bag.  But first crack an egg, dunk each piece of chicken in the egg and then put them into the flour/seasoning mixture.  Shake it up and make sure the chicken is lightly coated and place the chicken on a plate.

2. Heat up your cooking oil.  I used canola oil, but you can use whatever oil you prefer.  Or feel free to give me suggestions for a better turn out!  Wait until the oil is nice 'n hot - test it by sprinkling some water into oil, until it starts to POP!

3. Fry the chicken. Put your chicken in the oil and patiently let the chicken cook, flip once you see the sides browning.  Don't rush this step!  Or you'll revisit it later on :) The husband suggested that I start with one piece and cook that one alone to see how long it will take to cook the rest... He obviously came in during the process and saw me struggling a little bit and wanted to dish out a few tips.  If time permits, I can test out this theory next time.  I usually wait until the chicken is golden brown BUT have learned that it needs to be much darker than golden brown to be DONE.  I never want someone to taste my chicken and say it 'wasn't cooked all the way'.... You know what I mean?!

I put in 4 pieces at a time, to cut down on cooking time... or so I thought

I cut to check for blood... almost there.

Finished Product!

4. Start the macoroni and cheese.  Follow the box directions for the mac n cheese.  Once done, mix in the cream of mushroom. 

The Beginning of Goodness!

Ingredients are as follows:
1 - box velveeta shells and cheese
1 - 8 oz can of cream of mushroom
2 - slices of velveeta cheese
handfuls of mozzarella cheese, season to taste

 

Then, spread the mac n cheese/cream of mushroom mix into a pyrex pan; pre-heat oven to 350 degrees. Top the mixture with the velveeta cheese slices and mozzarella cheese. Heat in the oven until chesse melts into the mac n cheese.   

Bon Appetit!
(don't mind the paper plate)

This mac 'n cheese was DE-lish! And it compliments the chicken well.  You won't be disappointed.

**Reminder/Disclaimer: this is the 2nd time I've done fried chicken and the husband LOVED it! This is a definite keeper my family's recipes.**