Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe For Bold Comfort

Creamy buffalo chicken mac cheese combines spicy comfort with classic pasta perfection.

Southern kitchens and casual dinner tables absolutely love this mouthwatering fusion of hearty flavors.

Crowd-pleasing recipes rarely feel this exciting and satisfying simultaneously.

Bold and rich textures merge seamlessly in every delectable bite.

Passionate home cooks appreciate how simple ingredients can create something extraordinarily delicious.

Tantalizing aromas promise pure satisfaction from the moment preparation begins.

Gather your favorite serving dishes and prepare for a seriously memorable meal that will impress everyone around your table.

Standout Features Of Buffalo Chicken Mac Cheese

• Crowd-Pleaser Comfort: This mac and cheese turns an ordinary dinner into a total flavor party that will have everyone around the table asking for seconds.
• Super Simple Cooking: Even newbie cooks can nail this recipe with basic kitchen skills and a few straightforward steps that come together quickly.
• Protein-Packed Meal: Shredded chicken transforms classic mac and cheese into a hearty main dish that keeps your hunger satisfied for hours.
• Flexible Flavor Potential: Adjust the Buffalo sauce amount to make the dish mild or spicy, matching exactly what your family or friends prefer in their meal.

What Goes Into Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese

• Elbow Macaroni (1 pound): The perfect pasta shape that catches all the cheesy sauce in its curves. This will be the foundation of your Buffalo chicken mac and cheese.

• Sharp Cheddar Cheese (2 cups): Provides a tangy, rich cheese flavor that melts beautifully.
• Gouda Cheese (1 cup): Adds a smooth, slightly sweet complement to the cheddar. These cheeses create a luxurious sauce base.

• Cooked Shredded Chicken (2 cups): Tender chicken that brings protein and substance to the dish.
• Buffalo Wing Sauce (1/2 cup): Delivers that classic spicy kick that defines the Buffalo chicken experience.

• Whole Milk (2 1/2 cups): Creates a silky, smooth sauce base.
• Unsalted Butter (3 tablespoons): Helps build the roux and adds richness.
• All-Purpose Flour (1/4 cup): Thickens the sauce and creates a smooth texture.

• Garlic Powder (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a subtle background flavor.
• Salt and Pepper (to taste): Enhances all the other ingredients’ flavors.

• Panko Breadcrumbs (1/2 cup): Provides a crunchy contrast to the creamy mac and cheese.
• Melted Butter (2 tablespoons): Helps the breadcrumbs brown and crisp up.

• Fresh Parsley (chopped): Brings a fresh, bright finish to the dish.

Prep Tools For This Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese

• Large Pot (5-6 quart): Your primary cooking vessel for creating the creamy cheese sauce and mixing ingredients.
• 9×13 Inch Baking Dish: Perfect for assembling and baking your mac and cheese with enough space for even cooking.
• Whisk: Essential for smoothly blending flour, milk, and preventing lumps in your cheese sauce.
• Colander: Helps drain your pasta quickly and efficiently after cooking.
• Cutting Board: Where you’ll shred your chicken and chop fresh parsley for garnish.
• Sharp Chef’s Knife: Needed for precise chicken and parsley preparation.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient quantities for consistent results.
• Small Mixing Bowl: Great for combining breadcrumbs and melted butter for the crispy topping.
• Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula: Helps stir and fold ingredients without scratching your pot.

How To Make Buffalo Chicken Mac Cheese

Little Things That Help With Buffalo Chicken Mac Cheese

• Whisk milk slowly into the roux to prevent lumps and create a silky smooth sauce that coats your pasta perfectly.
• Add Buffalo sauce gradually, tasting as you go, so your mac and cheese has the right kick without overwhelming heat.
• Mix panko with melted butter before sprinkling on top to ensure your mac and cheese develops a golden, crispy surface.
• Shred rotisserie chicken for maximum flavor and convenience when preparing this creamy, spicy dish.
• Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley right before serving to add a bright, fresh contrast to the rich, cheesy mac.

