If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort food with a spicy, cheesy twist, Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese is here to win your heart—one creamy, kicky spoonful at a time. This is not just any old mac and cheese; it’s bold, cozy, and delivers irresistible flavor in every bite, making it perfect for game day, potlucks, or whenever you want to spice up your comfort food routine.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ultimate Creaminess: Cream cheese and sour cream turn this mac and cheese into a lusciously smooth, velvety treat.
- Just the Right Kick: Buffalo sauce brings the perfect amount of heat and tang—satisfying anyone craving bold flavor without being overwhelming.
- Crave-Worthy Crunch: A buttery, toasted panko topping adds irresistible texture with every bite.
- Great for Any Occasion: Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd or just want a comforting weeknight dinner, Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese never disappoints!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese is in how each pantry staple gets a moment to shine, adding something special to every creamy, spicy forkful. Here’s a look at the key ingredients and why they’re essential for making this dish truly unforgettable.
- Macaroni noodles (or Cellentani): The classic pasta shape is perfect for catching all that luscious cheese sauce; Cellentani’s corkscrew shape works especially well.
- Butter & flour: Together, these create a velvety roux base for your dreamy cheese sauce.
- Milk: Whole milk makes the sauce extra rich and creamy, but 2% works well too.
- Salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, ground mustard: This blend lays down a flavor foundation with the perfect savory kick and subtle depth.
- Cream cheese: The secret ingredient for an ultra-silky, meltingly soft sauce.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully and adds gooey stretchiness to every bite.
- Sharp cheddar cheese: Delivers big cheesy flavor with a little classic tang—don’t skip it!
- Sour cream: A dollop lightens the sauce and infuses just the right tang to balance the buffalo heat.
- Buffalo hot sauce: The star of the show, bringing that signature fiery flavor; choose your favorite brand!
- Shredded chicken: Rotisserie or leftover chicken makes this super easy, hearty, and satisfying.
- Panko bread crumbs: These get toasted with butter and olive oil for that golden, crunchy topping.
- Butter & olive oil (for topping): Ensures the crumbs are crisp and flavorful, never dry.
Variations
The beauty of Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese is its versatility—you can make it as bold or mild as you like, and there are plenty of easy twists to suit every palate and pantry. Here are a few ways to put your own spin on this crowd-pleasing dish.
- Milder Mac: Dial back the buffalo sauce and swap in a creamy ranch or blue cheese dressing for gentle heat lovers.
- Extra Veggie: Stir in steamed broccoli, spinach, or roasted cauliflower for a pop of color and extra nutrition.
- Cheese Lovers’ Dream: Experiment with Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or smoked gouda for fun flavor profiles.
- Gluten-Free: Simply sub in your favorite gluten-free pasta and panko for a dish everyone can enjoy.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your macaroni (or Cellentani) until just al dente. You want a little firmness, since the noodles will finish cooking in the oven and soak up all that saucy goodness without turning mushy.
Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce
While the pasta cooks, melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Whisk in the flour to form a smooth, bubbly roux—this gives the sauce its signature body. Slowly add the milk and all the spices, stirring constantly. Bring it to a gentle boil, then let it simmer until ever-so-slightly thickened.
Step 3: Stir in the Good Stuff
Reduce the heat and pile in the cream cheese, mozzarella, cheddar, and sour cream. Stir, stir, stir until every last bit melts down into creamy deliciousness. Now pour in your buffalo hot sauce and mix until the color is gloriously orange and everything smells irresistible!
Step 4: Add Chicken and Pasta
Toss in the shredded chicken and drained pasta. Use a big spoon or spatula to gently mix everything together so the pasta and chicken are wrapped in cheesy, spicy sauce. Pour into your lightly greased baking dish—you’re on the home stretch!
Step 5: Make the Panko Topping
In a small pan, melt butter and olive oil together over medium heat, then add your panko. Stir and toast for a couple minutes until the crumbs are golden and fragrant. Sprinkle this mixture straight over your mac and cheese for that signature crunch.
Step 6: Bake and Serve
Slide the dish into a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven and bake for about 15 minutes, until bubbly and the topping is just set. For extra color, broil for a minute or two—but keep a close eye! Let stand a few minutes to set the cheese before garnishing with chopped parsley and serving hot.
Pro Tips for Making Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese
- Pasta Al Dente is Key: Boil your pasta just until it has a light bite—overcooked noodles will go too soft in the oven and lose their lovely texture.
