Jump to Recipe Print RecipeThe aroma of melted cheese and spicy buffalo sauce filled my kitchen, urging me to dive into a plate of comfort like no other: Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese. This dish marries the rich, creamy goodness of traditional mac and cheese with the exciting kick of buffalo flavor, making it an instant crowd-pleaser. What I love most about this recipe is its quick prep time and incredible versatility; you can easily adapt it to suit your taste or dietary needs. Whether you’re whipping it up for a cozy movie night or bringing it to a potluck, each bite is a delightful journey of cheesy delight and zesty spice. Ready to experience the ultimate fusion of flavors? Let’s get cooking! Why is This Recipe a Must-Try? Comforting and hearty, Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese is the perfect dish for satisfying cravings. Quick and easy, this recipe comes together in no time, making it ideal for busy weeknights. Customizable, you can switch out proteins or cheeses to fit anyone’s taste—vegan or gluten-free options are easily made! Crowd-pleaser, whether it’s a family dinner or a game night, everyone will want a second helping. Plus, meal prep-friendly, it stores well, allowing you to enjoy delicious leftovers throughout the week. Ready to create a dish that enchants? Make it yours today! Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Ingredients Get ready to create a deliciously creamy and spicy dish! For the Pasta Elbow Macaroni – Serves as the classic base; feel free to swap for rotini or penne for a fun twist. For the Protein Cooked Shredded Chicken – Adds heartiness; substitute with shredded beef, tofu, or hearty vegetables for a vegetarian version. For the Sauce Buffalo Sauce – Infuses zesty flavor; adjust the heat level by choosing mild or hot based on your spice preference. Cream Cheese – Brings creaminess and richness; for a lighter alternative, sour cream works well. Cheddar Cheese – Offers a flavorful kick; you can also mix in Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for extra zest. Mozzarella Cheese – Adds gooey meltiness; omit if you prefer a lighter dish. Milk – Creates a smooth, creamy sauce; whole milk is best, or try almond or oat milk for a dairy-free option. Garlic Powder and Onion Powder – Enhance flavor nicely; consider using fresh garlic and onions for more depth. For Topping Panko Breadcrumbs – Provides a delightful crunch on top; regular breadcrumbs or crushed crackers can also work in a pinch. Seasonings Salt and Pepper – Essential for balancing flavors; season to taste for a tailored touch. Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Step 1: Cook Pasta Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add 12 oz of elbow macaroni and cook for about 8-10 minutes until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander and set it aside, allowing it to steam off while you prepare the rest of the Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese. Step 2: Prepare Chicken In a medium skillet over medium heat, add a splash of oil and sauté your diced cooked chicken for 5-7 minutes. Season it with salt and pepper, stirring occasionally until the chicken is heated through and golden brown. This step enhances the flavor, making your Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese even more satisfying. Step 3: Make Cheese Sauce In a saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in 1/4 cup of flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until it forms a thick paste. Gradually whisk in 2 cups of milk, ensuring there are no lumps, and cook until the mixture thickens, about 3-5 minutes. Stir in 8 oz of cream cheese, 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, and 1/2 cup of buffalo sauce until smooth and creamy. Step 4: Combine Ingredients With the cheese sauce ready, add the cooked pasta and the sautéed chicken into the saucepan. Stir well to ensure every piece of pasta and chicken is coated in that delicious, creamy buffalo cheese sauce. This is where the flavors meld beautifully together, bringing your Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese to life. Step 5: Top and Bake Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the pasta mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle a generous layer of panko breadcrumbs on top for that delightful crunch. