This Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese is a creamy delight! With spicy buffalo sauce and tender chicken mixed into cheesy pasta, it’s comfort food at its best.
Honestly, the combination of flavors makes each bite exciting! It’s perfect for cozy nights or when you want to impress friends. I love topping mine with extra cheese for that melty goodness! 🧀
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Elbow Macaroni: This classic pasta shape holds the cheesy sauce nicely! If you want a twist, try penne or cavatappi for a fun texture.
Cooked Chicken: Using rotisserie chicken makes this dish super convenient. If you’re vegetarian, consider swapping in chickpeas or tofu, or just skip the meat altogether.
Buffalo Wing Sauce: Adjust the heat to match your taste! If you prefer a milder flavor, use a hot sauce blended with some barbecue sauce.
Cheddar and Mozzarella: Sharp cheddar gives a great flavor kick while mozzarella adds creaminess. Feel free to use all cheddar or any good melting cheese, like Monterey Jack, too!
Panko Breadcrumbs: They add some crunch on top. If you can’t find panko, use regular breadcrumbs or even crushed tortilla chips for a unique twist!
How Do I Achieve a Creamy Cheese Sauce?
Making a creamy cheese sauce can be tricky, but here’s the key: patience is essential! The roux (butter and flour mix) needs to cook just long enough to take away the raw flour flavor. Here’s how to do it:
- Start by melting butter over medium heat and whisk in the flour for about a minute until bubbly.
- Gradually add warmed milk while continuously whisking to prevent lumps. This will help create a smooth sauce.
- Cook until it thickens, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes. If the sauce seems too thick, feel free to add more milk.
Finally, mix in your cheeses slowly! This ensures they melt properly and avoid clumping. You’ll end up with a perfectly creamy cheese sauce that coats your pasta beautifully!
Buffalo Chicken Mac And Cheese
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded
- 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce (adjust to taste)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk, warmed
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter (for breadcrumbs)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: ranch or blue cheese dressing for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Buffalo Chicken Mac And Cheese will take about 15-20 minutes for preparation and 25 minutes for baking. In total, you should plan for about 45-50 minutes to prepare and enjoy this delicious dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Get Ready to Cook:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is important for getting that crispy, bubbly topping! Lightly grease a medium-sized baking dish so the mac and cheese doesn’t stick.
2. Cook the Pasta:
In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until it’s al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside while you get the remaining ingredients ready.
3. Prepare the Chicken:
In a small bowl, toss the cooked chicken with buffalo wing sauce until it’s all nicely coated. This will give your dish that spicy flavor kick!
4. Make the Cheese Sauce:
In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once it’s melted, whisk in the flour and let it cook for about 1 minute to form a paste, stirring constantly until lightly bubbling.
5. Add the Milk:
Gradually add the warmed milk, whisking continually to avoid any lumps. Keep stirring and cook until the sauce thickens up nicely—this should take about 5-7 minutes.
6. Melt the Cheeses:
Lower the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese until they’re fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Add garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste.
7. Combine Everything Together:
Now it’s time to bring it all together! Mix the cooked macaroni and buffalo chicken into the cheese sauce, mixing until everything is well combined.
8. Bake the Dish:
Pour the mac and cheese mixture into the greased baking dish. In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with olive oil or melted butter, and sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top.
9. Bake and Finish:
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbly. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
10. Serve:
Once done, take it out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve it up with some ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side if you like that extra flavor kick!
Enjoy your rich, creamy, and spicy Buffalo Chicken Mac And Cheese! It’s comfort food at its best!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken! Make sure to thaw it completely beforehand. You can thaw chicken in the fridge overnight or quickly in a sealed plastic bag submerged in cold water. Once thawed, cook and shred it before mixing with the buffalo sauce.
Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can skip the chicken altogether and replace it with some sautéed vegetables, like bell peppers and spinach, or even use chickpeas for protein. Just make sure to adjust the buffalo sauce to suit your taste!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven, adding a splash of milk if needed to bring back creaminess.
What Can I Use Instead of Panko Breadcrumbs?
If you don’t have panko, regular breadcrumbs will work fine. You can also try crushed crackers or even crushed tortilla chips for a fun, crunchy topping!
