Print

Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese

Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese
Print Recipe

Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese is a creamy, spicy, and flavorful comfort dish that combines tender chicken tossed in tangy buffalo sauce with rich, velvety cheese and perfectly cooked elbow macaroni. This crowd-pleasing recipe offers a balanced heat and creaminess, ideal for family dinners or game day, with customizable options to suit various dietary preferences.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta and Protein

  • 2 cups elbow macaroni
  • 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded

Buffalo Sauce

  • ½ cup buffalo sauce (made from hot sauce and melted butter)

Cheese Sauce

  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour for GF option)
  • 2 ½ cups milk or heavy cream
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated

Garnishes and Extras

  • 2 tablespoons chopped green onions or chives
  • Additional shredded cheese for topping (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta: Begin by boiling the elbow macaroni in salted water until al dente—cooked through but still firm. Drain and set aside to prevent overcooking during baking.
  2. Prepare the buffalo chicken: Toss the cooked, shredded chicken breast with buffalo sauce until fully coated, ensuring the chicken is evenly infused with spicy, tangy flavors.
  3. Make the cheese sauce: Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour to form a smooth roux and cook for about 1-2 minutes. Gradually add milk or heavy cream, whisking constantly until the sauce thickens. Stir in sharp cheddar and Parmesan cheeses until melted and silky smooth.
  4. Combine pasta, chicken, and sauce: Gently mix the cooked pasta, buffalo chicken, and cheese sauce together in a large bowl, making sure every piece is covered with the creamy, cheesy buffalo goodness.
  5. Bake and garnish: Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish. Sprinkle additional cheese on top if desired, then bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden. Finish by garnishing with chopped green onions or chives for freshness and color.

Notes

  • Always use sharp cheddar for the best balance of tangy flavor and creaminess.
  • Don’t overcook pasta; slightly undercook it to prevent mushy noodles after baking.
  • Make your own buffalo sauce by mixing melted butter and hot sauce for a fresh, spicy kick.
  • Reserve some pasta water to adjust the cheese sauce texture if it becomes too thick.
  • Use freshly shredded cheese rather than pre-shredded for a smoother sauce consistency.

Nutrition

Keywords: Buffalo chicken, mac and cheese, spicy, comfort food, baked macaroni, creamy, buffalo sauce, cheesy, family-friendly, game day

Find it online: https://ninagourmet.com/buffalo-chicken-mac-and-cheese/