When it comes to comfort food, few dishes rival the creamy, cheesy goodness of mac and cheese. But what if we kicked it up a notch? Enter Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese! This dish combines the rich, creamy flavors of traditional mac and cheese with the spicy, tangy punch of Buffalo chicken. It’s the ultimate mashup that’s perfect for game day, family dinners, or even just a cozy night in. Best of all? It’s an easy recipe that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Below, you’ll find everything you need to whip up this irresistible dish, from a simple ingredient list to step-by-step instructions. Plus, I’ll throw in some tips for customization to make it your own!
Ingredients
You’ll need the following ingredients to create your Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese masterpiece:
For the Pasta & Sauce:
- 1 lb (16 oz) elbow macaroni or shell pasta
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 ½ cups whole milk (warm)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- ½ cup crumbled blue cheese (optional but highly recommended)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Chicken & Buffalo Sauce:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie chicken works great!)
- ⅓ cup Frank’s RedHot Buffalo Wing Sauce (or your favorite Buffalo sauce)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
For Topping (Optional):
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by boiling your pasta in a large pot of salted water until it’s al dente (follow package instructions). Drain, but don’t rinse. Set aside.
2. Prepare the Buffalo Chicken:
While the pasta cooks, heat a small skillet over medium heat. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter, then stir in the Buffalo sauce and garlic powder. Add the chicken and toss to coat evenly. Lower the heat and keep warm.
3. Make the Cheese Sauce:
- In a large saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk constantly for 1–2 minutes to create a roux.
- Gradually pour in the warm milk and cream, whisking as you go to dissolve the roux. Simmer until the mixture thickens slightly, about 3–4 minutes.
- Lower the heat and stir in the cheddar, mozzarella, and blue cheese (if using) until the sauce is smooth and melty. Add salt and pepper to taste.
4. Combine Everything:
Add the cooked, drained pasta to the cheese sauce, stirring to coat evenly. Fold in the prepared Buffalo chicken and stir gently until everything is well mixed.
5. Add the Topping (Optional):
For a crispy topping, combine panko breadcrumbs with melted butter. Sprinkle the mixture over the top of your mac and cheese, then broil in the oven for 3–5 minutes until golden brown.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Spoon the Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese into bowls, top with extra blue cheese crumbles or chopped chives if desired, and serve immediately. Pair with a green salad or celery sticks to balance out the rich, spicy flavors.
Tips for Customization
- Milder Flavor: If you prefer less heat, reduce the Buffalo sauce or use a milder brand.
- Protein Swap: Try swapping chicken for shredded turkey, ground beef, or even crispy tofu for a fun twist.
- Extra Veggies: Sneak in extra nutrition by adding roasted broccoli, diced bell peppers, or halved cherry tomatoes into the mix.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs if needed.
- Ranch Lovers Unite: Drizzle some ranch dressing on top for that classic Buffalo pairing.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese isn’t just food; it’s an experience! The zesty kick of Buffalo sauce, paired with the creamy cheese sauce, makes every bite bold and satisfying. Whether you’re serving it to hungry kids, impressing guests at a potluck, or indulging in a solo dinner, this recipe hits all the right notes.
Now that you’ve got the recipe, it’s time to grab your ingredients and start cooking. Once you try this, don’t be surprised if it becomes a regular on your comfort food rotation!
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