Name: Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Elbow Macaroni: 12 oz Shredded Chicken: 2 cups cooked Unsalted Butter: 2 tablespoons All-Purpose Flour: 2 tablespoons Milk: 2 cups Buffalo Wing Sauce: 1/2 cup Sharp Cheddar Cheese: 2 cups shredded Mozzarella Cheese: 1 cup shredded Cream Cheese: 4 oz, softened Garlic Powder: 1/2 teaspoon Salt and Black Pepper: to taste Blue Cheese Crumbles: 1/4 cup (optional) Chopped Green Onions: 1/4 cup (optional)

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If you’re craving classic comfort food with a fiery twist, the Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe is where you’ll find pure happiness. Creamy cheeses melt into a luscious sauce that clings to every noodle, while the bold kick of buffalo wing sauce mingles with juicy shredded chicken for an irresistible bite. Whether you’re hosting game day or cozying up on a weeknight, this dish will have everyone asking for seconds—the perfect harmony of spicy, savory, and oh-so-satisfying flavors you’ll dream about long after the last forkful!

Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

With a handful of kitchen staples and a few crowd-pleasing mix-ins, this Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe comes together with surprising ease. Each ingredient is chosen for optimal flavor, creamy texture, and that iconic orange color that signals deliciousness ahead!

Elbow macaroni (12 oz): These classic pasta shapes trap the rich sauce in every curve for maximum cheesy goodness.
Cooked shredded chicken (2 cups): Use rotisserie chicken for convenience or cook your own—either way, it soaks up all the spicy, creamy flavors.
Unsalted butter (2 tbsp): The base for a smooth roux, giving the sauce its signature silkiness.
All-purpose flour (2 tbsp): Blends with butter for a thick sauce that coats every noodle beautifully.
Milk (2 cups): Provides the liquid lushness, bringing every cheesy, spicy note together.
Buffalo wing sauce (1/2 cup): Opt for Frank’s RedHot or your favorite—this is where the magic and the heat happen!
Shredded sharp cheddar cheese (2 cups): Delivers classic tang and gooey, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Shredded mozzarella cheese (1 cup): Adds a stretchy, creamy finish to the sauce.
Cream cheese, softened (4 oz): For extra-rich silkiness and a luscious mouthfeel.
Garlic powder (1/2 tsp): Gives a savory undertone that rounds out the spice.
Salt and black pepper (to taste): Enhances all the flavors—season as you go.
Blue cheese crumbles (1/4 cup, optional): Sprinkle on top for classic buffalo flavor and extra tang.
Chopped green onions (1/4 cup, optional): Brightens every bite with a fresh crunch and color.

How to Make Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil, then add the elbow macaroni and cook just until al dente, following the package directions. Drain the noodles well, and set them aside—this ensures they won’t get mushy later and gives them the perfect springy bite when they soak up the bold buffalo cheese sauce.

Step 2: Build the Creamy Roux

In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter until it foams, then whisk in the all-purpose flour. Keep stirring constantly for about 1–2 minutes; you’ll want to cook off the raw flour taste without letting it brown. This quick step is the secret to a glossy, lump-free base for the Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe.

Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce

Slowly pour in the milk, whisking as you go, to keep the sauce silky. Continue to whisk until the mixture thickens a bit—about 3 to 5 minutes is perfect. Stir in the buffalo sauce, cream cheese, garlic powder, and a nice pinch of salt and black pepper, then cook until smooth and bubbling. Once combined, remove the pan from the heat and stir in your cheddar and mozzarella until the cheeses melt into pure, creamy bliss.

Step 4: Combine Pasta, Chicken, and Sauce

Gently fold the cooked macaroni and shredded chicken into the hot cheese sauce, making sure every nibble gets smothered in the zesty, creamy mixture. This is where the dish comes alive, as everything melds together for maximum flavor and texture in every bite.

Step 5: Bake or Serve Hot

You have options! Spoon the mixture directly into bowls for stovetop comfort, or for a golden, bubbly top, transfer it to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle extra cheese over the top and bake at 375°F for 15–20 minutes until it’s hot and gloriously melty. Either way, prepare for cheers at the table!

