Spicy Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese: A Comfort Food Delight

Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese is like a warm hug from your favorite comfort food—creamy, cheesy, and with just the right kick of spicy goodness. Imagine twirling your fork through a luscious sea of creamy cheese sauce, only to hit tender chunks of buffalo chicken that practically dance on your taste buds. This dish is not just food; it’s an experience that makes every bite feel like a celebration in your mouth.

Now, let me tell you, I remember the first time my friend dared me to combine two of my favorites: buffalo wings and mac and cheese. It was as if the culinary gods smiled down upon us! We were at a barbecue, and one whiff of that rich, cheesy aroma wafting through the air was enough to make anyone weak in the knees. Since then, Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese has become my go-to dish for gatherings, cozy nights in, or when I just need a bowl of happiness after a long day.

Ingredients for Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese

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

• Elbow Macaroni: About 8 ounces of elbow macaroni provides the perfect shape to hold onto the creamy sauce.
• Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: Use about 2 cups of cooked chicken, shredded or diced; rotisserie chicken works great for convenience.
• Buffalo Sauce: Choose your favorite brand or homemade; adjust the spiciness according to your preference.
• Cheddar Cheese: Shredded sharp cheddar adds richness and depth to the sauce; feel free to mix in some mozzarella for extra stretchiness.
• Cream Cheese: About 4 ounces will give your sauce that silky texture we all crave.

For the Topping:

• Panko Breadcrumbs: These add a crunchy topping that contrasts beautifully with the creamy mac and cheese.
• Parmesan Cheese: A sprinkle on top boosts flavor and gives your dish an enticing golden crust when baked.

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: Cook the Pasta

Start by boiling a large pot of salted water over high heat. Add about 8 ounces of elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

While the pasta cooks, heat about one tablespoon of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add shredded chicken along with half a cup of buffalo sauce. Stir until heated through; this usually takes about five minutes.

Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce

In another pot over medium heat, melt four tablespoons of butter. Once melted, whisk in about four tablespoons of flour until smooth (this is your roux). Gradually add two cups of milk while whisking continuously until thickened—about five minutes.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Once your cheese sauce thickens, stir in eight ounces of shredded cheddar cheese and four ounces of cream cheese until melted and creamy. Then fold in cooked macaroni followed by your buffalo chicken mixture.

Step 5: Bake It Up

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Pour everything into a greased baking dish and top with panko breadcrumbs mixed with parmesan cheese. Bake for about twenty minutes or until bubbly and golden brown on top.

Step 6: Serve with Style

Transfer generous portions onto plates—don’t forget to drizzle with extra buffalo sauce if you’re feeling adventurous! Garnish with chopped green onions for an extra pop of color.

There you have it—the ultimate comfort food experience! Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese is sure to be a hit at any meal or gathering. Enjoy every cheesy bite!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by searing the chicken until it's golden brown, then cook the pasta while whipping up the spicy cheese sauce. This sequence maximizes flavor and ensures everything is perfectly timed for a delightful meal.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to customize this dish! Swap out chicken for shredded turkey or even roasted veggies for a vegetarian twist. Add different cheeses like gouda or pepper jack to amp up the flavor.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, simply pop it in the microwave or oven until heated through—add a splash of milk if needed to restore creaminess.

I remember the first time I made Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese for my friends; they declared it "life-changing." Since then, it's been my go-to dish for gatherings—and I can’t say enough about how much they love it!

FAQs:

What ingredients do I need for Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese?

To make Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese, gather the following ingredients: elbow macaroni, cooked shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, cheddar cheese, cream cheese, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, and breadcrumbs. You can also add green onions for garnish. These components blend together to create a creamy and spicy dish that’s perfect for any gathering or weeknight dinner. For more inspiration, check out this One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup recipe.

How do I make Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese from scratch?

Start by cooking elbow macaroni according to package instructions. In a separate pot, combine shredded chicken with buffalo sauce. In another saucepan, melt cream cheese and mix in milk until smooth. Gradually add cheddar cheese while stirring until melted. Combine the pasta with the chicken mixture and cheese sauce. Pour into a baking dish, top with breadcrumbs, and bake until bubbly. This method ensures your Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese is flavorful and satisfying.

Can I make Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese in advance. After assembling the dish up to the baking step, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you are ready to bake it, remove it from the fridge and allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking. delicious grilled cheese sloppy joes This allows even cooking and ensures that your meal is just as delicious.

What can I serve with Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese?

Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese pairs well with a variety of sides. Consider serving a fresh garden salad drizzled with ranch dressing or coleslaw for crunch. You might also enjoy some crispy garlic bread or steamed vegetables on the side to balance out the rich flavors of this dish. cheesy ranch potatoes as a side These accompaniments enhance your meal experience without overpowering the main course.

Conclusion for Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese:

Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese is a delightful fusion of comfort food flavors that everyone will love. By combining tender chicken, zesty buffalo sauce, and creamy cheese sauce over pasta, this dish stands out at any meal gathering. The recipe is versatile; you can prepare it ahead of time or adjust spice levels according to your taste preferences. comforting chicken enchiladas BBQ chicken thighs for a hearty meal Completing this dish with fresh garnishes enhances both presentation and taste. Enjoy this hearty meal as a comforting weeknight dinner or a festive party treat! For more inspiration, check out this Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Recipe recipe.

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Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese

Print Recipe

Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort dish that merges creamy, cheesy goodness with the spicy kick of buffalo chicken. This hearty recipe is perfect for gatherings or cozy nights at home, offering an explosion of flavors that will satisfy everyone’s cravings. With easy preparation and a delightful presentation, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household.

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 ounces elbow macaroni
• 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
• ½ cup buffalo sauce
• 8 ounces shredded cheddar cheese
• 4 ounces cream cheese
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 4 tablespoons flour
• 2 cups milk
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• ½ cup grated parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Cook the elbow macaroni in salted boiling water until al dente; drain and set aside.
2. In a skillet, heat oil over medium heat, then add shredded chicken and buffalo sauce; cook until heated through.
3. In a separate pot, melt butter and whisk in flour until smooth. Gradually add milk, stirring continuously until thickened.
4. Stir in cheddar and cream cheese until melted. Combine this mixture with cooked macaroni and buffalo chicken.
5. Transfer to a greased baking dish, sprinkle with panko and parmesan, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until golden brown.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 780mg
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 14g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 52g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 36g
• Cholesterol: 90mg

Keywords: Substitute rotisserie chicken for convenience. Mix in different cheeses like mozzarella or pepper jack for added flavor. Adjust the amount of buffalo sauce to customize spiciness.