This hearty Homemade Soul Food Chicken & Loaded Mac Skillet combines crispy Southern fried chicken, smoky grilled steak, seasoned chicken breast, sautéed peppers and onions, creamy baked mac and cheese, and a dollop of sour cream. It’s an over-the-top comfort food platter packed with bold Southern flavors that’s perfect for sharing or feeding a hungry crowd.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Extra crispy Southern fried chicken

Creamy homemade baked mac and cheese

Juicy Cajun grilled chicken

Tender seasoned steak strips

Colorful sautéed peppers and onions

Family-sized comfort food meal

Perfect for game day or weekend dinners

Recipe Information

Prep Time: 35 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Servings: 6

Ingredients:

Southern Fried Chicken

10–12 chicken wings or mixed chicken pieces

2 cups buttermilk

2 teaspoons hot sauce

2 cups all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons paprika

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon cayenne pepper

Vegetable oil for frying

Cajun Chicken

2 boneless chicken breasts, sliced

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

½ teaspoon garlic powder

Salt and black pepper

Steak

1 pound sirloin steak, sliced

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 teaspoon steak seasoning

½ teaspoon garlic powder

½ teaspoon black pepper

Peppers & Onions

1 green bell pepper, sliced

1 red bell pepper, sliced

1 onion, sliced

1 tablespoon butter

Homemade Baked Mac & Cheese

1 pound elbow macaroni

4 tablespoons butter

4 tablespoons flour

3 cups whole milk

1 cup heavy cream

2 cups sharp cheddar cheese

1 cup Monterey Jack cheese

1 cup mozzarella cheese

½ teaspoon smoked paprika

½ teaspoon garlic powder

Salt and black pepper

Garnish

Sour cream

Chopped parsley

Paprika

Instructions:

Step 1: Marinate the Fried Chicken

Combine buttermilk and hot sauce.

Add the chicken and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.

Step 2: Prepare the Mac & Cheese

Cook macaroni until al dente.

In a saucepan melt butter.

Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute.

Gradually whisk in milk and heavy cream.

Add:

Cheddar

Monterey Jack

Mozzarella

Garlic powder

Smoked paprika

Salt

Pepper

Stir until smooth.

Mix with the macaroni.

Transfer to a baking dish.

Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes until golden and bubbly.

Step 3: Fry the Chicken

Combine flour with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne.

Coat the marinated chicken.

Heat oil to 350°F (175°C).

Fry for 12–15 minutes until crispy and cooked through.

Drain on a wire rack.

Step 4: Cook the Cajun Chicken

Season chicken with Cajun seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

Cook in a hot skillet with olive oil for 6–8 minutes until golden and juicy.

Slice into bite-sized pieces.

Step 5: Cook the Steak

Season steak with steak seasoning, garlic powder, and pepper.

Sear over high heat for 3–4 minutes until browned but still tender.

Step 6: Sauté the Vegetables

Melt butter in a skillet.

Cook onions and peppers until tender-crisp.

Season lightly with salt and pepper.

Step 7: Assemble

Fill a large serving tray with:

Creamy baked mac and cheese

Cajun chicken

Steak strips

Sautéed peppers and onions

Crispy fried chicken

Top the mac and cheese with a generous spoonful of sour cream.

Finish with chopped parsley and a light sprinkle of paprika.

Serve hot.

Tips

Marinate the fried chicken overnight for maximum flavor.

Freshly grate the cheese for the smoothest mac and cheese.

Cook the steak quickly over high heat to keep it tender.

Let the fried chicken rest on a wire rack to stay crispy.

Add hot sauce for an extra kick.

Storage

Refrigerator: Up to 4 days.

Freezer: Fried chicken and mac and cheese freeze well for up to 2 months.

Reheat chicken in the oven or air fryer for the best texture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with:

Buttermilk biscuits

Southern coleslaw

Candied yams

Collard greens

Sweet tea

Peach cobbler or banana pudding for dessert

Final Thoughts

This Homemade Soul Food Chicken & Loaded Mac Skillet is a true comfort food feast. With crispy fried chicken, juicy Cajun chicken, tender steak, creamy baked mac and cheese, and sautéed peppers and onions, every bite is rich, satisfying, and full of homemade Southern flavor. Perfect for family dinners, celebrations, or whenever you’re craving a hearty soul food meal.