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Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese

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.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Cooling Time 5 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 12 oz elbow macaroni can swap for rotini or penne
For the Protein
  • 2 cups cooked shredded chicken can substitute with shredded beef or tofu
For the Sauce
  • 1/2 cup buffalo sauce adjust heat level based on preference
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 1/4 cup flour
  • 2 cups milk whole or dairy-free options
  • 8 oz cream cheese sour cream can be used
  • 2 cups cheddar cheese mix with Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack
  • 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese omit for lighter dish
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder or use fresh garlic
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder or use fresh onions
For Topping
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs regular breadcrumbs can work
Seasonings
  • to taste salt
  • to taste pepper

Equipment

  • large pot
  • Colander
  • Medium Skillet
  • Saucepan
  • whisk
  • Baking dish

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese
  1. 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. Drain the pasta and set aside.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. Add the cooked pasta and sautéed chicken into the saucepan, stirring to coat everything in the creamy buffalo cheese sauce.
  5. 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.
  6. 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

Notes

This 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.

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