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
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2 cups elbow macaroni (or any pasta that holds sauce well)
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2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (boneless, skinless)
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1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
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1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
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1/2 cup cream cheese
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1/4 cup blue cheese (optional)
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1/2 cup buffalo sauce (adjust to spice level)
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2 tablespoons butter
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2 cups milk
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2 tablespoons flour
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1 teaspoon onion powder
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Salt and pepper to taste
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1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional for topping)
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1/4 cup chopped green onions or parsley (optional for garnish)
Instructions
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Cook the Pasta: Boil the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
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Cook the Chicken: Grill, bake, boil, or use store-bought rotisserie chicken. Shred it into small pieces.
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Make the Cheese Sauce:
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In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat.
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Add flour and whisk continuously to make a roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes until it thickens.
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Slowly pour in milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Let it cook for a few minutes until the sauce thickens.
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Add cream cheese, cheddar, mozzarella, and blue cheese. Stir until the cheese is fully melted.
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Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
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Combine Pasta, Chicken, and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta and shredded chicken to the cheese sauce. Stir until everything is coated evenly.
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Prepare the Topping (optional):
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Mix breadcrumbs with melted butter.
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Sprinkle over the top of the mac and cheese.
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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.
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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