- Customize Your Heat: Not all buffalo sauces are created equal—taste yours before adding, and start with less if you’re unsure. You can always drizzle more on top later!
- Don’t Skip the Toasted Panko: Toasting the panko in butter and olive oil before baking guarantees the topping stays crisp and doesn’t turn soggy.
- Cream Cheese Trick: Cube the cream cheese and bring it to room temperature before stirring in—it melts much faster and blends into the sauce seamlessly.
How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese
Garnishes
For the finishing touch, a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives brightens up every bowl, while a little crumbled blue cheese on top brings an authentic Buffalo wing vibe. Want to turn up the heat? Add a dash of extra hot sauce or finely diced jalapeños for color and spice.
Side Dishes
Pair your Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese with a crisp green salad, celery sticks, or buttery garlic bread to balance out the spice. It also makes an unbeatable side for burgers or grilled meats if you’re hosting a hearty feast!
Creative Ways to Present
This mac and cheese makes a show-stopping centerpiece in a cast-iron skillet, or you can serve it in ramekins for adorable single servings. For parties, scoop into small cups and top with a skewer of buffalo chicken or celery for a grab-and-go treat everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Transfer leftover Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep beautifully for 3-4 days—perfect for quick lunches or late-night cravings!
Freezing
You can freeze individual portions (or the whole casserole) for up to two months. For best texture, freeze before baking and topping with panko; add the topping fresh before reheating if possible.
Reheating
Reheat gently in the oven, covered with foil, at 325°F (165°C) until warmed through. For quick fixes, the microwave works too—just stir halfway and add a splash of milk if it looks dry.
FAQs
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Can I use rotisserie chicken for Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken makes this recipe even faster and more flavorful. Just shred or chop it before stirring in and you’re good to go.
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Is this recipe super spicy?
The spice level depends on your buffalo sauce and how much you add. You’re totally in control—use less or pick a mild buffalo sauce for gentle heat, or add extra for serious spice lovers.
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Can I make Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the dish up to a day in advance. Store covered in the fridge, then top with panko and bake just before serving for best results.
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What’s the best cheese mix for this mac and cheese?
Sharp cheddar and mozzarella are classic for their perfect melt and flavor, but don’t hesitate to experiment with Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or even a smoky cheese if you love a twist!
Final Thoughts
Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese is pure comfort food magic, with layers of creamy cheese, spicy sauce, and juicy chicken in every bite. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try the next time you’re craving something cozy and unforgettable—it’s about to become a new favorite in your kitchen, too!
PrintBuffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Baking
- Method: Stovetop
Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this creamy and spicy Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese. Tender chicken, pasta, and a blend of cheeses are coated in a luscious buffalo sauce, topped with crunchy panko breadcrumbs, and baked to perfection.
Ingredients
Main Mac and Cheese:
- 8 oz (230 g) dry macaroni noodles (I used Cellentani noodles)
- 3 Tablespoons (42 g) butter
- 3 Tablespoons (24 g) flour
- 2 cups (475 ml) milk
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground mustard
- 4 oz (115 g) cream cheese
- 1 1/2 cup (170 g) shredded mozzarella cheese I use low-moisture part skim
- 1 cup (115 g) sharp shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/3 cup (80 g) sour cream
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) buffalo hot sauce
- 1 1/2 cups (200 g) shredded chicken
Panko Topping:
- 1 Tablespoon (14 g) butter
- 1/2 Tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup (30 g) seasoned panko crumbs
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare baking dish: Preheat oven to 350F (175C) and lightly grease a 1.5qt round baking dish or 9×9 square baking dish with butter.
- Cook pasta: Cook pasta al dente according to package instructions.
- Make cheese sauce: Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add flour, stir until smooth. Add milk and spices, bring to a boil. Reduce heat, simmer until slightly thickened. Add cream cheese, mozzarella, cheddar, sour cream, and hot sauce. Stir until smooth.
- Combine with pasta: Add shredded chicken and cooked pasta to the cheese sauce, stir until well coated. Pour into prepared baking dish.
- Prepare Panko topping: In a saucepan, combine butter and olive oil. Add panko, stir until toasted. Sprinkle over the mac and cheese.
- Bake: Bake at 350F (175C) for 15 minutes.
- Serve: Garnish with parsley, if desired, and serve.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 85mg