Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese

Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese

Servings

6

Prep Time

15 minutes

Cook Time

25 minutes

Calories

610

Cuisine

American

Category

Main Course

Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese is the perfect fusion of two beloved comfort foods: the creamy, gooey richness of mac and cheese and the spicy, tangy punch of buffalo chicken. 


This dish brings together tender shredded chicken tossed in flavorful buffalo sauce, all mixed into a velvety cheese sauce that coats every bite of pasta. Topped with a golden, crispy panko crust, it offers a delightful crunch that complements the creamy interior.


What makes this recipe so special is the balance of flavors and textures. The buffalo sauce adds a zesty heat that pairs beautifully with the rich, melty cheeses, while the blue cheese crumbles introduce a sharp tanginess for added depth. The panko topping creates a satisfying crunch, making each bite irresistible. 


Whether you're a die-hard buffalo wing fan or a mac and cheese lover, this dish is guaranteed to become a household favorite. It's perfect for weeknight dinners, game-day gatherings, or whenever you're in the mood for some indulgent comfort food!



Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese

Ingredients

  • 2 cups elbow macaroni

  • 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie works well)

  • 2 tablespoons butter

  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

  • 2 cups whole milk

  • 1 cup heavy cream

  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

  • 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese (optional)

  • 1/2 cup buffalo sauce (Frank’s RedHot recommended)

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

  • 1 teaspoon onion powder

  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

  • Salt and pepper to taste

  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

  • 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)

  • Ranch or blue cheese dressing (for serving)

Directions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.

  2. Cook the macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

  3. In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden.

  4. Slowly whisk in the milk and heavy cream, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens, about 3-4 minutes.

  5. Reduce heat to low and stir in the cheddar, mozzarella, and blue cheese (if using) until fully melted and smooth.

  6. Add the buffalo sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.

  7. Fold in the shredded chicken and cooked macaroni, ensuring everything is evenly coated.

  8. Pour the mixture into the greased baking dish.

  9. In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with olive oil and sprinkle over the mac and cheese.

  10. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbling.

  11. Garnish with green onions and serve with a drizzle of ranch or blue cheese dressing. Enjoy!

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10 consejos de cocina

  1. Use queso recién rallado para la mejor fusión: el queso pre-triturado contiene agentes antihoradas que afectan la textura.
  2. Ajuste la cantidad de salsa de búfalo para controlar el nivel de especias.
  3. ¡Rotisserie Chicken es un excelente horario de tiempo!
  4. No cocine demasiado la pasta: continuará cocinando en el horno.
  5. Toast Panko en mantequilla para una cobertura aún más crujiente.
  6. Agregue una pizca de salsa picante para intensificar el calor.
  7. Para una salsa más cremosa, use una mezcla de crema espesa y leche entera.
  8. Deje que el macarrones con queso se repita durante 5 minutos antes de servir para espesar.
  9. Sustituya el aderezo del rancho por queso azul si se prefiere.
  10. Almacene las sobras en un recipiente hermético y vuelva a calentar con un toque de leche.

Servirlo con sugerencias

  • Una ensalada lateral nítida con aderezo de queso rancho o azul
  • Pan de ajo o rollos para cenar para una indulgencia adicional
  • Verduras asadas o al vapor para equilibrar la riqueza
  • Celery y zanahoria con salsa de rancho para un emparejamiento clásico de búfalo
  • Un vaso frío de té helado o una cerveza ligera para contraste

Preguntas frecuentes

P: ¿Puedo hacer esta macarrones con queso de pollo búfalo con anticipación?
A: ¡Sí! Ensamble el macarrones con queso, cubre y refrigere hasta 24 horas antes de hornear.

P: ¿Puedo hacer un pollo de búfalo mac y queso más picante?
A: ¡Absolutamente! Agregue salsa de búfalo adicional o mezcle un poco de pimienta de cayena.

P: ¿Qué puedo usar en lugar de queso azul al hacer búfalo pollo mac y queso?
R: Pruebe el aderezo del rancho o la mozzarella adicional para un sabor más suave.

P: ¿Puedo congelar el pollo de búfalo mac con queso?
A: ¡Sí! Almacene en un recipiente hermético y congele por hasta 3 meses. Recalentar en el horno para obtener los mejores resultados.

P: ¿Cómo recalto las sobras de Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese?
R: Agregue un toque de leche y caliente en el horno a 350 ° F o microondas en ráfagas cortas.

 

Chef's Recommendation

"A sharp knife is your best friend in the kitchen. For recipes like this, I always reach for my Chikashi chef knife - it gives me the control and precision I need for perfect results every time."
Chef's Note: A sharp knife not only makes prep work faster but also safer - dull knives require more pressure and are more likely to slip.

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