Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe
This irresistible Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese combines tender shredded chicken coated in spicy buffalo sauce with creamy, cheesy macaroni, baked to bubbly perfection. It’s a comforting and flavorful twist on classic mac and cheese, perfect for game day or a satisfying weeknight meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Pasta
- 8 oz elbow macaroni (or pasta of choice)
- Salt, for boiling pasta water
Sauce
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Flour, to whisk with butter (approximately 2 tbsp)
- 1 cup whole milk
- 4 oz cream cheese
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup buffalo sauce
Garnish
- 2 green onions, sliced
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then cook them in a skillet over medium heat until they are golden brown, about 5-7 minutes per side. Once cooked, let them cool and then shred the chicken.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Prepare the Cheese Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Sprinkle in the garlic powder and whisk in flour until the mixture is smooth and forms a roux. Gradually stir in the whole milk and continue cooking, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes.
- Melt the Cheeses: Reduce the heat to low, then stir in the cream cheese until fully melted and incorporated. Next, add the shredded cheddar cheese and stir until the sauce is creamy and smooth.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked pasta, shredded chicken, and buffalo sauce to the skillet with the cheese sauce. Mix everything thoroughly to ensure the pasta and chicken are evenly coated with the sauce.
- Bake: Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the dish from the oven, garnish with sliced green onions, and serve hot for a delicious and spicy comfort meal.
Notes
- For extra heat, add more buffalo sauce or sprinkle some cayenne pepper into the cheese sauce.
- Use a pasta shape that holds sauce well, such as elbow macaroni or shells.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- To make this recipe lighter, substitute whole milk with 2% milk and use reduced-fat cheese.
- If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of buffalo sauce or serve it on the side.
Keywords: buffalo chicken mac and cheese, spicy mac and cheese, baked mac and cheese, comfort food, buffalo sauce recipe
