Name: Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: 1 pound elbow macaroni; 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 0.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded; 0.5 cup buffalo wing sauce; 2 tablespoons butter; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 3 cups milk

What’s a game changer? What is Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese? I’m talking creamy, cheesy, slightly spicy, and utterly irresistible. What is a love child of buffalo wings and classic comfort food? I swear, this version kicks mac and cheese to the curb, and it’s become a regular in our house. What is dinner rotation? My kids literally cheer when they see it on the menu. I think yours will too!

What is Buffalo chicken mac and cheese?

What is Buffalo Chicken mac and cheese? What is the best mashup of two amazing dishes? We’re talking perfectly cooked macaroni pasta, swimming in a rich and creamy cheese sauce, but with some sprinkling of cheese. We stir in shredded chicken that’s been tossed in spicy buffalo sauce. Think of it as your ultimate comfort food but with a kick. I always use a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack, but you can play around with your favorite. What is comfort food at its best?

Why you’ll love this recipe?

There are so many reasons to adore this Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese. Let’s start with the obvious: the flavor! The creamy cheese sauce combined with the spicy buffalo chicken is a match made in culinary heaven. Then there’s the simplicity. Honestly, this recipe is surprisingly easy to make. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner, and it uses ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. What I love most about this is how adaptable it is. You can adjust the spice level to your liking – make it mild for the kiddos or crank up the heat for the spice lovers. And let’s not forget the cost-efficiency! It’s a budget-friendly meal that feeds a crowd. It’s also perfect as leftovers, making it a lifesaver during busy weeks. It is similar to regular mac and cheese but much more flavorful, I always get compliments when I make it! It kind of reminds me of buffalo chicken dip, which is always a crowd-pleaser, but this is a complete meal. It’s just so yummy and it gets people excited for dinner.

How do I make buffalo chicken mac and cheese?

Quick Overview

Making this Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese is easier than you think! You’ll start by cooking the pasta and making the cheese sauce. Then, you’ll toss cooked chicken in buffalo sauce. Finally, you’ll combine everything and bake it to bubbly, cheesy perfection. The whole process takes about 30 minutes, and the results are absolutely worth it. It’s a no-fuss recipe with a huge flavor payoff!

Ingredients

For the Mac and Cheese: What are some good examples?
* 1 pound elbow macaroni: I always use elbow macaroni because it’s classic, but you could use any pasta shape you like. What are some good alternatives to rotini?
* 4 tablespoons butter: unsalted or salted, your choice. If using salted, adjust the salt in the recipe accordingly.
* 1/4 cup all-purpose flour: This helps thicken the cheese sauce.
I prefer whole milk for the richest flavor, but 2% works too. I tried it with almond milk once, and it was surprisingly creamy!
* 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese: What are some good combinations of cheddar and Monterey Jack?
* 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese: adds the extra level of creaminess.
* 1/2 teaspoon salt: Adjust to your taste.
* 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper: Freshly ground is best!

For the Buffalo Chicken:
* 2 cups cooked shredded chicken: Can you use leftover rotisserie chicken? What do I do?
* 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce: Use your favorite brand. I like Frank’s RedHot, but there are tons of great options out there. How much spice do you prefer?
* 2 tablespoons butter, melted: Helps the buffalo sauce coat the chicken evenly.

What are the steps to

Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. How do I clean my mac and cheese?

Step 2: Cook the Macaroni

Cook macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain well. Don’t overcook pasta, as it will continue to cook in the oven. I always set a timer so I don’t forget! Nothing worse than mushy pasta.

Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce

In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour until smooth. Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens. Reduce heat to low. Stir in the cheddar, Monterey Jack cheese, salt, and pepper until the cheese is melted and the mixture is smooth. What sauce should I use?

Step 4: Prepare the Buffalo Chicken

In a medium bowl, combine the cooked shredded chicken, buffalo wing sauce, and melted butter. Set aside. How do you coat chicken in buffalo sauce?

Step 5: Combine Everything

Add the drained macaroni and buffalo chicken to the cheese sauce. Stir to combine. Make sure the pasta and chicken are evenly distributed throughout the cheese sauce.

