Craving something creamy, cheesy, and with a spicy kick? Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese brings together the comforting goodness of classic mac and cheese with the bold, tangy flavors of buffalo chicken. This dish is perfect for game day, family dinners, or anytime you want to indulge in a crowd-pleasing comfort food with a twist. Creamy cheese sauce, tender shredded chicken, and a splash of buffalo sauce all combine to create a dish that’s nothing short of irresistible.

Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try

This Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese is the ultimate comfort food upgrade. It has the creamy, cheesy texture you love in mac and cheese, but with a punch of buffalo flavor that wakes up your taste buds. It’s a one-pot wonder that’s simple to make but delivers big on flavor. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or hosting friends, this recipe satisfies all cravings. Plus, it’s versatile and easy to customize, making it a perfect recipe to keep in your weeknight rotation.

If you enjoy dishes like Buffalo Chicken Casserole, you’ll love how this recipe brings similar flavors in a creamy, cheesy pasta form. It’s comfort food elevated and perfect for anyone who appreciates bold, spicy flavors combined with cheesy indulgence.

Ingredients

8 ounces elbow macaroni
2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
1 cup buffalo sauce
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup milk
1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup unsalted butter
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
Turkey bacon, crumbled (optional, for garnish)

How To Make Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese

Step 1: Cook the Macaroni

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Cheese Sauce

In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the garlic powder and onion powder, stirring for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Next, add the softened cream cheese and milk, whisking constantly until the cream cheese melts and the mixture is smooth.

Step 3: Add the Cheeses

Lower the heat and add the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses to the sauce. Stir continuously until all the cheese has melted and the sauce is creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Combine Chicken and Buffalo Sauce

In a bowl, mix the shredded chicken with the buffalo sauce until the chicken is evenly coated.

Step 5: Mix Everything Together

Add the cooked macaroni and buffalo chicken mixture into the cheese sauce. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Serve the Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese hot, garnished with sliced green onions and optional crumbled turkey bacon for an extra layer of flavor and crunch.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the macaroni – it should be al dente to avoid mushy pasta in the final dish.
Using cold milk – room temperature milk helps the cheese sauce come together smoothly.
Adding too much buffalo sauce at once – start with a cup and adjust to your preferred spice level.
Not stirring the cheese sauce continuously – this prevents clumping and ensures a creamy texture.
Skipping seasoning – salt and pepper balance the flavors and enhance the cheese and buffalo sauce.

Variations and Customizations

Cheese Choices: Swap out cheddar or mozzarella for pepper jack for an extra spicy kick or gouda for a smoky touch.
Protein Swap: Use rotisserie chicken or grilled chicken breast instead of shredded chicken for different textures.
Spice Level: Adjust buffalo sauce amount or add a drizzle of ranch or blue cheese dressing to cool down the heat.
Veggie Boost: Stir in steamed broccoli, sautéed bell peppers, or corn for added nutrition and color.
Breadcrumb Topping: For a crunchy finish, sprinkle panko breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter on top and broil for 2-3 minutes.

How to Store Leftovers

Store leftover Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of milk to loosen the sauce and warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to maintain a creamy texture. Avoid overheating to prevent the cheese from separating.

FAQ

Can I make Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dish up to the point before adding the cheese sauce. Store the cooked pasta and buffalo chicken separately in the fridge, then combine and reheat with cheese sauce when ready to serve.

What can I use instead of cream cheese?

If you don’t have cream cheese on hand, you can substitute with an equal amount of ricotta cheese or mascarpone for a slightly different but still creamy texture.

Is this recipe very spicy?

The spice level depends on your buffalo sauce choice. You can always adjust the amount of buffalo sauce to your taste or add some cooling elements like ranch dressing to balance the heat.

Can I freeze Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese?

While you can freeze it, the texture of the cheese sauce might change slightly after thawing. For best results, freeze before adding cheese sauce, then prepare fresh sauce when ready to eat.

Conclusion

Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese is a flavorful, comforting dish that combines creamy cheese, tender chicken, and spicy buffalo sauce into one delicious meal. Easy to make and endlessly adaptable, it’s a fantastic option for those looking to elevate classic mac and cheese with a bold twist. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner, a casual get-together, or just a cozy night in, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe collection. Enjoy the perfect balance of creamy, cheesy, and spicy in every bite!

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