When it comes to comfort food, nothing beats a bowl of creamy, cheesy macaroni and cheese. But what if you could take it up a notch? Buffalo chicken mac and cheese combines the rich, gooey goodness of traditional mac and cheese with the bold, spicy flavors of buffalo chicken. It’s the ultimate fusion dish that satisfies cravings for both indulgent comfort food and a fiery kick.
Whether you’re hosting a game day party, preparing a family dinner, or simply indulging in your favorite flavors, this dish is guaranteed to be a hit. Let’s dive into everything you need to know to make the perfect buffalo chicken mac and cheese.
What Is Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese?
Buffalo chicken mac and cheese is a hearty dish that blends tender chicken, creamy cheese sauce, and the unmistakable zing of buffalo hot sauce. It’s a flavorful twist on classic mac and cheese, with layers of spiciness, tanginess, and cheesy goodness in every bite.
Ingredients for Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese
Here’s everything you need to create this crowd-pleasing dish:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Elbow macaroni | 1 (16 oz) package |
| Rotisserie-roasted chicken | 1 (shredded) |
| Butter | 6 tablespoons |
| All-purpose flour | 6 tablespoons |
| Milk | 3 cups |
| Ground black pepper | 1 pinch |
| Cheddar cheese (shredded) | 2 cups |
| Monterey Jack cheese (shredded) | 2 cups |
| Hot sauce (e.g., Frank’s® RedHot®) | ½ cup or more to taste |
| Gorgonzola cheese (crumbled) | ½ cup |
Nutritional Information
Here’s a rough breakdown of the nutrition per serving (based on 8 servings):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 520 |
| Protein | 28 g |
| Carbohydrates | 40 g |
| Fat | 26 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sodium | 850 mg |
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese
1. Gather and Prep Your Ingredients
Before you start cooking, shred the rotisserie chicken, measure your ingredients, and grate the cheeses. Having everything ready will make the process seamless.
2. Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, according to package instructions.
- Drain the pasta and set it aside.
3. Make the Cheese Sauce
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in the flour and cook for about 2 minutes to form a roux.
- Gradually add the milk, whisking continuously to avoid lumps.
- Cook until the sauce thickens slightly, about 5–7 minutes.
4. Add the Cheese
- Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the shredded Cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses until melted and smooth.
- Season with a pinch of ground black pepper.
5. Incorporate the Buffalo Sauce
- Stir in the hot sauce, adjusting the amount to your spice preference.
6. Combine the Pasta and Chicken
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, shredded chicken, and cheese sauce. Toss until everything is evenly coated.
7. Add the Finishing Touch
- Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.
- Sprinkle crumbled gorgonzola cheese evenly over the top.
8. Bake to Perfection
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake the dish for 15–20 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and slightly golden.
9. Serve and Enjoy
- Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives if desired.
- Serve hot with a side of celery sticks or a drizzle of ranch dressing.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
- Bold Flavors: The tangy buffalo sauce and creamy cheese create a perfect balance of heat and richness.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is ideal for cooks of all skill levels.
- Versatile: It’s a meal on its own but also pairs well with salads or roasted vegetables.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s game day, a family dinner, or a casual get-together, this dish is always a hit.
Serving Suggestions
Buffalo chicken mac and cheese is a versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of sides:
- Fresh Salad: A crisp green salad with ranch or blue cheese dressing balances the richness.
- Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up any extra cheese sauce.
- Roasted Vegetables: Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or carrots add a healthy, flavorful contrast.
- Celery Sticks: A nod to the classic buffalo wing pairing.
Tips for the Best Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese
- Adjust the Heat: Customize the spice level by adding more or less hot sauce.
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Al dente pasta holds up better in the creamy sauce.
- Use Freshly Shredded Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese can result in a grainy sauce due to added anti-caking agents.
- Add Texture: Sprinkle breadcrumbs or crushed crackers over the top before baking for a crispy finish.
- Experiment with Cheeses: Try swapping Monterey Jack for mozzarella or adding a touch of smoked Gouda for depth.
Creative Variations
1. Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Casserole
- Add a layer of breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter for a crispy, golden topping.
2. Spicy Buffalo Chicken Pasta
- Amp up the heat with a dash of cayenne pepper or extra hot sauce.
3. Gluten-Free Buffalo Mac
- Use gluten-free pasta and a gluten-free flour blend for the roux.
4. Loaded Buffalo Chicken Mac
- Add crumbled bacon, chopped green onions, or diced jalapeños for extra flavor.
5. Vegetarian Option
- Skip the chicken and add roasted cauliflower or chickpeas for a meat-free twist.
FAQs About Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese
1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! Shells, penne, or cavatappi work well in this recipe.
2. How do I reheat leftovers?
Reheat in the oven at 325°F (160°C) until warmed through, or microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally.
3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble the dish, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake just before serving.
4. What’s the best way to shred the chicken?
Use two forks to pull the meat apart or dice it into bite-sized pieces for a chunkier texture.
5. Can I make this recipe lighter?
Use reduced-fat cheese, low-fat milk, and a smaller amount of butter to cut down on calories.
6. Is it okay to freeze this dish?
Yes, freeze the assembled mac and cheese (before baking) for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
Conclusion: Bring Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese to Your Table
Buffalo chicken mac and cheese isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience. It combines the best of two worlds—spicy buffalo chicken and creamy mac and cheese—into a dish that’s as comforting as it is exciting. With its bold flavors, easy preparation, and endless customization options, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to create a dish that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese: A Comfort Food With a Spicy Twist
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
Buffalo chicken mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort food with a spicy twist. Combining creamy cheese sauce, tender chicken, and the bold flavor of buffalo sauce, this dish is a crowd-pleaser perfect for game day, family dinners, or any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 (16 oz) package elbow macaroni
- 1 rotisserie-roasted chicken, shredded
- 6 tablespoons butter
- 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 cups milk
- 1 pinch ground black pepper
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- ½ cup hot sauce (e.g., Frank’s® RedHot®), or more to taste
- ½ cup crumbled Gorgonzola cheese
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients
- Shred the rotisserie chicken and measure out all the ingredients.
- Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, following package instructions.
- Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Make the Cheese Sauce
- In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
- Whisk in the flour and cook for 2 minutes to form a roux.
- Gradually add the milk, whisking continuously to avoid lumps.
- Cook until the sauce thickens, about 5–7 minutes.
- Add Cheese and Buffalo Sauce
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses until melted.
- Season with ground black pepper and stir in the hot sauce. Adjust the amount to your preferred spice level.
- Combine Pasta and Chicken
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, shredded chicken, and cheese sauce.
- Toss until evenly coated.
- Prepare for Baking
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Transfer the pasta mixture to a greased baking dish.
- Sprinkle crumbled Gorgonzola cheese over the top.
- Bake
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15–20 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and slightly golden.
- Serve
- Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives, if desired.
- Serve hot with celery sticks or a drizzle of ranch dressing.
Notes
- Adjust Spice Level: Add more or less hot sauce to suit your preference.
- Don’t Overcook Pasta: Al dente pasta holds up better when mixed with the cheese sauce.
- Use Freshly Shredded Cheese: Avoid pre-shredded cheese for a smoother sauce.
- Add Crunch: Sprinkle breadcrumbs or crushed crackers over the top before baking for added texture.
- Customize: Try adding crumbled bacon, diced jalapeños, or green onions for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American