Fried Chicken Breast | Baked Macaroni & Cheese - Laura Will - Scratch Made Simple

This episode of Scratch Made simple shares two of my family's favorites--fried chicken breast and baked macaroni & cheese! In fact, they love them so much that I let my big boys help out in the kitchen on this one :-). Kid-approved, and also great for a crowd, these recipes are sure to be a hit! From my kitchen to yours, I hope you enjoy these dishes.
Keep it fun, Keep it simple!
Laura
FRIED PANKO CHICKEN BREAST
~Ingredients~
3 (or more) Chicken Breasts cut into strips
Seasoned flour (dash of salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika)
Egg wash (3 eggs, splash of milk OR heavy cream, salt pepper, garlic powder, paprika)
Seasoned Panko bread crumbs (dash of salt, pepper, garlic powder, parsley flakes)
~Directions~
Combine flour and seasonings in a dish. Whisk together milk, eggs, seasonings in a separate dish. Dredge chicken strips in flour, then dip in egg mixture, then put into the Panko bread crumbs and coat both sides. Heat canola oil (or vegetable oil) in a large skillet over medium to medium-high heat (electric stove top dial will need to be somewhere between a 4-6 depending on the oven). Fry strips 5 or 6 at a time, turning midway through. Fry for a good 3-4 minutes and then check to see if the first side is slightly golden brown. When golden brown, flip them over and fry the other side another 3-4 minutes. After frying lay them on a paper towel-covered plate. Sprinkle with a fresh coat of salt, and ENJOY!
HOMEMADE BAKED MACARONI & CHEESE
~ Ingredients ~
6 tablespoons salted butter
6 tablespoons flour
Dash of salt, pepper, paprika
1 yellow onion (diced)
1-2 tablespoons minced garlic
2 eggs
1lb box cooked elbow macaroni
6 cups fresh shredded sharp cheddar
6 cups whole milk
Bit of extra butter (for melting to use with the crackers)
Ritz crackers (crushed)
~ Directions ~
Melt butter into liquid, add flour, and stir for a few minutes until rue begins to brown. Add a dash of salt & pepper (to taste). Pour in milk, add a dash of paprika, diced onions & minced garlic, and simmer for about 10 minutes.
Temper the eggs with some of the hot milk/onion mixture (add some of the hot liquid to the eggs in a separate bowl). Do this process slowly as to NOT make the eggs scramble. Add the egg mixture into the milk/onion pot. Add some more salt & pepper (to taste). Stir in 3/4 of the shredded sharp cheddar (reserve some to top the macaroni with) until fully incorporated.
Pour cheese mixture on top of the cooked elbow macaroni (make sure the cooked pasta is in a nice big pryex or aluminum pan dish). Top the noodles with the rest of the shredded cheese. Microwave a few tablespoons of butter, and crush up Ritz crackers with your hands. Add your cracker crumbs to the butter (enough to cover your pan of macaroni). Top your pasta with the Ritz crackers and bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.
To get complete recipes with instructions and measurements, check out my Facebook page at www.Facebook.com/ScratchMadeSimple OR my blog at www.ScratchBakes.com/blog.

[@donnalynnhope]

How wonderful to see a new episode. You are pleasant to watch and easy to follow. :-)

[@scratchmadesimple2274]

Thank you, Donna! I’m glad you stopped by. Happy new year!

[@caroldry9262]

I really enjoyed watching you cook especially with those cute little boys. Adorable...

[@scratchmadesimple2274]

Thank you, Carol!

[@mariansmartt]

I absolutely love your videos! The boys were such a help, huh?!?!? So adorable! So....I made the Mac n cheese and it was the best ever! I had never thought to add an onion. My family loved it! Thanks so much Laura!

[@sandrakenslow9540]

Hi. I haven't seen you in a year. So happy you are still here. Hope all is well.

[@dacajungal]

I loved watching your children help you & you seem like such a loving & patient mom. Thanks for the recipes & I can't wait to try the mac & cheese! Blessings!

[@scratchmadesimple2274]

I’m not perfect by any means, but I really do love those babies! You’re so very kind ❤️ Thank you for taking time out of your day to leave such sweet words here. Xo

[@mariansmartt]

Oh my gosh the kiddos are so adorable helping momma! You make the very best cooking videos!

