Crank up the comfort with this Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese — a fiery twist on a classic favorite that combines creamy, cheesy pasta with the bold, tangy kick of buffalo sauce and tender shredded chicken. Every bite delivers a perfect balance of spice and indulgence, making it an irresistible dish for game days, weeknight dinners, or whenever you’re craving a little heat with your comfort food. Creamy, spicy, and utterly satisfying, this recipe is guaranteed to become a new family favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Perfect for Sharing: A crowd-pleaser at parties, potlucks, or family dinners alike.
Bold Buffalo Flavor: The tangy, spicy buffalo sauce adds a thrilling kick to classic mac and cheese.
Creamy, Cheesy Goodness: Rich cheese sauce perfectly coats the tender pasta for ultimate comfort.
Protein-Packed: Shredded chicken adds hearty texture and satisfying substance.
Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes — ideal for busy days or last-minute cravings.
Customizable Heat: Adjust the spice level to suit your taste with more or less buffalo sauce.
Ingredients for Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese
Tender shredded chicken drenched in fiery buffalo sauce delivers bold, spicy heat. Here’s what you’ll need:
Elbow macaroni: The classic choice for mac and cheese, these little pasta shapes hold onto the creamy sauce beautifully.
Cooked chicken: Shredded chicken adds protein and heartiness. You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience or cook your own.
Buffalo sauce: This is where the magic happens! It brings that spicy, tangy flavor that makes this dish unforgettable.
Sharp cheddar cheese: A must for that rich, cheesy goodness. It melts perfectly and adds depth to the flavor.
mozzarella cheese: This cheese adds a gooey texture that complements the cheddar beautifully.
Cream cheese: Softened cream cheese creates a luscious, creamy base that binds everything together.
Milk: A splash of milk helps to achieve that perfect creamy consistency.
Garlic powder: A sprinkle of garlic powder enhances the flavor profile, giving it a savory kick.
Onion powder: This adds a subtle sweetness and depth to the dish.
Black pepper: Just a pinch for a bit of heat and flavor balance.
Green onions: Chopped green onions make for a fresh garnish that adds color and a mild onion flavor.
Blue cheese crumbles (optional): For those who love a bold flavor, blue cheese crumbles can elevate this dish even further.
For exact measurements, check the bottom of the article where you can find everything listed for easy printing. Feel free to get creative with your ingredients; after all, cooking is all about making it your own!
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese
Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the fun part—making this Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious dish that’s sure to impress.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your dish bakes evenly and comes out perfectly golden brown.
Step 2: Cook the Macaroni
Next, cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. You want it firm enough to hold up in the creamy sauce. Once done, drain it and set it aside. This is the foundation of your Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese!
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Mix everything well. This is where the magic begins, as the flavors meld together beautifully.
Step 4: Prepare the Creamy Mixture
In a separate bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and milk. Stir until smooth and creamy. This mixture will add that luscious texture we all crave. Add it to the macaroni and chicken mixture, mixing until everything is well combined.
Step 5: Add Cheeses
Now, it’s time to bring in the cheese! Stir in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, reserving a small amount of each for topping later. The more cheese, the better, right?
Step 6: Transfer to Baking Dish
Transfer the cheesy mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly, then sprinkle the reserved cheeses on top. This will create a deliciously gooey crust as it bakes.
Step 7: Bake
Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Keep an eye on it; you want the cheese to be bubbly and golden brown. The aroma will be irresistible!
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Once it’s out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes. This helps the cheese set a bit. Garnish with chopped green onions and blue cheese crumbles if you’re feeling adventurous. Now, dig in and enjoy your spicy, creamy Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese!
Tips for Success
Don’t overcook the macaroni; it should be al dente to hold up in the bake.
For extra creaminess, mix in a bit more milk or cream cheese if needed.
Feel free to adjust the buffalo sauce to your spice preference.
Let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving to help it set.
Experiment with different cheeses for unique flavors!
Equipment Needed
Large pot: For boiling the macaroni. A Dutch oven works well too.
Mixing bowls: Use two bowls—one for the macaroni and one for the creamy mixture.
Baking dish: A 9×13-inch dish is ideal; a casserole dish can substitute.
Measuring cups: Essential for accurate ingredient portions.
Spatula: Perfect for mixing and transferring ingredients.
Variations
Spicy Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese: Add diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
Vegetarian Option: Substitute the chicken with roasted vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms for a hearty, meatless dish.
Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free elbow macaroni to keep this dish friendly for those with gluten sensitivities.
BBQ Chicken Twist: Swap out buffalo sauce for your favorite BBQ sauce for a smoky flavor profile.
Mac and Cheese Bake: Layer the mixture with breadcrumbs on top before baking for a crunchy texture.
Serving Suggestions
Side Salad: Pair your Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese with a crisp green salad for a refreshing contrast.
Garlic Bread: Serve with warm garlic bread to soak up all that cheesy goodness.
Cold Beverages: Enjoy with a cold beer or a refreshing iced tea to balance the spice.
Presentation: Serve in individual bowls topped with extra green onions for a pop of color.
FAQs about Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese
Can I make Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dish up to the baking step, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, just pop it in the oven. You might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
What can I substitute for buffalo sauce?
If buffalo sauce isn’t your thing, you can use BBQ sauce for a sweeter flavor or a spicy ranch dressing for a different twist. Just remember, the key is to keep that zesty kick!
How can I make this dish healthier?
To lighten it up, consider using whole wheat macaroni, low-fat cheese, and reduced-fat cream cheese. You can also add more veggies like spinach or broccoli to boost the nutrition without sacrificing flavor.
Can I freeze Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese?
Yes, you can freeze it! Just make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be frozen for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
The best way to reheat is in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. You can add a splash of milk to keep it creamy. Microwaving works too, but it might not retain that perfect texture.
Final Thoughts
Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese is more than just a meal; it’s an experience that brings people together. The creamy, spicy goodness warms your heart and fills your belly, making it perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying a cozy night in or celebrating with friends, this dish is sure to impress. Plus, the joy of creating something delicious in your kitchen is unmatched. So, roll up your sleeves, embrace the flavors, and let this recipe become a staple in your home. Trust me, every bite will remind you why comfort food is so special.
Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese is a spicy and creamy comfort dish that combines tender elbow macaroni with shredded chicken and a zesty buffalo sauce, topped with a blend of cheeses.
Ingredients
Scale
2 cups elbow macaroni
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
1 cup buffalo sauce
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup milk
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 cup chopped green onions (for garnish)
1/4 cup blue cheese crumbles (optional)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Mix well.
In a separate bowl, combine the cream cheese and milk, stirring until smooth. Add this mixture to the macaroni and chicken, and mix until everything is well combined.
Stir in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, reserving a small amount of each for topping.
Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the reserved cheeses on top.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped green onions and blue cheese crumbles, if desired.
Notes
For a spicier kick, add diced jalapeños to the mixture before baking.
You can substitute the chicken with cooked ground turkey or beef for a different flavor profile.
