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- 2 cups elbow macaroni - 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded - 1 cup buffalo sauce - 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded - 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded - 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 2 tablespoons butter - 1/4 cup all-purpose flour - 3 cups milk - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh chives or parsley for garnish Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese brings comfort food to a new level. The dish combines creamy cheese, tender chicken, and spicy buffalo sauce. Each bite is a delight. You start with the main ingredients. Elbow macaroni holds the dish together. Shredded cooked chicken adds protein. The buffalo sauce offers the perfect kick. Next, we have the cheese varieties. Sharp cheddar gives a rich flavor. Mozzarella adds a nice stretch. Cream cheese makes the sauce creamy and smooth. For additional components, we use grated Parmesan. This adds a salty touch. Butter and flour create a roux for the cheese sauce. The roux thickens the sauce nicely. Lastly, the seasonings elevate the dish. Milk gives it the right consistency. Garlic and onion powders add depth. Salt and pepper make everything pop. Fresh chives or parsley add color and freshness. Gather all these ingredients. You are ready to make a dish that warms the heart and pleases the palate. {{ingredient_image_1}} To cook elbow macaroni, start with a large pot. Fill it with water and add salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil. Add the macaroni and stir gently to prevent sticking. Cook according to the package directions until al dente. This means the pasta should be firm but not hard. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside. For al dente texture, keep an eye on the clock. Check the pasta a minute or two before the package time. You want it slightly undercooked, as it will continue to cook in the oven. To make the cheese sauce, first, melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk until smooth, creating a roux. Cook this mixture for about 1-2 minutes. This step helps remove the raw flour taste. Proper whisking is key. It helps blend the butter and flour without lumps. After making the roux, slowly add milk while whisking. This will ensure a creamy, smooth sauce. Continue cooking until it thickens, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Next, gently fold in the shredded chicken and buffalo sauce. Use a spatula and be careful not to break the chicken apart too much. Mix until everything is well combined. Adjust the buffalo sauce amount to your liking. If you want more heat, add more sauce! Now, toss the cooked macaroni into the cheese and chicken mixture. Stir well to ensure every piece of pasta is coated. This step is important for even flavor and creaminess. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial for even cooking. While the oven heats up, transfer the mac and cheese mixture to a greased baking dish. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top for a nice crust. Bake for 20-25 minutes. Look for a bubbly surface and a golden top as signs of doneness. When it’s ready, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy this comforting dish! To avoid lumps, whisk the flour and butter well. Cook the roux for 1-2 minutes. Then, add the milk slowly while whisking. This keeps the sauce smooth. For the best cheese melt, always use room temperature cheese. It melts better than cold cheese. Stir the cheese in gradually. This helps it blend perfectly into the sauce. To modify the buffalo sauce, start with half the amount of sauce. Taste and add more if you want more heat. You can also mix in ranch dressing to cool it down. Balancing heat is key. Add more cream cheese or cheddar cheese to tone down the spice. These ingredients create a creamy texture that helps even out the heat. For aesthetics, serve in bright bowls. Drizzling extra buffalo sauce on top adds a nice touch. Garnish with fresh chives or parsley for color. Side dishes pair well with this dish. Try celery sticks or carrot sticks for crunch. Fresh salad can also lighten the meal and add freshness. Pro Tips Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer a milder dish, start with less buffalo sauce and gradually add more until you reach your desired heat. This way, you can customize it to your taste! Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with different cheese blends! Adding smoked gouda or pepper jack can give a unique flavor to your mac and cheese. Make It Ahead: You can prepare the mac and cheese mixture a day in advance. Just assemble everything and store it in the fridge. When ready to serve, bake it directly from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time. Add a Crunchy Topping: For an extra layer of texture, combine breadcrumbs with a bit of melted butter and sprinkle on top before baking for a deliciously crunchy finish. {{image_2}} You can switch out the chicken for turkey or tofu. Both options work well and still taste great. Turkey gives a similar flavor to chicken but adds a twist. Tofu is a fun choice for a plant-based version. Just make sure to press it to remove extra moisture. You can also add shrimp or other seafood. Shrimp cooks quickly and adds a nice texture. Just toss it in during the last few minutes of cooking. Experimenting with cheese can change how your dish tastes. You can try gouda or pepper jack for a different flavor. Both melt well and add a unique touch. If you want a dairy-free option, look for plant-based cheeses. Many brands now offer great alternatives that melt nicely. Just check the label for the best options. You can cook this dish in different ways. For a quick meal, use an Instant Pot or pressure cooker. This method saves time and keeps everything moist. Just follow the same steps but adjust cooking times. If you prefer a skillet dish, cook everything in one pan. This method gives a crispy edge. Baked versions are classic, and they get that lovely golden crust on top. Choose the method that fits your style or mood. To keep your Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese fresh, store it right. First, let it cool to room temperature. Then, place it in an airtight container. This helps keep moisture in and air out. Use glass or plastic containers that seal well. These are best for refrigeration. When you want to enjoy leftovers, reheat them carefully. The oven is the best choice. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the dish in the oven for 15-20 minutes. This warms it through without drying it out. If you use a microwave, cover the dish with a damp paper towel. This helps keep the mac and cheese moist while heating. Yes, you can freeze Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese! To do so, first cool it completely. Then, portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it in the oven for the best taste. To add more heat, you can use extra buffalo sauce. Start with a little, then taste and adjust. You can also mix in chopped jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes. If you want a smoky flavor, add some smoked paprika. These small changes can really ramp up the spice! Yes, you can easily make this dish gluten-free. Use gluten-free elbow macaroni instead of regular pasta. Many brands offer great options that taste just as good. Make sure to check the labels for other ingredients, like the buffalo sauce and cream cheese, to ensure they’re gluten-free too. Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese can last 3 to 5 days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container. Check for signs of spoilage, like a bad smell or mold. If it looks or smells off, it’s best to throw it away. You can prepare this dish ahead of time. Make the entire recipe, then store it in the fridge before baking. When you're ready to cook, just pop it in the oven. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the bake time if it’s cold from the fridge. This makes it easy for busy nights! Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese is a delicious twist on a classic dish. We covered the key ingredients, from pasta to cheese and spices. You learned the right steps for cooking and baking, plus tips for the best taste and presentation. Remember, variations can make it unique to you. Store leftovers properly to enjoy later. With easy adjustments, you can tailor spice and protein. Dive into this tasty meal anytime!

Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese

A spicy and creamy mac and cheese dish with shredded chicken and buffalo sauce.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups elbow macaroni
  • 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
  • 1 cup buffalo sauce
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 1 2 cream cheese, softened
  • 1 4 grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 4 all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups milk
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for garnish fresh chives or parsley

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1-2 minutes until lightly browned.
  • Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring no lumps remain. Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
  • Reduce heat to low and stir in the cream cheese until melted. Then add the sharp cheddar and mozzarella, stirring until fully melted and smooth.
  • Gently fold in the shredded chicken and buffalo sauce into the cheese mixture until combined. Adjust buffalo sauce quantity to reach your desired spice level.
  • Toss the cooked macaroni into the cheese and chicken mixture, stirring until the pasta is thoroughly coated.
  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish. Top with grated Parmesan cheese.
  • Bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
  • Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly. Garnish with fresh chives or parsley before serving.

Notes

Serve in individual bowls, and drizzle extra buffalo sauce on top for a spicy kick. Enjoy with celery sticks or carrot sticks on the side for a complete experience!
Keyword buffalo chicken, comfort food, mac and cheese