Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe

Introduction

Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food mashup, combining the creamy, cheesy goodness of macaroni and cheese with the bold, spicy flavors of buffalo chicken. This dish has everything: creamy cheese sauce, tender pasta, succulent chunks of buffalo chicken, and a zesty kick from the hot sauce. Whether you’re serving it up for a family dinner, a casual get-together, or as a crowd-pleasing party dish, Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese is sure to satisfy both comfort food cravings and a love for bold flavors.

The dish is the perfect balance of creamy, spicy, and cheesy, with tender pasta and chunks of perfectly cooked chicken. A crunchy topping adds texture, while a drizzle of buffalo sauce takes it over the top. If you’re a fan of spicy buffalo wings and the rich, cheesy comfort of mac and cheese, this recipe is going to become a new favorite.

This recipe walks you through making Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese from scratch, offering tips for perfecting the sauce, cooking the chicken, and customizing it to your liking. Get ready to take your mac and cheese game to the next level with this irresistible dish!

Why You’ll Love Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese

• Perfect Flavor Combination: The creamy, cheesy sauce blends perfectly with the spicy, tangy buffalo sauce, making this dish a flavor explosion in every bite. It’s the best of both worlds, combining comfort food with bold, spicy heat.
• Comforting and Filling: Mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort food, and adding buffalo chicken to the mix makes this dish filling and satisfying. It’s a hearty meal that will keep you full and content.
• Simple Ingredients: You don’t need a long list of exotic ingredients to make this dish. Basic pantry staples like pasta, cheese, chicken, and buffalo sauce come together to create something extraordinary.
• Customizable: Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese is versatile and can be adjusted to suit your preferences. You can add extra vegetables, spice it up with more hot sauce, or even add a crunchy topping for texture.
• Crowd-Pleasing: Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or hosting a gathering, this dish is a surefire hit. It’s the kind of comfort food that everyone will love, especially those who enjoy a little heat with their food.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 45-50 minutes
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
• Servings: Approximately 6-8 servings
• Calories per Serving: Around 500-600 calories per serving, depending on ingredients and portion size.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 500-600 kcal
• Fat: 25-30g
• Carbohydrates: 45-55g
• Protein: 30-35g
• Fiber: 2-4g
• Sugar: 5-7g

Ingredients

For the Buffalo Chicken:

• 2 large chicken breasts (about 1 lb), boneless and skinless
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• ½ cup buffalo sauce (plus more for drizzling)

For the Mac and Cheese:

• 1 lb elbow macaroni (or your choice of pasta)
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• ½ cup panko breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Chicken

Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts and cook them for 5-7 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. You can check for doneness by cutting into the thickest part of the chicken to ensure there is no pink inside.

Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside to rest for a few minutes. After it has rested, shred the chicken using two forks. Toss the shredded chicken with ½ cup of buffalo sauce, making sure it’s evenly coated. Set aside for later.

2. Cook the Pasta

While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package instructions, usually 8-10 minutes, until the pasta is al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.

3. Make the Cheese Sauce

To make the creamy cheese sauce, melt the butter in a large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, whisk in the flour to create a roux. Cook the roux for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until it’s lightly golden and bubbly. This helps eliminate the raw flour taste and creates the base for your sauce.

Slowly add the milk and heavy cream to the roux, whisking constantly to prevent any lumps from forming. Continue cooking the mixture, stirring occasionally, until it starts to thicken, about 4-5 minutes. Once the sauce is thickened, add the shredded cheddar cheese and mozzarella cheese, stirring until the cheese has completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.

Add the garlic powder, onion powder, Dijon mustard, salt, and freshly ground black pepper to the sauce, stirring to combine. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if necessary.

4. Combine the Pasta, Buffalo Chicken, and Cheese Sauce

Once the cheese sauce is ready, add the cooked pasta to the sauce, stirring gently to coat the pasta with the creamy cheese sauce. Add the buffalo chicken to the pasta and sauce, folding it in to evenly distribute the chicken throughout the dish. If the sauce seems too thick, you can add a splash of milk to loosen it up.

5. Optional: Add a Crunchy Topping

For extra texture, top the Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese with panko breadcrumbs. To do this, melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the panko breadcrumbs and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until they are golden brown and crispy. Sprinkle the toasted breadcrumbs on top of the mac and cheese before serving.

6. Serve and Garnish

Once everything is well mixed, transfer the Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese to a large serving dish. If desired, drizzle more buffalo sauce on top for an extra kick of heat. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve immediately while it’s warm and gooey.

Tips for Perfect Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese

• Use Rotisserie Chicken for Convenience: If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken breasts. Just shred the chicken and toss it with buffalo sauce before adding it to the pasta.
• Customize the Spice Level: Adjust the amount of buffalo sauce to control the heat. If you like it mild, use less buffalo sauce, or for more spice, add extra sauce or even a bit of hot sauce.
• Add Extra Veggies: You can sneak in some extra vegetables like spinach, peas, or bell peppers for added nutrition and flavor. Sauté the veggies with the chicken or mix them into the sauce.
• Make it Extra Cheesy: For an even creamier dish, add more cheese to the sauce. You can experiment with different types of cheese like Gouda, fontina, or cream cheese for a richer texture.
• Use a Casserole Dish for Baking: If you prefer a baked version of this dish, transfer the mixture to a greased casserole dish, top with panko breadcrumbs and more cheese, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden.

Variations of Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese

• Spicy Bacon Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese: Add crispy bacon to the dish for an extra smoky flavor. Simply cook the bacon until crispy, crumble it, and mix it into the mac and cheese along with the buffalo chicken.
• Vegetarian Buffalo Mac and Cheese: For a vegetarian twist, replace the chicken with crispy buffalo cauliflower. Simply roast cauliflower florets tossed in buffalo sauce until tender, then fold them into the cheese sauce.
• BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese: For a BBQ version, substitute the buffalo sauce with your favorite barbecue sauce. Combine it with the cheese sauce for a tangy, smoky mac and cheese.
• Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese with Blue Cheese: For blue cheese lovers, crumble some blue cheese into the sauce or sprinkle it on top as a garnish. The tangy, sharp flavor of blue cheese complements the buffalo chicken beautifully.

Storage and Shelf Life

Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers for later. Place any leftover mac and cheese in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken as it cools, so when reheating, you can add a little milk or cream to restore its creamy consistency.

To reheat, simply warm the mac and cheese in the microwave or on the stovetop, stirring occasionally and adding liquid if needed to achieve the desired texture.

Side Dishes and Pairings for Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese

Pair your Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese with complementary sides to create a well-rounded meal:

• Garlic Bread: A crispy, buttery slice of garlic bread is the perfect accompaniment to mac and cheese. It’s great for dipping into the cheesy sauce.
• Coleslaw: A tangy and crunchy coleslaw adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the mac and cheese. The creamy dressing pairs well with the spicy buffalo chicken.
• Roasted Vegetables: Serve your Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese with roasted vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, or carrots. The slight bitterness of the roasted veggies complements the rich flavors of the dish.
• Buffalo Cauliflower Bites: For extra buffalo flavor, serve the mac and cheese with crispy buffalo cauliflower bites. They make a great side dish or additional protein option.

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Conclusion

Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese takes the classic mac and cheese to a whole new level, blending creamy, cheesy goodness with the bold, spicy flavors of buffalo chicken. It’s a dish that brings together comfort food and excitement in every bite. Whether you make it for a family dinner or a special occasion, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. With simple ingredients, easy preparation, and endless customization options, this recipe is one you’ll want to make again and again. Enjoy the spicy, cheesy, creamy deliciousness of Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese!