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Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese

Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese

  • Author: Lina
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Contains Gluten and Dairy

Description

Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese is a comforting and bold dish combining tender chicken tossed in tangy Buffalo sauce with perfectly cooked macaroni and a velvety cheese sauce. This recipe offers a harmonious blend of spicy heat and creamy richness, ideal for cozy dinners, casual gatherings, or game day meals. It features simple ingredients, quick preparation, and customizable spice levels, bringing a fiery twist to traditional mac and cheese.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 8 oz elbow macaroni

Chicken & Sauce

  • 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
  • 1/2 cup Buffalo sauce (adjust to taste)

Cheese Sauce

  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups milk
  • 4 oz cream cheese
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika

Garnish (optional)

  • 2 tbsp green onions or chives, sliced
  • Additional Buffalo sauce for drizzling

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside while you prepare the sauce.
  2. Prepare the Buffalo Chicken: Shred the cooked chicken breast into bite-sized pieces and toss it in Buffalo sauce until well coated. Set aside to let the flavors meld.
  3. Make the Cheese Sauce: In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for about one minute to form a roux. Gradually whisk in milk, stirring constantly until thickened and smooth. Lower the heat and add cream cheese, cheddar, mozzarella, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Stir until all the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.
  4. Combine Pasta, Chicken, and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta and Buffalo chicken into the cheese sauce, gently folding to coat everything evenly. Cook for a couple of minutes to blend the flavors together.
  5. Serve and Garnish: Transfer the mac and cheese to serving bowls and sprinkle with green onions or chives if desired. For an extra kick, drizzle additional Buffalo sauce on top or serve alongside your favorite dipping sauce.

Notes

  • Use freshly cooked chicken for better flavor and absorption of Buffalo sauce.
  • Don’t overcook the pasta; al dente texture holds up best.
  • Make the cheese sauce over gentle heat to avoid cheese clumping or graininess.
  • Adjust the amount of Buffalo sauce to control spiciness.
  • For added texture, top with breadcrumbs or crushed crackers and broil briefly before serving.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 600 kcal
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 900 mg
  • Fat: 35 g
  • Saturated Fat: 18 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 45 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 35 g
  • Cholesterol: 110 mg

Keywords: Buffalo chicken, mac and cheese, comfort food, spicy mac and cheese, creamy pasta, Buffalo sauce, easy dinner, game day food

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Find it online: https://dishesbylina.com/buffalo-chicken-mac-and-cheese/