This Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese is a fun twist on classic comfort food! Creamy, cheesy pasta combined with tender buffalo chicken gives you a hearty meal that packs a flavorful punch.
I love how the spicy kick from the buffalo sauce makes every bite exciting. Perfect for cozy nights in or when you want to impress friends. Trust me, lots of seconds will be requested! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Elbow macaroni is traditional, but you could opt for cavatappi for a fun twist. If you’re gluten-free, try a gluten-free pasta instead; just be sure to adjust cooking times.
Buffalo Wing Sauce: You can make your own sauce with hot sauce and melted butter if you want to customize the heat level. If you prefer a milder flavor, try a sweet chili sauce instead.
Cheeses: I really like the blend of sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack for this recipe, but feel free to swap any cheese you enjoy. Pepper Jack can add a kick, or you could go for a veggie cheese for a dairy-free version.
Cream Cheese: Use cream cheese for creaminess, but you can substitute mascarpone or even Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
How Do You Make a Smooth Cheese Sauce?
A smooth cheese sauce elevates your mac and cheese, so here’s how to get it right. Start by making a roux: melt butter and stir in flour until golden. Then, gradually add milk while whisking to prevent lumps. Keep stirring on low heat until thickened.
- Always use room temperature ingredients; it helps them blend smoothly.
- Heat should be low when adding cheese to prevent burning. Stir until melted and smooth!
By taking it slow, you’ve got a creamy sauce that clings to every bite of pasta, making your Buffalo Chicken Mac And Cheese truly delightful!
Buffalo Chicken Mac And Cheese
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta:
- 8 oz elbow macaroni or cavatappi pasta
For the Chicken:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce (adjust to taste)
For the Cheese Sauce:
- 3 tbsp butter
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 cups milk (whole milk preferred)
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
For Seasoning:
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnish:
- Chopped fresh parsley or chives
- Paprika
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Buffalo Chicken Mac And Cheese takes about 30 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend about 10-15 minutes cooking the pasta and making the cheese sauce, followed by a few minutes to mix everything together before serving. It’s quick, easy, and super satisfying!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook it according to the package instructions until it’s al dente (cooked but still firm to the bite). Once it’s done, drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Prepare the Buffalo Chicken:
In a bowl, take the shredded cooked chicken breast and toss it with the buffalo wing sauce. Ensure all the chicken is well coated in that tangy, spicy flavor. Set the chicken aside while you make the cheese sauce.
3. Make the Cheese Sauce:
In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. After the butter is melted, whisk in the flour to form a roux. Cook for about 1-2 minutes, whisking constantly until the mixture turns a light golden color.
4. Add the Milk:
Slowly whisk in the milk to avoid any lumps. Keep whisking and cook until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon—this should take about 5-7 minutes.
5. Add the Cream Cheese:
Reduce the heat to low and add the softened cream cheese. Stir continuously until the cream cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
6. Add the Cheeses:
Now, gradually add in the shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, and mozzarella cheeses. Stir until all the cheese has melted and the sauce remains smooth.
7. Season the Sauce:
Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, and season with salt and pepper to your taste. This is where all the flavors come together!
8. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and stir well until every piece of pasta is coated in creamy cheesy goodness.
9. Fold in the Buffalo Chicken:
Gently fold the buffalo chicken into the pasta and cheese mixture, ensuring it’s evenly distributed throughout.
10. Serve:
Spoon the delicious Buffalo Chicken Mac And Cheese into bowls. For that finishing touch, garnish with a sprinkle of paprika and some chopped fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color.
11. Enjoy!
Dig in and savor the creamy, spicy flavors of your homemade Buffalo Chicken Mac And Cheese! For extra enjoyment, you can serve it with a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing and crunchy celery sticks. Yum!
This dish is perfect for a cozy night in or as a crowd-pleasing meal at gatherings. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken you have on hand works perfectly. Just shred it and toss it with the buffalo sauce for a quick assembly!
How Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of buffalo sauce or choose a milder sauce. You can also add a dollop of sour cream or ranch dressing to the mix to tone down the heat.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the buffalo chicken and cheese sauce in advance, then store them in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just combine everything and bake or warm it up when you’re ready to serve.
How Do I Store Leftover Buffalo Chicken Mac And Cheese?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk if the sauce seems too thick.
