Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese

$- 8 ounces elbow macaroni - 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded - 1 cup buffalo wing sauce - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter - 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour - 2 cups milk - 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/4 cup chopped green onions (for garnish) The main ingredients create a solid base for your dish. The elbow macaroni holds the sauce well. The chicken adds protein and flavor, while buffalo wing sauce gives it that signature kick. - 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese (optional) Adding blue cheese can enhance the dish. It adds a rich, tangy taste that pairs well with buffalo sauce. You can also use ranch dressing for a creamier flavor. - Sharp cheddar cheese - Mozzarella cheese Sharp cheddar brings a bold taste to the dish. Mozzarella adds creaminess and stretch. You can mix in other cheeses like gouda or pepper jack for more depth. Experimenting with different cheeses can make your mac and cheese unique! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start with a large pot. Fill it with water and add salt. Bring the water to a boil. Add 8 ounces of elbow macaroni. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Aim for al dente, which means it should still have a bite. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside. In the same pot, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Once the butter melts, stir in 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour. This creates a roux. Cook it for about 1 minute until it turns golden. Gradually whisk in 2 cups of milk. Make sure there are no lumps. Keep whisking until the sauce thickens. This should take about 3 to 5 minutes. Remove the pot from the heat. Now, stir in 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. Mix until the cheese melts and becomes creamy. Next, add 2 cups of shredded chicken and 1 cup of buffalo wing sauce. Season with 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, salt, and pepper to taste. Mix well to combine all the flavors. Add the cooked macaroni back into the pot. Stir until every piece of pasta is coated in the cheesy buffalo sauce. For serving, spoon the buffalo chicken mac and cheese into bowls or a baking dish. Top it off with 1/4 cup of chopped green onions. If you like blue cheese, sprinkle 1/4 cup of crumbled blue cheese on top. Enjoy this delightful dish! To make a creamy cheese sauce, start with a roux. Melt butter in your pot. Add flour and stir for one minute. This thickens the sauce. Next, slowly add milk while whisking. This step helps avoid lumps. Keep stirring until the sauce thickens, around three to five minutes. Remove the pot from heat before adding cheese. Stir in sharp cheddar and mozzarella until melted. The sauce should be smooth and creamy. Buffalo chicken mac and cheese can be spicy. To control the heat, use less buffalo wing sauce. You can mix in some sour cream for creaminess and coolness. If you like more heat, add extra wing sauce. Taste as you go to find your perfect balance. Remember, each brand of sauce has its own spice level. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container. This keeps the dish fresh for three to four days. You can also freeze it for a longer shelf life. Just make sure to cool it first before freezing. To reheat, use the oven or microwave. Add a splash of milk if the sauce is too thick after reheating. This will help restore its creaminess. Pro Tips Use High-Quality Cheese: Opt for sharp cheddar and fresh mozzarella for the best flavor and creaminess in your mac and cheese. Customize the Heat: Adjust the amount of buffalo sauce according to your spice preference; start with less and add more as needed. Make It Ahead: Prepare the dish in advance and refrigerate it; bake it right before serving for a quick meal option. Add Extra Ingredients: Feel free to mix in vegetables like spinach or broccoli for added nutrition and color in your dish. {{image_2}} You can make a tasty vegetarian version of Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese. Instead of chicken, use cooked cauliflower or chickpeas. These options add texture and protein. You can also add some sautéed bell peppers or spinach for color and nutrients. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth in your cheese sauce. This keeps the flavor rich and hearty. For a gluten-free version, swap regular macaroni for gluten-free pasta. Many brands make great gluten-free pasta that holds up well. For the sauce, use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour. This keeps the sauce thick and creamy. Check your buffalo wing sauce for gluten, as some brands add wheat. You can change the flavor of your Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese with a few fun twists. For a BBQ flavor, mix in some barbecue sauce with the buffalo sauce. This gives a sweet and smoky taste. If ranch is your favorite, add ranch seasoning to the cheese sauce. You can also mix in some hot sauce for extra heat. Each of these options gives a new spin to your dish, making it even more exciting. After you enjoy your Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese, store leftovers in an airtight container. This keeps the taste fresh. Make sure to let it cool first. Place it in the fridge if you plan to eat it within three days. For longer storage, follow the freezing steps below. To reheat, use the microwave or stovetop. If using the microwave, place the mac and cheese in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat it in short bursts, stirring in between. This ensures even warming. On the stovetop, warm it over low heat. Add a splash of milk to keep it creamy. Stir often to avoid burning. For freezing, place the cooled mac and cheese in a freezer-safe container. Seal it tightly to prevent freezer burn. It will stay good for up to three months. When you are ready to eat it, defrost in the fridge overnight. Reheat as mentioned above for the best taste. Buffalo chicken mac and cheese is a fun twist on the classic dish. It has creamy cheese, tender pasta, and spicy buffalo chicken. The dish is rich in flavor and texture. You get the warmth from the cheese and a kick from the buffalo sauce. It’s a comfort food that blends two favorites into one tasty meal. Yes, you can make buffalo chicken mac and cheese ahead of time. Just prepare the dish up to the baking step. Then, store it in the fridge for up to two days. When you’re ready to serve it, bake it at 350°F until it’s hot and bubbly. This makes it perfect for busy nights or gatherings. Buffalo chicken mac and cheese pairs well with many sides. Here are some tasty options: - Celery sticks: They add a nice crunch. - Carrot sticks: They offer a sweet balance. - Green salad: A fresh salad can lighten the meal. - Garlic bread: This adds a comforting touch. These sides round out your meal and keep it fun! Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese combines bold flavors with a creamy texture. We covered essential ingredients, steps, and tips to create this dish. You learned how to cook pasta, prepare cheese sauce, and assemble everything. I shared storage tips for your leftovers and fun variations to try. This dish is a crowd-pleaser and easy to make. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and serving options. Your kitchen can become a hub of delicious meals with Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese!$

A creamy and spicy twist on classic mac and cheese, featuring shredded chicken and buffalo wing sauce.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients

8 ounces elbow macaroni
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
1 cup buffalo wing sauce
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
2 cups milk
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
to taste salt and pepper
1 quarter cup chopped green onions (for garnish)
1 quarter cup crumbled blue cheese (optional)

Instructions

In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, stir in the flour to create a roux, cooking for about 1 minute until golden.
Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Continue to whisk until the mixture thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
Remove the pot from heat and stir in the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until fully melted and creamy.
Stir in the shredded chicken, buffalo wing sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
Add the cooked macaroni back into the pot, mixing until all the pasta is coated in the cheesy buffalo sauce.
Spoon the buffalo chicken mac and cheese into bowls or into a baking dish for sharing. Top with chopped green onions and crumbled blue cheese if desired.

Notes

Add more buffalo sauce for extra heat or use different cheeses as desired.

Keyword buffalo chicken, comfort food, mac and cheese