Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese is the perfect combination of creamy, cheesy comfort food and the spicy kick of Buffalo chicken. This crowd-pleasing dish is great for game day, potlucks, or just a fun family dinner. Here’s how you can make it at home, with a creamy mac and cheese base topped with flavorful Buffalo chicken.
Ingredients
For the Buffalo Chicken:
- Chicken breasts: 2, cooked and shredded
- Buffalo sauce: ½ cup (adjust according to your heat preference)
- Butter: 2 tablespoons, melted
- Garlic powder: 1 teaspoon
For the Mac and Cheese:
- Elbow macaroni: 1 lb, cooked according to package instructions
- Butter: ¼ cup
- All-purpose flour: ¼ cup
- Milk: 2 cups
- Sharp cheddar cheese: 2 cups, shredded
- Monterey Jack cheese: 1 cup, shredded
- Cream cheese: 4 oz, softened
- Salt and pepper: to taste
For the Topping (optional):
- Panko breadcrumbs: ½ cup
- Butter: 2 tablespoons, melted
- Blue cheese crumbles: ¼ cup
Step 1: Prepare the Buffalo Chicken
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken, Buffalo sauce, melted butter, and garlic powder. Toss everything together until the chicken is well-coated with the sauce. Set this aside while you prepare the mac and cheese.
Note: If you prefer less heat, adjust the amount of Buffalo sauce to your liking, or use a milder wing sauce.
Step 2: Cook the Macaroni
Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside. Be sure not to overcook the macaroni, as it will continue to soften when baked with the cheese sauce.
Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce
In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for about 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to remove the raw flour taste.
Gradually add the milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Let the mixture simmer and thicken for about 3-5 minutes.
Once the sauce has thickened, reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, and cream cheese. Continue stirring until all the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with saltand pepper to taste.
Step 4: Combine the Mac and Cheese with Buffalo Chicken
Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce. Next, fold in the Buffalo chicken mixture, making sure the chicken is well-distributed throughout the cheesy pasta.
Step 5: Prepare the Topping (Optional)
For an added crunch and extra flavor, mix the panko breadcrumbs with melted butter in a small bowl. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the top of the mac and cheese. If you enjoy blue cheese, sprinkle blue cheese crumbles over the top as well for that tangy, classic Buffalo flavor.
Step 6: Bake the Mac and Cheese
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the Buffalo chicken mac and cheese mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. If you’re using the breadcrumb and blue cheese topping, sprinkle it evenly over the top.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and the mac and cheese is bubbling around the edges.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Once baked, remove the Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with additional Buffalo sauce, blue cheese crumbles, or chopped green onions if desired. This creamy, cheesy, and spicy dish is sure to be a hit at any meal!
Cooking Notes:
- Buffalo Chicken: You can use rotisserie chicken or leftover chicken breasts for a quick shortcut.
- Cheese: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. Gouda, mozzarella, or even pepper jack can add unique flavors.
- Spiciness: If you prefer a milder version, use less Buffalo sauce or mix it with ranch dressing for a creamy twist.
Variations:
1. Bacon Buffalo Mac and Cheese:
Add crispy cooked bacon bits to the mac and cheese for extra richness and a smoky flavor that pairs beautifully with the Buffalo sauce.
2. Ranch Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese:
Mix ½ cup of ranch dressing into the cheese sauce before adding the pasta for a creamy ranch twist on this classic dish.
3. Vegetarian Buffalo Mac and Cheese:
Skip the chicken and add roasted cauliflower or chickpeas for a meatless alternative that still delivers on flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the mac and cheese ahead of time and refrigerate it before baking. Just cover it tightly and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes, then bake as directed.
Q: Can I freeze Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese?
Yes, you can freeze this dish. After baking, allow it to cool completely, then wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven until heated through.
Q: Can I use store-bought Buffalo sauce?
Absolutely! Store-bought Buffalo sauce works perfectly in this recipe, and you can adjust the heat level based on the brand you choose.
This Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese combines two comfort food classics into one irresistible dish. The creamy mac and cheese base pairs perfectly with the spicy, flavorful Buffalo chicken, while the optional crunchy topping adds texture and richness. Whether you’re hosting a game day party or just looking for a satisfying weeknight meal, this dish is sure to impress. Customize it to suit your heat tolerance, add your favorite toppings, and enjoy a deliciously indulgent meal!
