[[{“value”:”Few comfort food combinations hit the spot quite like crispy fried chicken and creamy mac and cheese. Whether you prefer a crunchy, golden-brown coating or a rich, cheesy sauce, the best versions of these classics can turn an ordinary meal into something memorable. But which restaurant chains get both dishes right? Eat This, Not That! asked Steve Ingber, executive chef & owner of MileHighCook, to share his picks for the restaurant chains serving the best fried chicken and mac and cheese.
Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken
For fried chicken fans who like a little fire with their crunch, Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken is a name worth knowing. The Memphis-born chain has built a loyal following around its signature spicy chicken, making it an appealing stop for anyone who likes their comfort food with a kick. “Gus’s is the one I point people to when they want heat,” says Ingber. “The crust is thin and crackly and has a real cayenne kick that builds as you eat. Their mac and cheese is soft and creamy, which is exactly what you want next to chicken that is spicy. It cools everything down so you can keep going.”
Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken
Sometimes, the best comfort food is the kind that reminds you of a home-cooked meal. Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken has long leaned into that down-home appeal, with a menu built around traditional fried chicken and familiar Southern-style sides that make for a satisfying, no-frills meal. “Lee’s pressure fries its chicken, and you can taste it,” Ingber explains. “The meat stays juicy all the way to the bone and the skin has a seasoned, peppery crunch. Pair it with the mac and cheese for an old school, Sunday dinner kind of plate. Nothing fancy, just done right.”
Bojangles
Few fast-food chains are as closely associated with Southern food culture as Bojangles. Known for its bold flavors, made-from-scratch buttermilk biscuits, and Cajun-inspired menu, the chain brings plenty of personality to the table—and offers a tempting option for those craving fried chicken alongside a hearty side of mac and cheese. “Bojangles seasons its chicken all the way through, not just the breading, and that Cajun spice is what keeps people coming back,” says Ingber. “The mac and cheese is rich and cheesy and holds its own against all that flavor. Add a biscuit and you have one of the best fast food meals in the South.”
Golden Corral
For diners who like plenty of choices with their comfort food, Golden Corral takes a different approach. The buffet chain offers a rotating spread of familiar favorites, giving guests the freedom to build a plate around their favorite dishes and return for seconds whenever something hits the spot. According to Ingber, “People sleep on Golden Corral, but the fried chicken comes out of the kitchen in constant batches, so it’s usually hot and crisp.” He adds, “The mac and cheese is the classic baked, cheesy, comfort style. Being able to go back for a second piece and another scoop is a big part of the appeal.”
Slim Chickens
Fast-casual chicken restaurants have carved out their own place in the comfort-food world, and Slim Chickens is one chain making its mark. With a menu centered on chicken tenders, dipping sauces, and Southern-inspired sides, it offers a more modern take on the classic chicken-and-sides combination. “Slim Chickens does tenders better than most, with a craggy, crunchy breading and real white meat inside,” he says. “Their mac and cheese is creamy and great with a little of their dipping sauce on the side. It’s a newer chain, but they’re clearly paying attention to the details.”
The post 5 Restaurant Chains With the Best Fried Chicken and Mac and Cheese, According to Chefs appeared first on Eat This Not That.”}]]