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+ servings
Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese

Creamy Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese to Satisfy Your Cravings

This Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese is a comforting dish that combines tender chicken, zesty buffalo sauce, and creamy cheese, making it perfect for cozy nights and gatherings.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 600

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 12 ounces elbow macaroni or rotini or shells
For the Chicken
  • 2 cups cooked shredded chicken or shredded beef or tofu
For the Sauce
  • ½ cup buffalo sauce mild or hot
  • 4 ounces cream cheese or mascarpone
  • 1 cup cheddar cheese sharp or mild
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese or pepper jack
  • 2 cups milk or plant-based alternatives
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder or fresh garlic
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder or fresh shallots/onions
For Seasoning
  • to taste salt
  • to taste pepper
For the Topping
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs or mixed with melted butter

Equipment

  • large pot
  • medium skillet
  • medium saucepan
  • baking dish

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat. Add 12 ounces of elbow macaroni and cook for 7-9 minutes until al dente. Drain the pasta.
  2. In a medium skillet, heat a drizzle of oil over medium-high heat. Add diced, seasoned chicken and sauté for 5-7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Set aside.
  3. In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Whisk in 2 tablespoons of flour until it forms a roux. Gradually add 2 cups of milk, whisking until thickened. Stir in 4 ounces of cream cheese, 1 cup of cheddar, and 1 cup of mozzarella until melted. Fold in ½ cup of buffalo sauce.
  4. Return to the large pot. Add cooked elbow macaroni and sautéed chicken, stirring until coated in the sauce.
  5. Preheat oven to 350°F. Transfer the mac and cheese mixture to a greased baking dish. Sprinkle panko breadcrumbs on top. Bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbling and golden brown.
  6. Allow to cool slightly, drizzle with more buffalo sauce if desired, and garnish with green onions or blue cheese before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bowlCalories: 600kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 30gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 120mgSodium: 900mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 2gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 15IUCalcium: 30mgIron: 10mg

Notes

This dish can be customized with different cheeses or proteins. It’s also great for meal prep and can be frozen for future meals.

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