buffalo chicken mac recipe

buffalo chicken mac recipe

The Best buffalo chicken mac recipe

I’m so excited to share with you my favorite buffalo chicken mac recipe that has been a staple in our household for years. This dish is a perfect blend of spicy and savory flavors that will leave you craving for more. The combination of tender chicken, creamy macaroni, and tangy buffalo sauce is a match made in heaven.

I’ve made this recipe countless times for family gatherings, game nights, and even just a quick weeknight dinner. My kids love helping me in the kitchen, especially when we’re making this recipe as it’s one of their favorites too. The best part about this recipe is that it’s incredibly easy to make and can be customized to suit everyone’s taste.

My husband is a big fan of spicy food, so I always add an extra kick by sprinkling some red pepper flakes on top. But feel free to adjust the level of heat to your liking. One thing that sets this recipe apart from other mac and cheese recipes is the addition of chopped chicken which adds protein and texture to the dish.

It’s also a great way to use up leftover chicken if you have any lying around. I love how this recipe can be made in advance and refrigerated or even frozen for later use. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when I need something quick and easy but still satisfying.

I’ve served this at potlucks, picnics, and even as a side dish at holiday gatherings. It’s always a crowd-pleaser! I’ve also been experimenting with different types of pasta to see which one works best with this recipe.

So far, I’ve found that shells or elbow macaroni are my top choices but feel free to experiment with other shapes too. One thing that’s really interesting about this recipe is its origins. Apparently, buffalo chicken mac was born out of necessity in the southern United States where it was first served as a comfort food during the Great Depression.

Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese

Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese

4.6 from 1635 votes

A spicy twist on classic mac and cheese, this buffalo chicken mac and cheese combines tender chicken, creamy cheese sauce, and a kick of buffalo sauce. Perfect for a crowd-pleasing dinner.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Pasta

8 oz elbow macaroni

For the Chicken

1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 tbsp olive oil
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper

For the Sauce

2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 cups milk
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup buffalo sauce
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder

For Topping

1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese
1/4 cup chopped green onions

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat oven to 375°F.
2Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
3Add elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
4Drain and set aside.
5Season chicken breasts with salt and black pepper.
6Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
7Add chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes per side.
8Remove from heat and shred the chicken using two forks.
Set aside.
9In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
10Add flour and whisk to form a roux.
11Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly until the mixture turns light brown.
12Gradually whisk in milk, and cook until the sauce thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
13Stir in cheddar cheese, buffalo sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
14Add the cooked macaroni and shredded chicken to the sauce.
15Mix well to combine.
16Transfer the mixture to a baking dish.
17Top with crumbled blue cheese and chopped green onions.
18Bake for 15-20 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbly.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Baking sheet
Oven
Large skillet
Whisk
Mixing bowl

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 5g❤️Cholesterol: 30mg🧂Sodium: 600mg🌾Total Carbs: 45g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 15g

📝Notes

Tips: For an extra kick, add more buffalo sauce to the cheese sauce. Add vegetables like bell peppers or celery for added nutrition and texture.

Watch Video Of How Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Works

This buffalo chicken mac recipe has become an essential part of our household repertoire over the years. It’s perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or even just a quick weeknight dinner.

One thing that makes this recipe so special is how versatile it is – you can customize it to suit everyone’s taste by adjusting the level of heat or adding your favorite toppings. If you’re looking for a delicious and comforting dish that will please both kids and adults alike, look no further than this buffalo chicken mac recipe.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese

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

I recommend using shells or elbow macaroni as they hold onto the sauce perfectly. Feel free to experiment with other shapes like penne or rotini if you prefer.

Q: Can I make this recipe vegetarian by substituting chicken with another protein?

Yes, you can easily swap out the chicken for cooked tofu, tempeh, or even seitan if you prefer a meat-free option.

Q: How do I adjust the level of heat in this recipe?

You can adjust the level of heat by adding more or less hot sauce or red pepper flakes depending on your preference.

Q: Can I make this recipe in advance and store it in the fridge or freezer?

Yes, you can make this recipe up to 24 hours in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer for later use.

Q: How do I reheat this recipe after storing it in the fridge or freezer?

To reheat, simply microwave it until hot and steaming or bake it in the oven until crispy on top.

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