Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese: A Spicy Twist on a Classic Comfort Food

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Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese combines the creamy, cheesy goodness of traditional mac and cheese with the spicy kick of buffalo chicken. This dish is perfect for those who love bold flavors and crave a comforting, hearty meal. With tender pieces of rotisserie chicken, a rich cheese sauce, and a crispy topping, this mac and cheese is sure to become a favorite in your household. In this article, we’ll guide you through the steps to create this flavorful and satisfying dish.

Ingredients

For the Pasta

  • 8 oz elbow macaroni, cooked and drained
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

Buffalo Chicken Mixture

  • 4 tbsp butter
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 3 celery stalks, chopped
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 cup hot sauce (such as Frank’s)
  • 4 cups rotisserie chicken, chopped (see Note 1)

Cheese Sauce

  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 2 1/2 cups half and half
  • 1/2 cup hot sauce (e.g., Frank’s)
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup sour cream

Topping

  • 1 cup panko bread crumbs
  • 2 tbsp butter, melted
  • 1/2 cup bleu cheese crumbles
  • 1/4 cup loosely packed chopped parsley

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pasta

  1. Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente.
  2. Drain and toss with 1 tablespoon of olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.

Step 2: Make the Buffalo Chicken Mixture

  1. In a large skillet, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
  2. Add the chopped onion and celery, cooking until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
  3. Stir in the minced garlic, salt, and black pepper, cooking for an additional minute.
  4. Add 1/2 cup of hot sauce and the chopped rotisserie chicken, stirring to coat the chicken evenly. Set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Cheese Sauce

  1. In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
  2. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 2 minutes, until lightly browned.
  3. Gradually whisk in the half and half, continuing to whisk until the mixture thickens and starts to simmer.
  4. Stir in 1/4 cup of hot sauce and the Dijon mustard.
  5. Add the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, stirring until fully melted and smooth.
  6. Remove from heat and stir in the sour cream until well combined.

Step 4: Combine and Assemble

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, buffalo chicken mixture, and cheese sauce, stirring until well mixed.
  3. Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out in an even layer.

Step 5: Prepare the Topping

  1. In a small bowl, combine the panko bread crumbs and melted butter, stirring until the crumbs are evenly coated.
  2. Sprinkle the bread crumb mixture over the top of the mac and cheese.
  3. Add the bleu cheese crumbles on top of the bread crumbs.

Step 6: Bake and Serve

  1. Bake the mac and cheese in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
  2. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
  3. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Conclusion

Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese is a delicious and hearty dish that combines the best of two comfort food classics. The creamy cheese sauce, spicy buffalo chicken, and crispy topping create a symphony of flavors and textures that are sure to satisfy your cravings. Whether you’re serving this for a family dinner or bringing it to a potluck, this dish is sure to be a hit. Enjoy the bold and comforting flavors of Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese, and savor every bite of this delightful meal.