Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe

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.

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.

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

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!

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