buffalo chicken mac n cheese recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
buffalo chicken mac n cheese recipe
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The Best buffalo chicken mac n cheese recipe

I’m a huge fan of comfort food, and this buffalo chicken mac n cheese recipe is one of my go-to’s when I need a warm hug in a bowl. The dish is a classic American creation, and its roots can be traced back to the 1950s and 60s when macaroni and cheese became a staple in many households. The addition of spicy buffalo chicken takes this comfort food to the next level, making it perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or even a quick weeknight dinner.

When I first made this recipe, I was amazed at how easily it came together – just cook some pasta, mix in shredded cheese and cooked chicken, and top it all off with a spicy buffalo sauce. It’s a game-changer for anyone who loves a good mac n cheese but wants to spice things up. The best part about this recipe is that it’s incredibly versatile.

You can adjust the level of heat to your liking by adding more or less buffalo sauce. If you’re feeling fancy, you can even add some diced veggies or breadcrumbs on top for added texture. And don’t even get me started on the health benefits – with pasta being the main ingredient, you’d think this dish would be a total calorie bomb.

But with the right portion sizes and ingredients, you can actually make it a relatively guilt-free meal option. One thing that really sets this recipe apart is the technique involved in making the perfect mac n cheese. It’s all about layering your ingredients correctly – start with a solid base of cooked pasta, then mix in your cheese sauce until it’s smooth and creamy.

Finally, top it all off with that spicy buffalo sauce for an added kick. It sounds simple enough, but trust me when I say it makes all the difference in the world.

Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese

Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese

4.8 from 1290 votes

A creamy, spicy twist on classic mac and cheese, featuring tender shredded chicken in a buffalo sauce-infused cheese sauce. This comforting dish is perfect for game day or a cozy weeknight dinner.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 550 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Pasta and Chicken

8 oz elbow macaroni
2 cups cooked shredded chicken
1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce

For the Cheese Sauce

2 tbsp unsalted butter
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper

For the Topping

1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
2 tbsp melted butter
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat your oven to 375°F.
2Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat, then add the elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, about 7 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3Drain the pasta in a colander and set aside.
4In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter until it sizzles.
5Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until the mixture turns a light golden color and smells nutty.
6Gradually pour in the milk and heavy cream while whisking continuously to prevent lumps.
7Continue cooking over medium heat, stirring often, for about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
8Reduce the heat to low and add the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, a handful at a time, whisking until fully melted and smooth after each addition.
9Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper, then remove the saucepan from the heat.
10In a large bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, shredded chicken, and buffalo wing sauce, tossing until evenly coated.
11Pour the cheese sauce over the mixture and stir well to combine everything thoroughly.
12Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish and spread it into an even layer.
13In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons of melted butter until the crumbs are moistened, then sprinkle the topping evenly over the mac and cheese.
14Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, until the sauce is bubbly around the edges and the breadcrumb topping is golden brown and crispy.
15Remove from the oven, let it rest for 5 minutes, then garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Medium saucepan
Whisk
9×13 inch baking dish
Mixing bowl
Oven

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 550 kcal🧈Total Fat: 32g💛Saturated Fat: 18g❤️Cholesterol: 110mg🧂Sodium: 980mg🌾Total Carbs: 38g🥦Dietary Fiber: 2g🍬Sugars: 6g🥩Protein: 28g

📝Notes

For a milder version, reduce the buffalo sauce to 1/4 cup or use a mild wing sauce. You can substitute rotisserie chicken to save time. To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs.

Watch Video Of How Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Works

This buffalo chicken mac n cheese recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner or something more impressive to serve at family gatherings.

One of my favorite things about this dish is how well it stores and reheats – simply place leftovers in an air-tight container and refrigerate or freeze as needed.

Reheating is also super easy; just microwave until hot and creamy again.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese

Q: What type of pasta should I use for this recipe?

A: For this buffalo chicken mac n cheese recipe, I highly recommend using a medium-sized elbow pasta. This will allow for the perfect balance of creamy sauce and crunchy pasta texture.

Q: Can I make this recipe without using blue cheese crumbles?

A: While blue cheese crumbles are definitely an optional ingredient in this recipe, you can omit them if you’re not a fan of strong cheeses. Simply substitute with an additional sprinkle of shredded cheddar or mozzarella instead.

Q: How long does it take to cook the pasta?

A: Cooking the pasta according to package instructions usually takes around 8-10 minutes for medium-sized elbows. Be sure to check on it frequently so it doesn’t overcook!

Q: Can I use leftover chicken for this recipe?

A: Absolutely! Using leftover chicken will save you time during prep work and still yield delicious results.

Q: Is there a way to make this recipe vegetarian-friendly?

A: To make this recipe vegetarian-friendly, simply substitute the chicken with roasted vegetables such as broccoli or cauliflower florets.

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