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbly, creating a perfect crust on your Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese. Step 6: Serve Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool slightly for about 5 minutes. Drizzle some extra buffalo sauce over the top for an added kick, and garnish with chopped green onions if desired. Serve warm, and get ready to enjoy every gooey and spicy bite of your Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese! How to Store and Freeze Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, adding a splash of milk to restore creaminess. Freezer: For longer storage, freeze portions in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. Reheating: When you’re ready to enjoy the Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese again, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. Make-Ahead: You can assemble the dish without baking and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Just pop it in the oven when ready to serve! What to Serve with Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese? Elevate your meal experience with perfect side dishes that harmonize with creamy comfort food. Crispy Garlic Bread: A crunchy, buttery companion that’s perfect for soaking up the delicious cheese sauce. Its warm, toasty crust adds texture and a hint of garlic that complements the bold flavors of the dish. Simple Side Salad: A light, refreshing mix of greens with a tangy vinaigrette adds a crisp contrast. This salad balances the rich, creamy mac and cheese, keeping your meal wholesome and vibrant. Steamed Broccoli: Tender, vibrant green broccoli offers a nutritious counterpart, enhancing the dish’s visual appeal and providing a lovely crunch alongside the creamy pasta. Buffalo Cauliflower Bites: Spicy, roasted cauliflower tossed in buffalo sauce serves as a delightful, veggie-focused take on the dish’s flavors. These bites add an extra kick while keeping it light. Coleslaw: A cool, creamy coleslaw helps cool down the spice from the buffalo sauce, providing a refreshing and crunchy element. The combination of crisp cabbage and a zesty dressing works wonderfully with your mac and cheese. Apple Crisp: End your meal on a sweet note with a warm apple crisp. The sweet, buttery topping complements the savory flavors and leaves you with a comforting, nostalgic finish that ties the meal together. Expert Tips for Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Sear the Chicken: Lock in juicy flavor by searing the chicken first. It enhances the overall taste, making your Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese more delightful. Don’t Rinse Pasta: Avoid rinsing the pasta after draining; this allows the sauce to cling better, ensuring a creamy coating throughout the dish. Monitor Baking: To prevent over-browning, keep an eye on your dish while baking. If it starts to brown too quickly, cover with foil to protect that golden topping. Choose Cheese Wisely: Experiment with different cheeses to customize your flavor. Combining sharp cheddar with creamy Gouda can elevate your Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese! Add Veggies: Sneak in some nutrition by adding veggies like spinach or roasted broccoli. They provide color and flavor while making your dish even heartier. Make Ahead Options Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese is a fantastic dish to prepare ahead of time, making dinner on busy nights a breeze! You can assemble the entire dish up to 24 hours in advance; just prepare it until the topping stage and keep it covered in the refrigerator. If you need a longer timeframe, feel free to make it up to 3 days ahead. Simply follow the recipe instructions, allowing the flavors to meld while it sits in the fridge. When ready to bake, just pop it in the oven straight from the fridge, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time to ensure it heats evenly. This time-saving strategy ensures you’ll enjoy a delicious, crowd-pleasing Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese without any last-minute hassle! Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Variations Feel free to get creative and make this recipe your own with these delightful variations! Dairy-Free: Substitute traditional cheese and cream with your favorite plant-based alternatives for a creamy texture without dairy. Try coconut yogurt as a stand-in for cream cheese to keep the richness intact while adding a slightly sweet note. Spicy Twist: Add fresh jalapeños to the mix or incorporate diced chipotle peppers in adobo for a smokier flavor. Not everyone may love the heat, so serve with extra chipotle sauce on the side for those who dare! Veggie-Loaded: Stir in cooked broccoli, spinach, or bell peppers for additional nutrition and color. Throwing in veggies not only enhances the dish visually but also makes it healthier and heartier with each bite. Cheesy Indulgence: Use a blend of cheeses like Gouda, Fontina, or even blue cheese for a gourmet touch. This can elevate your Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese with complex flavors, creating a new favorite for cheese lovers! Texture Boost: Incorporate crispy bacon bits or sautéed mushrooms. These add a savory crunch or umami depth that contrasts delightfully with the creamy mac. Protein Switch: Swap out chicken for shredded pork, turkey, or even tofu for a vegetarian alternative. Each protein can bring a unique taste, so why not try a BBQ shredded chicken version for a fun twist? Buffalo Sauce Variation: Experiment with different brands of buffalo sauce or create your own homemade version with varying heat levels. Tailoring the spice level can turn a friendly family meal into a thrilling culinary adventure! Baked Variants: Skip the baking step for a creamy stovetop version. Cooking on the stove lets you enjoy this dish in a fraction of the time while maintaining the delicious flavor. Each of these variations adds a personalized touch to the classic Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese recipe. And if you’re interested in exploring more cheesy goodness, check out my recipe for Cheesy Spinach Artichoke Dip or try a comforting bowl of Classic Mac and Cheese! Enjoy your culinary adventure! Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe FAQs What type of pasta should I use for Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese? You can use elbow macaroni, which is traditional, or mix it up with rotini or penne for a fun twist! I often prefer elbow macaroni for its ability to hold the cheese sauce beautifully, but feel free to experiment! How do I store leftovers of Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese? Absolutely! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, just pop it in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, adding a splash of milk to help bring back that creamy texture. It’s a lifesaver for quick lunches! Can I freeze Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese? Yes, you can freeze it! Portion the mac and cheese into freezer-safe containers. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes until heated through, and it’ll taste delicious! What can I do if my cheese sauce seems too thick? If you find your cheese sauce is too thick, fear not! Simply whisk in a little more milk gradually, over low heat, until you achieve your desired creaminess. Don’t forget to taste and season if needed. Getting the sauce just right makes all the difference in this Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese! Is this dish suitable for dietary restrictions? Definitely! You can adjust this recipe to fit various dietary needs. For a healthier version, you can use whole grain pasta and low-fat cheese options. If you need a vegetarian version, replace the chicken with lentils or hearty vegetables. Just make sure to check any sauces and seasonings for potential allergens, and you’ll be all set! How long does the Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese take to make? From start to finish, this mouthwatering dish takes about 45 minutes! It’s quick enough for a weeknight meal, yet impressively tasty for gatherings, making it perfect for any occasion. Enjoy cooking! Creamy Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese for Ultimate Comfort Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese is a creamy, cheesy dish with a spicy kick that’s perfect for any gathering. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 30 minutes minsCooling Time 5 minutes minsTotal Time 50 minutes mins Servings: 6 servingsCourse: DinnerCuisine: AmericanCalories: 450 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Pasta12 oz elbow macaroni can swap for rotini or penneFor the Protein2 cups cooked shredded chicken can substitute with shredded beef or tofuFor the Sauce1/2 cup buffalo sauce adjust heat level based on preference4 tablespoons butter1/4 cup flour2 cups milk whole or dairy-free options8 oz cream cheese sour cream can be used2 cups cheddar cheese mix with Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack1/2 cup mozzarella cheese omit for lighter dish1 teaspoon garlic powder or use fresh garlic1 teaspoon onion powder or use fresh onionsFor Topping1 cup panko breadcrumbs regular breadcrumbs can workSeasoningsto taste saltto taste pepper Equipment large potColanderMedium SkilletSaucepanwhiskBaking dish Method Step-by-Step Instructions for Buffalo Chicken Mac and CheeseBegin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add 12 oz of elbow macaroni and cook for about 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.In a medium skillet over medium heat, add a splash of oil and sauté diced cooked chicken for 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper until heated through.In a saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Whisk in 1/4 cup of flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until it forms a paste. Gradually whisk in 2 cups of milk and cook until thickened. Stir in 8 oz of cream cheese, 2 cups cheddar cheese, and 1/2 cup buffalo sauce until smooth.Add the cooked pasta and sautéed chicken into the saucepan, stirring to coat everything in the creamy buffalo cheese sauce.Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish and top with panko breadcrumbs. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.Let it cool for about 5 minutes, then drizzle with extra buffalo sauce and garnish with chopped green onions if desired. Serve warm. Nutrition Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 25gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 60mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 15IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 10mg NotesThis dish is perfect for meal prep and can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
