Description
Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese is a spicy, creamy, and cheesy dish that combines tender chicken and a zesty buffalo sauce with classic macaroni and cheese. The result is a bold, flavorful meal that’s perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner or a fun party dish. It brings together the best of both worlds—mac and cheese and buffalo chicken—for a dish that is sure to satisfy all your cravings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie or grilled chicken works well)
- 8 oz elbow macaroni (or any pasta of choice)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk (or heavy cream for extra creaminess)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce (more or less to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup blue cheese or ranch dressing (optional, for topping)
- Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking chicken)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Cook the macaroni according to package instructions, drain, and set aside.
- Prepare the Buffalo Chicken: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the shredded chicken and buffalo sauce. Stir to coat the chicken in the sauce and cook for about 5 minutes until heated through. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk for 1-2 minutes to create a roux. Gradually add the milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Let the sauce come to a simmer, thickening for about 5 minutes.
- Add the Cheese: Once the sauce has thickened, stir in the cheddar and mozzarella cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until the cheese has fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Combine: Add the cooked pasta and buffalo chicken to the cheese sauce. Stir until everything is well coated.
- Serve: Serve hot, garnished with blue cheese or ranch dressing, and fresh chopped cilantro or parsley.
Notes
- Adjusting Spice Level: You can adjust the heat by adding more or less buffalo sauce. For a milder version, use less sauce or opt for a mild buffalo sauce.
- Topping Variations: Top with crumbled blue cheese, extra shredded cheese, or even a drizzle of ranch dressing to balance the heat.
- Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce for extra heat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American