Flavorful Options for Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese

• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Replace shredded chicken with crispy roasted chickpeas or crumbled plant-based chicken alternative, maintaining the same spicy Buffalo sauce kick for your meal.
• Gluten-Free Comfort: Swap regular elbow macaroni with gluten-free pasta and use gluten-free flour for the roux, ensuring your creamy mac and cheese remains safe for sensitive diets.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Substitute dairy cheeses with cashew or coconut-based cheese alternatives and use plant milk, keeping the Buffalo sauce and overall flavor profile consistent with the original recipe.
• Lower-Carb Option: Replace traditional pasta with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles, reducing carbohydrate content while preserving the rich, spicy Buffalo chicken essence of the dish.

Best Serving Options for Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese

• Serve with Cool Salad: Balance the spicy mac and cheese with a crisp green salad dressed in a light ranch or blue cheese vinaigrette to cut through the richness.
• Pair with Chilled Beverage: Grab a cold beer or a tangy hard cider to complement the Buffalo sauce’s heat and refresh your palate between bites.
• Create Side Veggie: Roast some broccoli or cauliflower with a light seasoning to add a nutritious and simple vegetable complement to this hearty dish.
• Garnish with Extra Flavor: Sprinkle some crumbled blue cheese or additional chopped green onions on top for a zesty final touch that enhances the Buffalo chicken profile.

Best Storage Method for Buffalo Chicken Mac Cheese

• Refrigerate leftover mac and cheese in an airtight container for up to 4 days, making sure the lid fits snugly to keep the dish fresh.
• Freeze portions in sealed freezer-safe containers for quick weeknight meals, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Reheat refrigerated portions in the microwave, stirring halfway through to distribute heat evenly and prevent dry spots.
• When storing cold mac and cheese, place a piece of plastic wrap directly on the surface to prevent a skin from forming on the cheese sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions About Buffalo Chicken Mac Cheese

Buffalo Chicken Mac Cheese Recipe

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4.8 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Buffalo chicken mac cheese delivers pure comfort right to your dinner table. Creamy pasta meets spicy chicken in a mouthwatering blend that turns an ordinary meal into a crowd-pleasing favorite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound elbow macaroni
• 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded Gouda or Fontina cheese

Sauce and Seasonings:

• ½ cup Buffalo wing sauce
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 2 ½ cups whole milk
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Topping:

• ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• Chopped fresh parsley

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Instructions

1. Heat the oven to 375°F and boil a large pot of salted water. Cook 1 pound of elbow macaroni for 8-9 minutes until tender, then drain completely.
2. Melt 3 tablespoons unsalted butter in a heavy saucepan over medium heat. Whisk ¼ cup flour into the melted butter, stirring constantly for 2 minutes to create a smooth roux.
3. Pour 2 ½ cups whole milk into the roux slowly, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Cook the mixture for 3-4 minutes until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
4. Reduce heat to low and stir in 2 cups sharp cheddar and 1 cup Gouda cheeses until they melt smoothly into the sauce.
5. Mix ½ cup Buffalo wing sauce, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, salt, and pepper into the cheese sauce. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
6. Fold 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken and the drained macaroni into the cheese sauce, ensuring everything gets evenly coated.
7. Transfer the mac and cheese mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
8. Combine ½ cup panko breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons melted butter in a small bowl. Sprinkle the buttered breadcrumbs across the top of the mac and cheese.
9. Bake in the preheated 375°F oven for 22-25 minutes until the top turns golden brown and the edges become bubbly.
10. Remove from the oven and let the dish rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

• Chicken can be swapped for rotisserie or leftover grilled chicken to save time and add extra flavor.
• Adjust Buffalo wing sauce amount based on personal heat preference, starting with less and adding gradually.
• For gluten-free version, replace regular flour with cornstarch and use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs.
• Cheese blend creates rich depth, but can be modified with pepper jack or blue cheese for more intense flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Chicken
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 520 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 720 mg
• Fat: 26 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 44 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg