Spicy Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Delight – Comfort Food

The aroma of Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese wafts through the kitchen, teasing your senses with its promise of creamy goodness and spicy kick. Imagine the rich, gooey cheese melting into tender pasta, perfectly complemented by the zesty heat of buffalo sauce. It’s a dish that knows how to party, bringing both comfort and excitement to any meal. For more inspiration, check out this philly cheesesteak pasta recipe.

Whenever I whip up this delightful concoction, it takes me back to game nights with friends, where laughter mingled with the clinking of glasses and the undeniable allure of cheesy goodness filled the air. This recipe is perfect for cozy evenings or a fun gathering, guaranteeing a flavor explosion that will have everyone begging for seconds!

Ingredients for Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Boneless Chicken Thighs: I prefer thighs for their juicy flavor, but chicken breasts work well too; just be mindful of cooking time.
• Elbow Macaroni: The classic choice! Feel free to swap with any pasta shape you love; penne or shells add a fun twist.
• Buffalo Sauce: Choose your favorite brand or homemade version; adjust the heat level based on your spice tolerance.
• Sharp Cheddar Cheese: For that melty goodness! Grate it fresh from the block for maximum flavor.
• Cream Cheese: This adds richness and creaminess that takes your mac and cheese to another level.
• Milk: Use whole milk for creaminess or substitute with almond milk if you’re looking for a dairy-free option.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: For that satisfying crunchy topping; they toast beautifully in the oven.

For the Toppings:

• Green Onions: Chop these finely for a fresh garnish that adds color and slight crunch.
• Ranch Dressing: Drizzle over the top before serving for an extra layer of flavor that pairs perfectly with buffalo sauce.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms up, chop your chicken into bite-sized pieces. Grab a large pot filled with salted water—bring it to a boil because we’re about to cook some pasta.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Once boiling, toss in your elbow macaroni. Cook according to package instructions until al dente—don’t forget to drain it afterward but save a cup of pasta water for later!

Step 3: Sauté the Chicken

In a large skillet over medium heat, add some olive oil. Toss in those bite-sized chicken pieces along with salt and pepper. Cook until browned and cooked through—about five minutes should do it.

Step 4: Create the Sauce

Add buffalo sauce, cream cheese, milk, and half of your cheddar cheese into the skillet with chicken. Mix everything together on low heat until creamy—this magical moment transforms ordinary ingredients into extraordinary sauce!

Step 5: Combine Everything

Now it’s time for some serious mixing! Add in your drained macaroni along with reserved pasta water as needed. Stir until every noodle is coated in cheesy goodness.

Step 6: Bake It Up

Transfer everything into a greased baking dish. Sprinkle remaining cheddar cheese on top followed by panko breadcrumbs for crunch. Bake in preheated oven for about twenty minutes or until bubbly.

Transfer to plates and drizzle with ranch dressing before serving for the perfect finishing touch! Enjoy every cheesy bite while reminiscing about those unforgettable game nights!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by searing the chicken to lock in those juicy flavors. While it’s cooking, boil your pasta until al dente. Then, prepare the cheese sauce, blending in buffalo sauce for that zing. Finally, combine everything and bake for a crispy top.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out the chicken for shredded rotisserie chicken if you’re short on time. Add some blue cheese crumbles for an extra punch or toss in veggies like spinach or broccoli for added nutrition and color.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply pop it in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave it with a splash of milk to revive creaminess.

Sometimes I whip up buffalo chicken mac and cheese when friends are over; they can’t resist going back for seconds—or thirds! It’s always nice to see their happy faces after digging into this dish.

FAQs

What is Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese?

Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese is a delicious fusion dish that combines the creamy goodness of macaroni and cheese with the spicy kick of buffalo chicken. This comfort food features tender pasta coated in a rich cheese sauce, tossed with shredded buffalo chicken. one pan creamy chicken rice It’s perfect for game day, family gatherings, or a cozy dinner at home. The dish offers a delightful blend of flavors, making it an irresistible choice for both chicken lovers and mac and cheese enthusiasts. For more inspiration, check out this one-pot macaroni cheeseburger soup recipe.

How can I make Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese healthier?

To make Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese healthier, consider using whole grain pasta instead of traditional macaroni. You can also substitute regular cheese with low-fat options or Greek yogurt to reduce calories. Adding vegetables like spinach or broccoli enhances the nutritional value while maintaining flavor. Using grilled or baked chicken instead of fried will further cut down on fat without sacrificing taste. These simple swaps can transform this indulgent dish into a healthier version.

Can I prepare Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese in advance?

Yes, you can prepare Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese in advance. To do so, cook the pasta and mix it with the cheese sauce and buffalo chicken as usual. Allow the dish to cool before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to two days. When ready to serve, reheat in the oven until bubbly or microwave individual portions for convenience. This makes it a great option for meal prep or entertaining guests.

What toppings work well with Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese?

Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese pairs beautifully with a variety of toppings to enhance its flavor and texture. Consider adding crumbled blue cheese for a tangy twist or crispy fried onions for added crunch. Fresh chopped green onions provide color and freshness, while a drizzle of ranch dressing balances the spice from the buffalo sauce. white chicken enchiladas For extra heat, sprinkle some cayenne pepper or hot sauce on top before serving to satisfy those who love spicy food.

Conclusion for Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese

Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese is a delightful dish that blends classic comfort food with bold flavors. With its creamy cheese sauce, tender pasta, and spicy buffalo chicken, it’s sure to please any crowd. You can easily customize this recipe by making it healthier or adding your favorite toppings. Whether it’s for game day or a family dinner, this dish promises satisfaction in every bite! Enjoy creating your version of this delicious meal!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

Print

Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

• Author: Liora
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6

Save Recipe Recipe Saved

Save Recipe Recipe Saved

Description

Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food that delights your taste buds with its creamy texture and spicy flavor. This mouthwatering dish features tender elbow macaroni enveloped in a rich, cheesy sauce, topped with succulent chicken and a crispy panko breadcrumb layer. Perfect for game nights, cozy dinners, or gatherings, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that brings everyone back for seconds!

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb boneless chicken thighs
• 8 oz elbow macaroni
• 1 cup buffalo sauce
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated
• 4 oz cream cheese
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
• Ranch dressing (for drizzling)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces.
2. Boil salted water in a large pot and cook elbow macaroni until al dente; drain and reserve 1 cup of pasta water.
3. In a skillet over medium heat, sauté chicken with salt and pepper until cooked through (about 5 minutes).
4. Add buffalo sauce, cream cheese, milk, and half of the cheddar to the skillet; stir on low heat until creamy.
5. Mix in drained macaroni and reserved pasta water until well combined.
6. Transfer to a greased baking dish; top with remaining cheddar and panko breadcrumbs. Bake for 20 minutes until bubbly.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 520
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 930mg
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 48g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 29g
• Cholesterol: 85mg