How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe

Garnishes

Nothing says “ultimate Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe” like the classic toppings. Sprinkle blue cheese crumbles for a tangy finish, add chopped green onions for freshness, or even drizzle a little extra buffalo sauce on top if you want an extra kick. Don’t skip these—they turn your dish into a true showstopper!

Side Dishes

This dish is a hearty main course on its own, but it pairs perfectly with a crisp green salad, cool celery sticks, or even some simple garlic bread to swipe through any leftover sauce. A refreshing coleslaw also helps balance out the rich, spicy flavors and keeps things feeling light.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe in individual ramekins for easy, party-ready portions, or scoop it into bread bowls for pure comfort food indulgence. For a fun twist, pile it onto a platter and top with extra chicken and blue cheese for an epic game day centerpiece!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any extra Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days, so you can relive the deliciousness all week. It holds up beautifully and reheats without losing that signature creamy, cheesy texture.

Freezing

If you want to prepare ahead, portion your mac and cheese into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to one month. Just be sure to let it cool completely before freezing—this keeps the sauce smooth when you reheat later. Thaw in the fridge overnight before warming up.

Reheating

To reheat, simply pop a portion into the microwave or cover and warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through, stirring a splash of milk in if it looks a little thick. The cheesy sauce springs back to life and the buffalo spice stays bright, just like freshly made!

FAQs

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

Absolutely! Prepare the dish up until the baking step, cover and refrigerate for a day or two. When you’re ready to serve, just add a little extra cheese on top and bake until bubbly and hot—you’ll love how easy and delicious the results are.

How spicy is this version?

The heat level lands right at that crave-worthy “buffalo wing” point, but it’s easy to tweak. Use less buffalo sauce for mild, add more for extra fire, or serve with a drizzle of ranch to mellow it all out for spice-sensitive friends.

Can I substitute another cheese?

Absolutely—feel free to swap in Monterey Jack, Colby, or pepper jack for a twist. As long as you keep a mix of a meltable cheese like mozzarella with a punchy cheese like sharp cheddar, your Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe will be a hit.

Is there a gluten-free version?

Yes! Just use your favorite gluten-free elbow pasta, and substitute a gluten-free flour blend for the roux. All other ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so you can easily adapt this crowd-pleaser for any table.

What’s the best chicken to use?

Rotisserie chicken works wonders thanks to its fabulous flavor and tender texture. Leftover roasted or poached chicken also fits perfectly, making this dish an incredible way to turn any cooked chicken into something extraordinary.

Final Thoughts

If you love spicy comfort food, this Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe deserves a spot in your regular rotation. It’s bold, creamy, and truly unforgettable—go ahead, gather your favorite people, and dig in. You’ll want to make it again and again!

Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe

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4.6 from 15 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese recipe. Creamy, cheesy, and with a spicy kick, this dish is perfect for a cozy night in or as a crowd-pleasing game day favorite.

Ingredients

Elbow Macaroni:

12 oz

Shredded Chicken:

2 cups cooked

Unsalted Butter:

2 tablespoons

All-Purpose Flour:

2 tablespoons

Milk:

2 cups

Buffalo Wing Sauce:

1/2 cup

Sharp Cheddar Cheese:

2 cups shredded

Mozzarella Cheese:

1 cup shredded

Cream Cheese:

4 oz, softened

Garlic Powder:

1/2 teaspoon

Salt and Black Pepper:

to taste

Blue Cheese Crumbles:

1/4 cup (optional)

Chopped Green Onions:

1/4 cup (optional)

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Instructions

Cook Macaroni: Boil salted water and cook macaroni until al dente. Drain.
Make Sauce: Melt butter, whisk in flour, add milk, buffalo sauce, cream cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook until smooth.
Add Cheese and Chicken: Stir in cheddar and mozzarella until melted. Fold in macaroni and chicken.
Bake: Transfer to baking dish, top with cheese, bake at 375°F for 15–20 minutes.
Finish: Top with blue cheese crumbles and green onions if desired.