[@nancypike524]

I am so glad to see your back, missed you...live these recipes and will be making them...thanks😊

[@scratchmadesimple2274]

Hi Nancy!! Happy new year!

[@LillianE10]

Happy New Year! So good to see you back and cooking up something delicious!

[@scratchmadesimple2274]

Hi Diane, happy new year!

[@janjones4224]

A Classic! Thanks for sharing

[@Thisisit120]

What a awesome way to start a new year. Seeing you in the new video.

[@scratchmadesimple2274]

Hi Reta! Thank you! Happy new year 🎉

[@janetgomez4664]

❤ more videos to come please!❤

[@scratchmadesimple2274]

You got it!! Thank you for being here ❤️

[@sharonacres5022]

You are the sweetest person Laura and I love how you got your little guys to help, your love, care and patience with them is a wonderful testimony and education in itself. I hope you continue to include them cooking with their mummy (i'm in Australia). People can skip through if they need. Your recipes are really good. Thank you :)

[@scratchmadesimple2274]

Sharon 😭❤️ YOU are so sweet! Thank you!!

[@sharonacres5022]

@@scratchmadesimple2274 your very welcome. God bless x

[@ToryE1959]

So happy to see new video, these recipes look amazing!

[@scratchmadesimple2274]

Thanks, Tory! I really hope you like them!

[@celitacantrill10]

I enjoy your content. I wish you could've kept up the channel but I certainly understand. Raising a family comes first. Blessings and love, happiness to each one of you. Warmest regards, Celita C.

[@barbarajohnson7782]

I shred my cheese in my KitchenAid Food Prosesser and it’s a snap to shred cheese!

[@scratchmadesimple2274]

GREAT tip! 👏🏻

[@64samsky]

Very nice video with the boys helping out. God bless your family.

[@SmileySunrise]

So nice to see a new video! Yippee skippee!! :-)

[@cathyford6385]

Fantastic job with the little ones, I have a five year old Granddaughter and I know how it goes and can be so much fun!!

[@scratchmadesimple2274]

Cathy, it takes so much extra patience, doesn’t it? 😊 Sometimes I just want to rush through when they want to help, but it’s so worth spending the time with them.

[@donna8212]

Happy New Year 🎉!!!! Good to see you, everything looks delicious. 👍🏻😊

[@scratchmadesimple2274]

Happy new year, Donna!

[@SolemSister87]

Missed you. Loved this❤️

[@scratchmadesimple2274]

Awww Holly, hi!! ❤️

[@katekissick3750]

I have been cooking baked Mac and cheese for my whole married life of 43 years eggs are not needed in this dish because egg are to hold things together the CHEESE DOES IT...You can just slice the cheddar cheese so you don't wear out your arm. I have never put shredded cheese or crackers on top because my sauce is so cheesey....cubed country ham is also very good in it with the onions. I have also used Mexican Cheese and made some scrumptious Mac and cheese. I love that you let your sons in to help...

[@nancybright7531]

yay ~ finally !!!!

[@tanyacaley4401]

Your recipes are wonderful & delicious, i enjoy watching, great work!

[@scratchmadesimple2274]

Thank you, Tanya!

[@fab4gal834]

I'm glad you started making videos again. I think I came across your channel by accident sometime around October... In any case, keep them coming...lol

[@janicemattox6964]

Crumbled Cheezits to top. Fantastic

[@moniquem9609]

Tell your boys I subscribed because I love your little helpers. Going to try this recipe tonight thank you.

[@scratchmadesimple2274]

Aw you’re so sweet, thank you! 💛 I really hope you enjoy the recipes.

Awesomeness

[@ashleaspruce8185]

Your little one figured out how to shake and tap the parsley bottle the second time he did it good job boys for helping your mom. I will try adding onions on the rue next time, thanks for sharing.

[@scratchmadesimple2274]

The onions add such great flavor, Connie 😄 I really hope you like it!

[@Grams5th]

Your back! Yay!... Looking forward to more great recipes! BTW your chocolate chip cookies recipe was AMAZING!!! This mac n cheese sounds good, I've never put onion in mine, I'll give it a try..😉

[@scratchmadesimple2274]

Connie, I hope you LOVE it! My family asks for this Mac & cheese all the time!

[@gailforest5774]

Yay!!! Happy New Year! So happy to see this video.. You were missed! When you're cooking, you make it seem so easy! I really don't enjoy cooking but I try. So I'm gonna watch this again and pause and write everything down!! Thank you so much.. I know what it's like to be busy with kids. But hope to see you often.. Ok question.. What is your favorite meatloaf recipe? Thanks...

