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
Scale
- 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