Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe
A deliciously creamy Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese combining tender macaroni pasta, spicy buffalo chicken, and rich cheese sauce baked to bubbly perfection. This comforting dish offers a perfect balance of creamy, cheesy, and spicy flavors ideal for a hearty meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
Cheese Sauce
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Buffalo Chicken
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
- ½ cup buffalo sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
Instructions
- Cook the Macaroni: Boil macaroni according to package directions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour to create a roux and cook for about 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk and continue cooking until the sauce thickens. Stir in cheddar cheese until fully melted. Season with salt and pepper.
- Combine Buffalo Chicken: In a bowl, mix shredded cooked chicken with buffalo sauce until evenly coated.
- Mix Mac and Cheese: Add the cooked macaroni and buffalo chicken into the cheese sauce, stirring gently to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Bake: Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken as a quick shortcut.
- Adjust buffalo sauce quantity based on desired spice level.
- For extra creaminess, add a splash of cream or cream cheese to the cheese sauce.
- Serve with celery sticks and ranch or blue cheese dressing for a classic buffalo flavor pairing.
Keywords: Buffalo Chicken, Mac and Cheese, Cheesy, Spicy, Comfort Food, Baked Pasta
