There’s a dish that dances on your taste buds and sings to your soul like a karaoke night gone right. I’m talking about Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese, where creamy cheese meets spicy buffalo goodness in a glorious union. Picture this: gooey cheese stretching from fork to mouth, tender chicken coated in zesty sauce, and the comforting embrace of macaroni. Air Fryer Jalapeno Popper Chicken It’s like a warm hug from your favorite aunt who always knows how to make everything better.
Growing up, the kitchen was my stage, and I was the star of a cooking show that featured my attempts at creating gourmet meals. Spoiler alert: they often ended with smoke alarms blaring. But the one shining moment was when I combined two of my favorites—buffalo chicken and mac and cheese—into one epic dish. Ideal for game day or a cozy Friday night in, this recipe promises to be a crowd-pleaser that’ll make you feel like a culinary rockstar. For more inspiration, check out this Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Recipe recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese is easy enough for weeknight dinners but impressive enough for company.
- The flavor balance of creamy cheese with spicy buffalo sauce will have you coming back for seconds.
- Visually appealing with its vibrant colors, this dish is perfect for any occasion.
- Plus, it’s versatile—you can use leftover chicken or swap in other proteins as you like!
Ingredients for Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Elbow Macaroni: This classic pasta shape holds onto all that cheesy goodness perfectly.
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 2-3 breasts are ideal; they soak up the buffalo sauce beautifully.
- Buffalo Sauce: Choose your favorite brand or make your own if you’re feeling adventurous.
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese: The sharper the better; it adds rich flavor that pairs wonderfully with the buffalo sauce.
- Monterey Jack Cheese: This melty cheese adds creaminess to balance out the sharpness of cheddar.
- Milk: Whole milk works best to create a creamy base for the cheese sauce.
- Butter: Unsalted butter is perfect for making a roux which thickens our cheesy sauce.
- Flour: All-purpose flour helps thicken our sauce; it’s like glue for all this cheesy goodness!
- Garlic Powder: A sprinkle brings an aromatic depth that compliments the other flavors.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
While your pasta cooks, season the boneless skinless chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. In a skillet over medium heat, add some olive oil or butter and cook the chicken until golden brown on both sides (about five minutes per side). Once cooked through, shred it into bite-sized pieces.
Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce
In another pot, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour to form a roux and cook for about one minute until bubbly but not browned. Gradually whisk in milk while stirring constantly until smooth. Then add sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses gradually, stirring until melted.
Step 4: Combine Everything
Once your cheese sauce is ready, stir in shredded chicken and buffalo sauce until everything is well combined. Then fold in the cooked macaroni until every noodle is enveloped in that glorious mixture.
Step 5: Bake It (Optional)
For an extra touch of crispiness, pour everything into a greased baking dish. Top with additional cheese or breadcrumbs if you desire. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about twenty minutes until bubbly and golden.
Step 6: Serve & Enjoy
Transfer your Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese onto plates or into bowls. Feel free to drizzle with more buffalo sauce or garnish with chopped green onions for added flair!
Now go ahead—dig in! This dish brings mountains of flavor; it’s comfort food at its finest!
You Must Know
- This Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese recipe is a flavor explosion that combines creamy cheese, spicy buffalo sauce, and tender chicken.
- It’s the ultimate comfort food that can be tailored to your taste buds.
- Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just yourself, this dish is a winner!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Sear the chicken first for that crispy exterior. While it sizzles away, cook the pasta until al dente. Once everything is cooked, combine it with a creamy sauce infused with buffalo goodness for maximum flavor.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out ingredients! Use shredded rotisserie chicken for convenience or add veggies like spinach or broccoli for extra nutrition. Different cheeses can also elevate the dish—try pepper jack for an added kick.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, add a splash of milk and microwave until warm, stirring occasionally to keep it creamy and delicious.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfect Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese, use a mix of cheeses for depth of flavor.
- Be careful not to overcook the pasta; it should be slightly firm.
- Experiment with different hot sauces to find your perfect spice level.
Sometimes I whip up this recipe for friends during game night. Their reactions are priceless—especially when they realize they’re basically eating cheesy happiness in a bowl!
FAQs:
What ingredients do I need for Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese?
To prepare Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese, gather essential ingredients including elbow macaroni, cooked shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, cream cheese, cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, and milk. You will also need garlic powder, onion powder, and salt for seasoning. Cheddar Bacon Ranch Chicken Potatoes Each of these components plays a crucial role in creating that creamy texture and spicy flavor that defines this dish. Make sure to have fresh ingredients on hand to elevate the overall taste!
How can I make my Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese spicier?
To enhance the spice level in your Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese, consider adding more buffalo sauce than the recipe calls for. You can also incorporate finely chopped jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper. Additionally, topping the dish with extra hot sauce before serving can provide an immediate kick that true spice lovers will appreciate. Honey Teriyaki Chicken Recipe Adjusting these elements allows you to customize the heat according to your preferences.
Can I use a different type of cheese in Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese?
Absolutely! While cheddar and mozzarella are commonly used cheeses for Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese, feel free to experiment with other varieties. Gouda adds a smoky flavor, while pepper jack provides additional heat. Creamy cheeses like fontina or havarti can also contribute to a rich texture. Mixing different cheeses not only enhances flavor but also makes your dish unique and tailored to your taste.
How do I store leftovers of Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese?
Storing leftovers of Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese is simple. Allow the dish to cool to room temperature before transferring it into an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to three days or frozen for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through. Adding a splash of milk during reheating can help restore creaminess if it has thickened.
Conclusion for Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese:
Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese combines comfort food with a spicy twist that appeals to many palates. By using quality ingredients like shredded chicken, creamy cheeses, and zesty buffalo sauce, you create a deliciously satisfying meal perfect for any occasion. Feel free to customize the spice level or experiment with different cheeses to make it your own. This dish not only promises rich flavors but also brings joy to family gatherings or game day celebrations! Enjoy every cheesy bite!
Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese is a deliciously satisfying dish that combines the creamy richness of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses with the spicy kick of buffalo sauce. Tender chicken and perfectly cooked elbow macaroni enveloped in this velvety sauce make it an ideal choice for game days or cozy nights at home. This crowd-pleaser will impress family and friends with its vibrant flavors, leaving them craving more!
Ingredients
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 2 cups cooked shredded boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- 1. Cook elbow macaroni in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- 2. In a skillet, season chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Cook in olive oil over medium heat until golden brown; shred into bite-sized pieces.
- 3. In another pot, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour to form a roux; cook for one minute. Gradually add milk while stirring until smooth. Add cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses; stir until melted.
- 4. Mix in shredded chicken and buffalo sauce until well combined. Fold in cooked macaroni until evenly coated.
- 5. For extra crispiness, transfer to a greased baking dish, top with more cheese or breadcrumbs, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until bubbly.
- 6. Serve warm, drizzled with extra buffalo sauce if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
