Introduction

Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese is a delicious twist on the classic comfort food. Creamy mac and cheese gets a spicy kick from buffalo sauce and tender cooked chicken, making it perfect for a cozy meal with a bit of heat.

Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

2 cups macaroni
2 cups cheese sauce
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
½ cup buffalo sauce

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, cheese sauce, cooked chicken, and buffalo sauce. Stir well until evenly mixed.
Step 3: Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and spread it out evenly.
Step 4: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and slightly golden.
Step 5: Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Tips & Variations

Add a sprinkle of blue cheese or shredded mozzarella on top before baking for extra flavor and gooeyness.
Use rotisserie chicken for convenience and added flavor.
For milder heat, reduce the buffalo sauce or mix with a little ranch dressing.
Include diced celery or green onions for a fresh crunch.

Storage

Store leftover Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally for even heating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the mac and cheese mixture and store it in the refrigerator before baking. Bake it fresh when ready, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if baked cold.

What can I use instead of buffalo sauce?

If you prefer a milder flavor, you can substitute buffalo sauce with barbecue sauce, hot sauce in smaller amounts, or even a spicy cheese sauce to customize the heat level.

Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 74 reviews

This Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese combines tender macaroni pasta baked in a creamy cheese sauce with spicy buffalo chicken for a comforting, flavorful twist on classic mac and cheese. Perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner or game day treat, this dish balances creamy, cheesy goodness with a kick of buffalo heat.

Author: Stella
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Mac and Cheese

2 cups elbow macaroni
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
2 cups milk
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper

Buffalo Chicken

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
1/2 cup buffalo sauce

Instructions

Cook the macaroni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Make the cheese sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until it forms a roux. Slowly whisk in the milk and continue cooking, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
Combine mac and cheese: Add the drained macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir well to coat all the pasta evenly.
Prepare the buffalo chicken: In a separate bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken with the buffalo sauce, mixing well to evenly coat the chicken.
Mix and assemble: Gently fold the buffalo chicken into the mac and cheese mixture until evenly combined. Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish.
Bake the dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the buffalo chicken mac and cheese uncovered for 20-25 minutes or until bubbly and the top is lightly golden.
Serve warm: Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy the creamy, spicy comfort of Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese!