buffalo chicken macaroni and cheese recipe

Written BySheba G Updated On
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The Best buffalo chicken macaroni and cheese recipe

I’m so excited to share this buffalo chicken macaroni and cheese recipe with you all. As a busy mom, I’m always on the lookout for easy and delicious meals that my family will love. This recipe has been a game-changer for us, and I know it will be for you too.

It’s a classic comfort food dish with a spicy twist that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion like game day or a holiday gathering. The best part? It’s surprisingly easy to make and requires just a few ingredients that you might already have on hand.

I’ve made this recipe countless times, and every time it’s been a hit with my kids and husband. They love the combination of creamy macaroni and cheese, juicy chicken, and spicy buffalo sauce. And let’s be real, who doesn’t love the idea of having all the flavors of buffalo wings in a comforting bowl of pasta?

It’s a match made in heaven. The secret to this recipe is using high-quality ingredients, like fresh macaroni and real cheddar cheese. Don’t skimp on the good stuff, folks!

It makes all the difference in the world. Plus, this recipe is incredibly versatile – you can easily customize it to your taste by adding extra hot sauce or using different types of cheese or chicken. My kids love helping me in the kitchen with this one because they can get creative with the toppings.

We often add some crumbled blue cheese or chopped scallions on top for extra flavor and fun.

Buffalo Chicken Macaroni and Cheese

4.7 from 1726 votes

This buffalo chicken macaroni and cheese recipe combines tender chicken, tangy buffalo sauce, and creamy cheese sauce with macaroni pasta. It is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for a crowd.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Macaroni

8 oz elbow macaroni
Water for boiling
Salt for pasta water

For the Buffalo Chicken

1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
2 tbsp olive oil
1/2 cup buffalo sauce
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper

For the Cheese Sauce

2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp garlic powder

👨‍🍳Directions

1Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2Add the elbow macaroni and cook until al dente according to package instructions.
3Drain and set aside.
4Preheat oven to 375°F.
5While the pasta is cooking, season the chicken breasts with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
6Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
7Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes per side.
8Remove from heat and shred the chicken using two forks.
9Stir in the buffalo sauce until the chicken is well coated.
10In a mixing bowl, melt the butter over medium heat.
11Add the flour and whisk to form a roux.
12Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
13Gradually add the milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps.
14Cook until the sauce thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
15Reduce the heat to low and add the cheddar cheese and mozzarella cheese to the sauce.
16Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
17Season with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
18Stir in the cooked macaroni and buffalo chicken until well combined.
19Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
20Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
21Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
22Enjoy your buffalo chicken macaroni and cheese!

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Colander
Skillet
Wooden spoon
Baking dish
Mixing bowl

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 20g💛Saturated Fat: 9g❤️Cholesterol: 85mg🧂Sodium: 900mg🌾Total Carbs: 25g🥦Dietary Fiber: 1g🍬Sugars: 4g🥩Protein: 25g

📝Notes

Tips: For extra heat, add more buffalo sauce to the chicken or top with additional hot sauce. You can also mix in vegetables like bell peppers or onions for added nutrition.

Watch Video Of How Buffalo Chicken Macaroni and Cheese Works

This buffalo chicken macaroni and cheese recipe is a staple in our household – we love it so much that we often have leftovers for days (and days) after making it! One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to reheat – simply pop it in the oven or microwave until heated through, then serve with some crusty bread or crackers on the side.

You can also customize it to your taste by adding extra hot sauce or using different types of cheese or chicken. This dish works perfectly for family gatherings, game day parties, or even just a quick weeknight dinner when you need something comforting and delicious.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Buffalo Chicken Macaroni and Cheese

Q: What is buffalo chicken macaroni and cheese?

This dish is essentially a classic macaroni and cheese recipe with shredded or diced chicken tossed in buffalo sauce for an added kick of heat.

Q: Can I use leftover chicken for this recipe?

Of course! Using leftover chicken can save you time and make this recipe even quicker to prepare.

Q: How spicy is this dish?

This dish has a medium level of heat from the buffalo sauce, but you can adjust the level of spiciness to your taste by adding more or less hot sauce.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can prep the ingredients ahead of time, but it’s best to assemble and bake the dish just before serving for optimal flavor.

Q: Can I use different types of pasta instead of macaroni?

Yes! Feel free to experiment with different shapes and sizes of pasta to find your favorite variation.

Hi, I’m Sheba G, the creator behind **Sheba’s Recipe**, where I share my favorite homemade dishes and easy recipes anyone can try. I love experimenting in the kitchen and helping others enjoy simple, flavorful meals with confidence.

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