Description
Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese is a creamy, hearty comfort food that combines tender chicken, rich melted cheese, and spicy buffalo sauce for a flavorful twist on classic mac and cheese. Perfect for family dinners or game days, this dish balances heat and creaminess that delights every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni (or any small pasta shape)
Chicken
- 2 cups cooked shredded or diced chicken breast
Buffalo Sauce
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce (mild, medium, or hot depending on heat preference)
Cheese Blend
- 4 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 4 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
Roux Base
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or cornstarch for gluten-free)
Dairy
- 2 cups milk or cream
Seasonings
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil elbow macaroni or preferred pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside to prevent mushiness when mixed with sauce.
- Prepare the Chicken: If not already cooked, poach or roast chicken breasts then shred or dice into bite-sized pieces. Mix chicken with buffalo sauce thoroughly to coat evenly.
- Make the Roux: In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes until it forms a smooth paste that thickens sauce without lumps.
- Create the Cheese Sauce: Slowly whisk in milk or cream, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Once thickened, add cream cheese, shredded cheddar, and mozzarella. Stir until fully melted and creamy. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Combine Buffalo Sauce and Chicken: In a separate bowl, mix cooked chicken pieces with buffalo sauce well to ensure every bite is flavorful.
- Mix Everything Together: Fold the buffalo chicken into the cheese sauce. Gently stir in the cooked pasta until noodles are completely coated in creamy, spicy sauce.
- Bake for Extra Comfort: Transfer the mixture to a baking dish. Optionally top with additional shredded cheese or breadcrumbs. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
Notes
- Use sharp cheddar for rich, tangy flavor that complements buffalo sauce.
- Do not overcook pasta; al dente maintains texture during baking.
- Prepare sauce and chicken mixture ahead to save time on busy days.
- Adjust sauce creaminess by adding extra milk or cheese as desired.
- Use fresh buffalo sauce for best flavor and spice impact.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 90mg