Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food mash-up, combining the creamy, cheesy goodness of classic mac and cheese with the bold, tangy heat of buffalo chicken. This dish features tender chunks of chicken coated in spicy buffalo sauce, folded into a rich, velvety cheese sauce and tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. Topped with extra cheese and baked to golden perfection, it’s a crowd-pleasing favorite that’s perfect for game day, casual dinners, or whenever you’re craving something indulgent and flavorful.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb elbow macaroni (or your choice of pasta)
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups milk
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp flour
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup blue cheese crumbles (optional, for garnish)
- Green onions or parsley (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Cook the Pasta:
- Cook the macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Chicken:
- In a small bowl, toss the cooked chicken with buffalo sauce until evenly coated. Set aside.
- Make the Cheese Sauce:
- In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to create a roux. Gradually whisk in the milk and cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens. Stir in the cream cheese, shredded cheddar, and mozzarella cheese, and cook until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Combine:
- Stir the cooked pasta and buffalo chicken into the cheese sauce. Mix well until everything is fully coated. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Bake (Optional):
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the mac and cheese to a greased baking dish. Top with extra cheese if desired and bake for 15-20 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
- Serve:
- Garnish with blue cheese crumbles, green onions, or parsley. Serve hot with extra buffalo sauce on the side for those who love a little extra kick.
Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese is a creamy, spicy, and cheesy dish that brings together two comfort food classics, making it an irresistible option for both buffalo wing lovers and mac and cheese fans alike.
