Description
Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese is a bold twist on the classic comfort food. It’s a creamy, cheesy dish with a spicy buffalo kick. Made with elbow macaroni, tender shredded chicken, and a blend of cheeses, this dish is rich, comforting, and packed with flavor. It’s perfect for cozy nights, potlucks, or game day.
Ingredients
2 cups elbow macaroni (or any pasta that holds sauce well)
2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (boneless, skinless)
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
1/2 cup cream cheese
1/4 cup blue cheese (optional)
1/2 cup buffalo sauce (adjust to spice level)
2 tablespoons butter
2 cups milk
2 tablespoons flour
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional for topping)
1/4 cup chopped green onions or parsley (optional for garnish)
Instructions
Cook the Pasta: Boil the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Cook the Chicken: Grill, bake, boil, or use store-bought rotisserie chicken. Shred it into small pieces.
Make the Cheese Sauce:
In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat.
Add flour and whisk continuously to make a roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes until it thickens.
Slowly pour in milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Let it cook for a few minutes until the sauce thickens.
Add cream cheese, cheddar, mozzarella, and blue cheese. Stir until the cheese is fully melted.
Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Combine Pasta, Chicken, and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta and shredded chicken to the cheese sauce. Stir until everything is coated evenly.
Prepare the Topping (optional):
Mix breadcrumbs with melted butter.
Sprinkle over the top of the mac and cheese.
Bake: Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbly.
Serve: Garnish with green onions or parsley and serve hot.
Notes
For a milder version, reduce the buffalo sauce or mix it with ranch dressing.
You can freeze the mac and cheese for up to 2 months. Just make sure it’s fully cooled before freezing.
Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free version.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American