Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food with a spicy twist. Imagine your favorite creamy mac and cheese blended with the bold flavor of buffalo sauce and juicy chicken. This dish has that perfect mix of cheesy, spicy, and oh-so-good that makes weeknight dinners super exciting. Whether you’re looking to impress at a potluck or satisfy a cravings-filled Sunday afternoon, this recipe is easy, quick, and delivers on flavor!
Table of content
- About The Recipe
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Key Ingredients and Substitutions
- How to Make the Recipe(Step-by-Step)
- Expert Tips for Success
- Variations and Customizations
- Nutritional Information
- Storage and Reheating Instructions
- Recipe Card
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Comments & Reviews
- Social Sharing Options
About The Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe
There’s just something about Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese that makes it so irresistible. Maybe it’s the way the creamy cheese sauce perfectly balances the tangy heat of buffalo sauce. Or maybe it takes you back to enjoying wings with friends on game night—but without the mess! Whatever it is, you’re going to love this dish. Buffalo Chicken Mac is not only tasty, but it’s also super versatile. You can whip it up for an easy weeknight meal or bring it as a standout dish for a potluck or family gathering. Want to make it gluten-free? That’s simple, too—just swap regular pasta with your favorite gluten-free version! At BellRecipes, we love meals like this that feel indulgent yet approachable. It’s like that warm cozy blanket of a meal with a spicy little kick. Get ready, because this dish will probably enter your regular dinner rotation after just one bite!Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect blend of creamy, cheesy, and spicy flavors
- Uses simple pantry ingredients—no need for fancy shopping trips
- Ready in under an hour, great for weeknights
- Customizable to fit dietary preferences
- Crowd-pleaser for parties and game day
- Great way to use up rotisserie chicken or leftovers!
Key Ingredients and Substitutions
- Pasta (elbows or shells are best): Gluten-free pasta works too!
- Cooked chicken (shredded or diced): Rotisserie chicken or pre-cooked chicken strips are your time-saving pals.
- Buffalo sauce: For milder heat, use less buffalo sauce or mix with BBQ sauce.
- Cream cheese: Adds extra creaminess but can be swapped with Greek yogurt for a tangier taste.
- Cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar is ideal, but feel free to mix in some Monterey Jack or mozzarella!
- Milk: Whole milk works best for creaminess, but unsweetened almond milk is a lighter option.
How to Make the Recipe (Step-by-Step)
- Cook your pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour to create a roux, then slowly whisk in milk until smooth and thickened.
- Add the cheesy goodness: Stir in cream cheese, cheddar, and buffalo sauce until everything is melted and smooth.
- Mix in the chicken: Add your cooked, shredded chicken to the cheesy sauce, mixing well to coat.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Add the drained pasta to your sauce and chicken mix. Stir until the macaroni is fully coated and looks irresistibly cheesy.
- Optional bake: Transfer to a baking dish, add more cheese on top, and broil until bubbly and slightly golden.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped green onions or a drizzle of ranch dressing (if you’re into that) and serve hot!
Expert Tips for Success
Use freshly grated cheese—it melts better!
For less spice, balance the buffalo sauce with a little cream or ranch dressing.
Craving some crunch? Toss breadcrumbs on top and bake.
Double the recipe for meal prepping—leftovers reheat beautifully!
Always taste before serving to adjust salt and spice levels.
Variations and Customizations
Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese is the perfect dish to tweak around. If you’re vegetarian, swap the chicken for roasted cauliflower or chickpeas. Want a smoky touch? Add crumbled bacon or smoked paprika to the mix. If you prefer a lighter version, use low-fat cheese and milk or even try whole wheat pasta. And for those who love experimenting, sprinkling blue cheese on top before serving can take the flavors up a notch!
Nutritional Information
For one serving of Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese, you’re looking at approximately 450-500 calories. It typically includes about 25 grams of protein (thanks to the chicken and cheese), around 40 grams of carbs from the pasta, and 20 grams of fat. If you’re trying to make it healthier, swapping for low-fat cheese or adding veggies can bring down the calorie count while boosting nutrition. Perfect balance for indulgence without overloading on guilt!
Storage and Reheating Instructions
If you have leftovers (lucky you!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, add a splash of milk to keep the sauce creamy and microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. Prefer an oven reheat? Just cover the dish with foil and bake at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes.
Recipe Card of Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese
Ingredients list
- 1 package elbow macaroni 16 ounces
- 1 rotisserie-roasted chicken
- 6 tablespoons butter
- 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 cups milk
- 1 pinch ground black pepper
- 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
- 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 0.5 cup hot sauce such as Frank's Redhot, or more to taste
- 0.5 cup crumbled gorgonzola cheese
Step-by-Step Instructions
- In a large pot of lightly salted boiling water, cook the macaroni until it's tender but still firm, approximately 8 minutes. Drain.
- Slice off the wings and legs of the rotisserie chicken. Strip the skin and bones from the wings and legs; chop the dark meat into bite-sized chunks.
- Melt butter in a big Dutch oven over medium heat. Gradually whisk in flour, forming a thick paste. Cook to a golden hue, roughly 1 minute.
- Pour milk in, constantly whisking, until it thickens and bubbles, which takes about 5 minutes. Keep cooking and stirring for an added minute until the sauce becomes smooth. Lower the heat and season with pepper.
- Fold Cheddar and Monterey Jack into the sauce until both are melted and blended.
- Incorporate hot sauce to your preferred taste of spiciness.
- Introduce Gorgonzola cheese, chopped chicken, and cooked macaroni; stir until combined thoroughly.
- Serve hot and savor every bite!
Recipe Video
Notes
Nutrition
All Your Questions About This Recipe
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare everything except the baking step. Refrigerate, and when ready to serve, pop it in the oven with some extra cheese on top!
What’s the best cheese for this recipe?
Sharp cheddar is the classic go-to, but you can mix in mozzarella or Monterey Jack for a creamier texture.
How spicy is Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese?
It has a mild kick, but you can adjust the heat by using less buffalo sauce or adding more cheese to mellow it out.
Can this be made gluten-free?
Yes! Just use gluten-free pasta and check that your buffalo sauce and other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze it for up to 2 months! Make sure to use an airtight, freezer-safe container and reheat with a splash of milk for creaminess.