Step 6: Bake

How do you prepare the mixture for a baking dish? Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown. I like to broil it for the last minute or two for extra color, but watch it closely so it doesn’t get damaged.

Step 7: Cool & Serve

Let stand for a few minutes before serving. This allows the cheese sauce to set up slightly. Garnish with extra buffalo sauce, Blue Cheese crumbles, or chopped green onions, if desired.

What is the best way to serve it?

What is a complete meal on its own? What are some of my favorite pairings?

For a light meal:What is a simple green salad dressing? The acidity of the salad cuts through the richness of mac and cheese.
What is a hearty meal? Steamed broccoli or roasted Brussels sprouts. The vegetables add some healthy balance to the meal.
For a Game Day Party:What is the best salad to serve with celery sticks and blue cheese dressing?
For a Potluck:What are the best ways to serve mac and cheese at potlucks? I usually bring a big bowl and it’s always the first thing to go!

What are some tips for perfecting a Buffalo chicken mac and cheese?

What are some of the best ways to take your Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese to the next level?

What is the best cheeseDon’t be afraid to experiment with different cheeses. What are some good substitutes for gruyere, fontina, or pepper jack?
Spice Level:How much buffalo sauce should I add? If you’re sensitive to spices, start with a smaller amount and add more to taste. I always have a bottle of extra hot sauce on the table for those who want more kick!
What is the best recipe Make sure the chicken is fully cooked and shredded before adding it to the buffalo sauce. I find that using a stand mixer with the paddle attachment makes shredding chicken super easy.
Sauce Consistency: If the cheese sauce is too thick, add a little more milk until it reaches the desired consistency. If it’s too thin, simmer it for a few more minutes until it thickens up.
Baking Time: The baking time may vary depending on your oven. Keep an eye on it and remove it from the oven when it’s bubbly and golden brown. I always check the internal temperature to make sure it’s heated through.
Topping Options: Get creative with your toppings! Blue cheese crumbles, chopped green onions, breadcrumbs, or even a drizzle of ranch dressing would all be delicious.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Got leftovers? Here’s how to store and reheat your Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese:

Refrigerator Storage: Store the mac and cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure it’s cooled completely before storing it.
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, freeze the mac and cheese in a freezer-safe container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating Instructions: To reheat, bake the mac and cheese in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but it may not be as creamy.
Topping Tips: If you’re adding toppings, wait until after reheating to add them. This will prevent them from getting soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just use gluten-free macaroni and a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. The cheese sauce should still come out creamy and delicious. I’ve used a 1:1 gluten-free flour with great results, but be sure to check the label!

Can I use pre-shredded cheese?

While pre-shredded cheese is convenient, it doesn’t melt as smoothly as freshly shredded cheese. It contains cellulose to prevent clumping, which can interfere with the melting process. I always recommend shredding your own cheese for the best results, but you can use pre-shredded in a pinch.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the mac and cheese ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake it. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it’s heated through. I often prep it in the morning and bake it just before dinner.

Can I add other vegetables?

Definitely! Broccoli florets, chopped bell peppers, or even some sautéed onions and mushrooms would all be great additions. Just add them to the mac and cheese before baking.

Can I make this spicier?

Absolutely! Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cheese sauce or use a hotter buffalo wing sauce. You could even add some chopped jalapeños for extra heat! My husband always adds a few dashes of his favorite hot sauce to his portion.

Final Thoughts

I hope you love this Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese as much as my family does! It’s the perfect combination of comfort food and spicy flavor, and it’s sure to be a hit with everyone. It’s a great alternative to regular mac and cheese, so if you’re looking for a dish that is more flavorful, this recipe is for you! If you’re a fan of buffalo chicken recipes, you might also enjoy my Buffalo Chicken Dip or Buffalo Chicken Wraps. Happy cooking, and I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Be sure to leave a comment and let me know what you think, and don’t forget to rate the recipe. Sharing is caring, so spread the word and let your friends and family in on this delicious secret!

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