Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese (Print View)

Creamy, spicy mac with tender buffalo chicken and a crunchy breadcrumb topping, perfect for comfort food lovers.

# Components:

→ Pasta

01 - 1 pound elbow macaroni

→ Chicken

02 - 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
03 - 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce

→ Cheese Sauce

04 - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
05 - 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
06 - 3 cups whole milk
07 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
08 - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
09 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
10 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
11 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
12 - 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
13 - 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
14 - 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese (optional)

→ Topping

15 - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
16 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
17 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
02 - Cook elbow macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
03 - In a medium bowl, toss the cooked chicken with buffalo wing sauce, ensuring it is evenly coated.
04 - Melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook, stirring constantly, for 1 to 2 minutes until lightly golden and fragrant.
05 - Gradually whisk in the whole milk until smooth. Add garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the sauce has thickened, approximately 5 minutes.
06 - Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the shredded cheddar, mozzarella, and crumbled blue cheese (if using) until the cheeses are fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
07 - Add the cooked macaroni and the prepared buffalo chicken to the cheese sauce. Stir gently to combine all ingredients. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
08 - In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs with the melted butter. Toss until the breadcrumbs are evenly moistened. Sprinkle this mixture uniformly over the top of the macaroni and cheese.
09 - Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the mac and cheese is bubbly.
10 - If desired, garnish with fresh chopped parsley. Allow to cool for 5 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set slightly.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Ready in under an hour from start to finish
  • Perfect balance of creamy cheese and spicy buffalo flavor
  • Uses simple ingredients most home cooks already have
  • Versatile enough for weeknight dinners or game day gatherings
  • Makes excellent leftovers that reheat beautifully
02 -
  • This dish perfectly balances comfort food creaminess with buffalo wing heat
  • Can be prepared up to 24 hours ahead and baked just before serving
  • Excellent source of protein with 36g per serving
  • Easily customizable to your preferred spice level
03 -
  • Always grate cheese yourself rather than using pre shredded varieties which contain anti caking agents that prevent smooth melting
  • For the crispiest topping, place under the broiler for the final 1 to 2 minutes but watch carefully
  • Let the dish rest for a full 5 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set properly
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