Creamy Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe That Sizzles

Creamy, cheesy comfort food reaches new heights with this mouthwatering buffalo chicken mac and cheese recipe that combines spicy flavors and hearty goodness.

Tender chicken pieces get coated in zesty buffalo sauce, adding a fiery kick to classic mac and cheese.

The dish brings together rich, melted cheese and tender pasta in a perfect blend of indulgence.

Crispy breadcrumbs sprinkled on top provide a delightful crunch that elevates every single bite.

Weeknight dinners never looked so delicious and satisfying.

This recipe promises to be a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Making Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese

Step 1: Boil Pasta

Cook macaroni in a large pot of salted water following the package directions.

Once tender, drain the pasta completely and set it aside in a separate bowl.

Step 2: Create Cheesy Roux

Melt butter in the same large pot over medium heat.

Sprinkle flour into the melted butter and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes until the mixture turns golden and smells slightly nutty.

Step 3: Craft Creamy Cheese Sauce

Gradually pour milk into the roux, whisking constantly to prevent lumps.

Continue stirring until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth.

• Cream cheese
• Cheddar cheese

Stir until all cheese melts completely and creates a velvety sauce.

Step 4: Spice It Up

Pour buffalo sauce into the cheese mixture and blend thoroughly.

Fold in shredded chicken, ensuring it’s evenly distributed throughout the sauce.

Step 5: Combine Pasta And Sauce

Add the cooked macaroni to the buffalo chicken cheese sauce.

Gently mix until every pasta piece is generously coated with the spicy, creamy mixture.

Step 6: Finish And Garnish

• Crumbled blue cheese
• Chopped green onions

Serve hot and enjoy the rich, tangy, and comforting meal.

Tips for Cheesy Buffalo Mac Success

• Whisk milk slowly and steadily into the roux to create a smooth, creamy cheese sauce without lumps.
• Adjust buffalo sauce quantity based on personal heat preference, starting with less and adding gradually.
• Use rotisserie chicken for extra moisture and deeper taste in the mac and cheese.
• Serve immediately to maintain the sauce's silky consistency and prevent separation.
• Replace some chicken with crispy bacon bits for added crunch and rich flavor profile.

Twists for Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese

• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Replace chicken with crispy roasted cauliflower or chickpeas for a plant-based version that maintains the spicy buffalo flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free macaroni and substitute all-purpose flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend to create a celiac-friendly mac and cheese.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Swap traditional macaroni with spiralized zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice to reduce carbohydrate content while keeping the creamy buffalo sauce intact.
• Lighter Dairy Version: Use Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese and opt for reduced-fat cheddar to create a healthier, protein-packed mac and cheese with less calories.

Serving Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese

• Party Platter Paradise: Arrange mac and cheese in a large serving dish, surrounded by crispy celery sticks, carrot batons, and extra buffalo sauce for dipping.
• Game Day Crowd-Pleaser: Serve in individual ramekins or small cast-iron skillets, topped with extra blue cheese crumbles and a sprinkle of chopped green onions for a festive touch.
• Comfort Food Upgrade: Create a mac and cheese bar with optional toppings like crispy bacon bits, jalapeño slices, and additional hot sauce for guests to customize their dish.
• Meal Companion Magic: Pair with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables to balance the rich, spicy flavors of the buffalo chicken mac and cheese.

Keeping Buffalo Chicken Mac Fresh

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer mac and cheese to freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze up to 2 months. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
• Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of milk to restore creamy texture. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval. Add small amount of milk to maintain creaminess and prevent drying out.

FAQs

• What gives this mac and cheese its buffalo chicken flavor?

The buffalo sauce mixed directly into the cheese sauce creates the signature tangy and spicy buffalo chicken taste, transforming a classic mac and cheese into a bold, exciting dish.

• Can I make this recipe less spicy?

Absolutely! Adjust the amount of buffalo sauce to control the heat level. Use less sauce for a milder version or choose a mild buffalo sauce brand to reduce spiciness while maintaining flavor.

• What type of chicken works best for this recipe?

Rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken shreds work perfectly. You can also quickly poach chicken breasts or use pre-cooked chicken strips for convenience and consistent texture.

Creamy Buffalo Mac: Chicken Meets Cheese and Heat

• Devour Bold Flavors: Combine the classic comfort of mac and cheese with zesty buffalo chicken for a mouthwatering twist that'll excite taste buds.
• Whip Up Quickly: This one-pot wonder comes together in minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous dinner cravings.
• Crowd-Pleasing Perfection: Guaranteed to satisfy both kids and adults, this recipe transforms a familiar dish into an irresistible crowd favorite that'll have everyone asking for seconds.
• Customize with Ease: Adjust spice levels, swap cheeses, or add extra toppings to make this recipe uniquely yours, giving you total culinary creativity.

Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Ingredients

• Macaroni: Classic pasta shape that serves as the foundation for this creamy mac and cheese dish.

• Butter: Creates a rich base for the cheese sauce.
• Milk: Provides smooth and creamy texture to the sauce.
• Cream Cheese: Adds extra creaminess and depth to the mac and cheese.
• Cheddar Cheese: Delivers sharp and tangy cheese flavor.
• Blue Cheese Crumbles: Offers a bold and distinctive topping for extra flavor.

• Shredded Chicken: Protein-packed ingredient that adds heartiness to the dish.
• Buffalo Sauce: Brings spicy and tangy kick to the mac and cheese.

• Green Onions: Fresh topping that provides a light, crisp finish to the dish.

• Flour: Helps create a smooth and thick sauce base.

Buffalo Chicken Mac And Cheese Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Creamy Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese brings zesty spice and comfort to classic pasta perfection. Hearty protein and tangy sauce combine for an irresistible dish that satisfies serious comfort food cravings with bold flavor you’ll devour.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound (1 lb) elbow macaroni
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 cups cooked shredded chicken breast
• 1/2 cup buffalo sauce

Dairy and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 4 tablespoons butter
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• Salt and pepper to taste

Topping Ingredients:

• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup blue cheese crumbles
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 2 tablespoons chopped green onions

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Boil macaroni in salted water until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Drain thoroughly and reserve.
2. Create a golden roux in a large pot by melting butter and whisking in flour over medium heat for 2 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
3. Gradually pour milk into the roux, whisking continuously until the mixture thickens and becomes smooth, approximately 3-4 minutes.
4. Incorporate cream cheese and cheddar cheese into the sauce, stirring until completely melted and creating a velvety texture.
5. Pour buffalo sauce into the cheese mixture, blending until well combined and achieving a vibrant, spicy color.
6. Fold shredded chicken into the sauce, ensuring even distribution of meat throughout the creamy base.
7. Gently mix cooked macaroni into the buffalo chicken cheese sauce, coating each pasta piece thoroughly.
8. Transfer to serving dishes and sprinkle blue cheese crumbles and finely chopped green onions on top for added flavor and visual appeal.
9. Serve hot, directly from the pot, for maximum flavor and optimal cheese consistency.

Notes

• Prevent sauce separation by slowly adding milk and stirring continuously while creating the roux.
• Enhance flavor by using rotisserie chicken for extra tender and juicy meat that absorbs buffalo sauce perfectly.
• Customize heat levels by adjusting buffalo sauce quantity to suit different spice preferences.
• Create a gluten-free version by substituting regular flour with cornstarch or alternative gluten-free flour blend for thickening the sauce.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 569 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 620 mg
• Fat: 34 g
• Saturated Fat: 20 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 44 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 33 g
• Cholesterol: 115 mg