[@scratchmadesimple2274]

Hi Gail! If you want both full recipes and directions they are all ready for you to use in the description section right below the video. And you know what? I DO have a favorite meatloaf recipe I made that I can give you! I’ll write it up in another comment for you real quick...

[@scratchmadesimple2274]

Hi Gail! Here’s my meatloaf recipe.. ~ Scratch Made Simple Meatloaf ~ 1 lb. ground beef 1 lb. ground turkey (or chicken) 1/4 cup parmesan cheese 2 teaspoons salt 2 teaspoons pepper 2 Tablespoons minced onion flakes 1 teaspoon paprika 1 Tablespoon parsley 1 Tablespoon worcestershire sauce 1/4 cup ketchup 1 egg 1/2 cup breadcrumbs Mix together with your hands in the bowl (don't over-mix too much, just until ingredients come together). Form into a meatoaf shape in a meatloaf pan, and top with a thin layer of ketchup. Bake for 1 hour @ 375 degrees.

[@gailforest5774]

Great!!! Thank you so much!! Making my shopping list!! 💝

[@crystaltelf288]

Fun!

[@dartagnantaft5918]

Very cool to see you cooking with your boys. I just subscribed to see what's next.

[@scratchmadesimple2274]

Hi! So happy you’re here 😊 Happy new year!

[@mariansmartt]

Yippee! New video!

[@scratchmadesimple2274]

Hi Marian!! 👋🏻😄 Happy new year, friend! 🎉

[@barbarajohnson7782]

I do my chicken baked in the oven to save calories or the air fryer if I am only doing a few pieces. I love Baked Chicken, MAC and Cheese.

[@scratchmadesimple2274]

Barbara, I have to be honest, I haven’t used an air fryer yet. I’ve heard great things! I need to jump on the bandwagon. Do you use yours a lot?

[@mamaj8810]

you did great- but! I think all cooks should put their hair back, hair in food is no good!

[@islandbaby4704]

Jenina Penrod omg I was thinking the same thing as her hair was swinging over the food preparation.

[@PopleBackyardFarm]

this looks delicious. New friend Ruthie

[@scratchmadesimple2274]

Hi Ruthie!! I’m so happy you’re here 🤗

[@williehawthorne8086]

Well hello beautiful Queen new to your channel i will be making this for my husband , family with roast on Sunday Mrs.Hawthorne

[@scratchmadesimple2274]

Awwww hello!! 👋🏻😀 I truly hope you enjoy it!!

[@fab4gal834]

More videos please!

[@1218kimber]

Thanks for the recipes. Just one question...what order is the chicken coating? Egg➡️ then flour ➡️then panko? Thanks!

[@scratchmadesimple2274]

Hello! It’s flour, then egg, then panko. I hope you enjoy!

[@debbiee7850]

looks really delicious !!! (to save unnecessary waste... can you do the mac&cheese in a casserole dish, or 2. NOT to throw away the aluminum. ) Happy New year !!

[@charlotteclark2207]

Looks delicious I'm Soo not a fan of unsalted butter, I tried baking with it for the holidays maybe in the future I will become a fan

[@crochetingisaart8439]

I only bake with salted butter and just omit adding salt.

[@barbp1357]

Looks amazing! Thanks for posting and compliments to your sous chefs! They are adorable! Quick note: I think the amounts of butter and flour for the roux is incorrect in the written recipe. I believe it should say 6 tablespoons of each.

[@scratchmadesimple2274]

Thank you, Barb! I appreciate that! Fixed the error 😉

[@somebeech30]

Due you ever use a cast iron skillet for frying chicken..I was wondering what the difference is between them?

[@robertasolomon7052]

Your.craker. Topping Sound. Good

[@kingdombarbecuecateringser6572]

Amazing channel new subscriber here

[@scratchmadesimple2274]

Thank you, beautiful! So happy you are here 🤗

[@MsHUNTER1952]

How much cheese is 6 cups? How do you measure it? Thanks!

[@FLSiegl]

I'm hoping that I can make chicken fingers next week...What dipping sauce do you use? I want to make a sweet and sour recipe but I can't find one. Do you have a recipe that I can use? Thanks for the recipe's

[@jodibartlebaugh1305]

My sister's in-laws put potato chips on top of baked macaroni and cheese

[@scratchmadesimple2274]

Yuuuum!!

[@lucyproffitt8274]

What kind of cheese do you use

[@scratchmadesimple2274]

I like to use sharp cheddar, but you can switch it up if you like! I think the cheddar works best for a traditional Mac & Cheese, but sometimes Iike to throw some smoked Gouda in there too 😊.

[@annie12264]

There is one dish you don't mess with and that is Mac & Cheese

[@livingwithcancer1245]

The eggs looked chunky when you poured it slowly into the pot. Looks good but those chunky eggs didnt look very good

[@RobinsDocumentedLife]

They weren't chunky eggs, it was the onion she had in the sauce.

[@livingwithcancer1245]

@@RobinsDocumentedLife Ah, that's right. I forgot she had added the onion. Chemo brain messes me up 😓😓

[@RobinsDocumentedLife]

@@livingwithcancer1245 It's ok! Menopause brain messes me up! lol Prayers for you.

[@scratchmadesimple2274]

Praying for you, friend. I’m so sorry to hear you are on chemo. I hated seeing my mom go through it. Love to you tonight! ❤️

[@livingwithcancer1245]

@@scratchmadesimple2274 Thank you. Its been a rough going on 3 years. Right now I'm trying to fight off some kind of bug I caught so I am just laying in bed watching all sorts of youtube in between sleeping. I'm sure ill be watching more of your videos in the next few days.

[@MsHUNTER1952]

I also noticed that you had the eggwash, the bread crumbs and flour. But you did not show the steps in how the chicken got breaded onto the plate. Some of need to know all the steps. Thanks!

[@scratchmadesimple2274]

Hi Kathy! All of the ingredients and instructions are fully listed in the description section directly below the video for your convenience 😊. You dip the chicken in the flour until fully coated, dip it in the eggs, then dip it in the crumbs until fully coated. I hope you enjoy!

[@Lisa-ir3jf]

What is roux sauce

[@scratchmadesimple2274]

Hi Lisa! It’s a mixture of equal part fats (like butter, veg oil, etc) and flour used to thicken sauces, soups, etc. Thanks for stopping by!

[@tinadunlap6171]

I’ll make Mac and cheese but couldn’t stay once the kids came.

[@scratchmadesimple2274]

No worries, Tina...full recipes are in the description section below the video for people who don’t like children 😉.

[@tiffanyholmes8155]

@cynthia g it's her channel. Don't worry about it are you eating the food?? If you don't like it don't watch. That simple.

[@scratchmadesimple2274]

@cynthia g It is arrogant for me to kindly reply that the whole recipe is available for those who would like to skip the part with my boys? A LOT of things children do is nauseating 😂. I have four children. This video is authentic and true to my life. I have little ones in the kitchen with me while I cook for my family. Every episode is not going to feature my family. This was just supposed to be for fun 😊. If I was grossed out by what they did in the kitchen they would never learn how to cook as I taught them. The whole point of my channel is that cooking is for EVERYONE, children included. I said this dish is great for a large group, not going to a large group. No one ate this food but us. I wish the world would have more time and love for little children ❤️.

[@Claudi771]

Scratch Made Simple RE your LAST POINT...The planet doesn’t NEED MORE KIDS THAT CONTRIBUTE TO the world’sCURRENT OVERPOPULATION can of worms, WHICH IS RELATED TO GLOBAL WARMING, which is related to global trashing of OUR OCEANS, the environment, I can go on and on, about this Unfortunately. Unfortunately tooyou PROVED THAT WHEN YOU’RE YOUNG - like you are now anyway...you don’t want to know, GIVE A DAMN, etc ABOUT ANY OF THE ABOVE! That’s Correct!!!!!! 😡

[@tiffanyholmes8155]

@@Claudi771 you too were a child at one point. Be quiet you sound like a nut case.

[@armywifereallife4499]

Onion? In baked Mac and cheese? 😬

[@scratchmadesimple2274]

I know it can sound weird, but I promise it adds such a great flavor! Try it and let me know what you think 😊.

[@cbraswell1948]

Onion is so good in macaroni and cheese. It does give a great added flavor. Try it.

[@Joannepaq1025]

I was wondering why you stopped doing your great teaching videos? Maybe too busy? Well, I hope you and your family are well and hope to see you soon.

[@scratchmadesimple2274]

Hi Joanne! You guessed correct! I think it has probably been a crazy past 2 years for just about all of us ;-D. I'm happy to say that we plan to start shooting again on a weekly basis, though! I hope you enjoy the new videos. Thanks for popping in to leave such a sweet comment. Happy Easter!

[@ralonzateal9610]

ok, only 10 minutes into the video, a few notes, 1. if you want to add onions, celery, garlic, you should saute it in the butter before adding the flour, 2. instead of paprika, try adding a little nutmeg instead, adds better flavor, 3. why are we adding eggs? if you are doing a cheese sauce from scratch, the eggs are not necessary, only if you do baked mac n cheese where you are boiling noodles, adding milk to the noodles, cheese, and then eggs, the eggs are the binder in this version, in your version, (scratch cheese sauce) your flour and the cheese sauce itself is the binder, you don't need the eggs!! 14:04- let us not neglect the noodles, if they have been sitting waiting on the sauce, when you put them in the pan, add a little olive oil to loosen them up a bit, and season the noodles, with pepper, italian seasoning, parsley, or whatever seasonings you like, add flavor on top of flavor, don't rely on just the cheese sauce alone. Also, since you are baking this dish for about 30 minutes, boiling noodles for 8-10 is the required time on the package, and works for other dishes, for mac and cheese, 6-7 minutes is sufficient as they will cook the rest of the way while baking. try experimenting with other cheeses too, not just cheddar!!

[@northernlassie2755]

You should have your very own KZbin channel so you can have it exactly as YOU like. Don't knock it 'till you try it!

[@ralonzateal9610]

@@northernlassie2755 I'm not knocking anything, she said she's a self taught cook, i add things to my mac and cheese constantly, merely making suggestions that may help her, if she doesn't use them or doesn't want to that is fine. As a cook, you should want to try to improve your cooking skills so one should welcome constructive criticism. Not sure how she came up with the recipe she used, but if one is looking for a creamy baked mac and cheese, if you are making the cheese sauce from scratch, which she did you do not need the eggs. Whenever you make any cheese sauce that starts with a roux or any soup, or gumbo that starts with a roux there are no eggs added to it, look up any recipe that has a roux as a starter. Now there are some cooks, youtubers who make make and cheese with just boiled noodles, tons of milk, sour cream, cheese and whatever other ingredients in addition to, and they add the egg to this version, so the cheese has something to bind or adhere to, in this recipe yes the eggs are needed. I am simply stating that in the cheese sauce that she made there is no need to add the eggs as the flour and cheese is her binder, that is all. if you tried this recipe, try it without the eggs and see the result you get, as there will be a different result!!

[@robertasolomon7052]

Why. Do. You. Put. Flour. IN Mac. And. Cheese

[@debbiemas4395]

ugh, you lost me when the kids showed up...

[@anncanham2870]

Agree lol

[@scratchmadesimple2274]

No worries, Deb...full recipes are in the description section below the video for people who don’t like children 😉.

[@nancycowan6109]

@Deb Yeah, it is so “ugh” when a young mom has her kids help with their favorite meal. 😏

[@robertasolomon7052]

I. Can’t. Eat. Onions. And. Garlan

[@robertasolomon7052]

I. Can’t. Eat. Onions. And. Harlan

[@tinadunlap6171]

Kids too much

[@lawrenceofarabiaarabia9177]

Oh how delicious, but oh so unhealthy for me. 😩

[@scratchmadesimple2274]

I know 😕 We don’t eat like this everyday, but when we do I enjoy it immensely!

[@lawrenceofarabiaarabia9177]

Scratch Made Simple -I would too. But, diabetes. 😒

[@scratchmadesimple2274]

Awwww I’m sorry ☹️

[@Kimvincenc]

That cheese sauce looks great. I’m not with you on the overcooking of the macaroni. Something to consider is to precook the macaroni for only 2-3 minutes only.

[@rayandkathyweddle2569]

That sounds like it would be quite uncooked to me.

[@Kimvincenc]

That is BEFORE you bake it. Hence it will not be overcooked.

[@b1k2q34]

I would say 8-10 minutes is too long. 5-6 minutes is usually perfect.

[@SuperWoodyboy]

WHY are you doing all of that silly cheese shredding???? Use a food processor or cut it in chunks....it melts in the hot milk! Jeesh!