Get ready to swoon over a bowl of pure comfort: this Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe combines the creamy, cheesy magic of classic mac and cheese with the irresistible, tangy heat of buffalo chicken. It’s the kind of dish that’s just as perfect for game night as it is for a family dinner, bringing together the ultimate crowd-pleasers: melted cheese, tender pasta, and spicy chicken. Every bite has that craveable kick, and you can easily tweak the spice just the way you like it. One pot, simple steps, and flavors that pop—this dish will quickly earn “most requested” status in your home!

Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe is surprisingly simple, but each one plays a starring role—bringing creamy depth, delicious texture, and layers of bold, cheesy buffalo flavor. Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this comforting favorite:

Elbow macaroni (8 ounces): The classic shape, perfect for catching every drop of creamy, spicy sauce.
Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons): Adds rich flavor and helps form the roux for that perfectly thick cheese sauce.
All-purpose flour (2 tablespoons): The magic thickener that binds the sauce, ensuring every bite is silky-smooth.
Milk (2 cups): Brings the sauce together and gives it the luscious, creamy texture we all expect from mac and cheese.
Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Layers in subtle savory flavor for more depth.
Onion powder (1/2 teaspoon): Adds aromatic sweetness and a gentle tang, balancing the buffalo kick.
Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Just enough to wake up the flavors in every ingredient.
Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Delivers a gentle warmth that complements the buffalo sauce.
Shredded sharp cheddar cheese (1 1/2 cups): The backbone of the creamy cheese pull—go with sharp for extra punch!
Shredded mozzarella cheese (1/2 cup): Brings that stretchy, melty quality we all love in classic mac.
Cream cheese (2 tablespoons): Guarantees ultimate creaminess and a slight tang that melds perfectly with buffalo flavors.
Buffalo wing sauce (1/3 cup): The ingredient that transforms ordinary mac into a game-changing bowl of spice!
Cooked, shredded chicken (2 cups): Rotisserie or leftover chicken saves time and drinks in all those bold flavors.
Chopped green onions (1/4 cup, optional): An optional pop of color and a fresh, crisp bite to finish the dish.
Ranch or blue cheese dressing (optional, for drizzling): Add as a final drizzle for a cool, creamy contrast to all that heat!

How to Make Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a big pot of salted water to a boil, then toss in your elbow macaroni. Cook it just to al dente—this way, the noodles will hold up beautifully once they’re swimming in creamy sauce. Drain the pasta well and set it aside while you move on to the best part: the cheese sauce!

Step 2: Make the Roux

In a large saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour, stirring constantly as it sizzles and becomes just golden and fragrant—about 1 to 2 minutes. This little step ensures your Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe has a perfectly thick, lump-free cheese sauce.

Step 3: Whisk in the Milk

Slowly pour in the milk while whisking nonstop. Keep at it as the mixture gently bubbles and thickens over about 5 minutes. There’s nothing more satisfying than watching sauce transition from a loose liquid to that luscious, coat-your-spoon consistency!

Step 4: Season and Melt the Cheeses

Lower the heat and sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Then add all the cheeses—cheddar, mozzarella, and cream cheese. Stir until everything is gloriously melty and smooth. The aroma alone is worth pausing to savor!

Step 5: Add Buffalo Sauce and Chicken

Pour in the buffalo wing sauce and add the chicken. Give it a thorough stir so the spicy, tangy flavors infuse every strand of shredded chicken. Heat through until everything is steamy, savory, and oh-so tempting.

Step 6: Combine with Pasta

Finally, add your cooked macaroni right into the skillet and gently fold everything together until every noodle is cosseted in that cheesy, buffalo-spiced embrace. The transformation is magical—scoop it into bowls and get ready for major comfort food bliss.

How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe

Garnishes

Top your Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe with a fresh sprinkle of chopped green onions for crunch and color. If you love creamy, cooling contrasts, a generous drizzle of ranch or blue cheese dressing is classic—each bite becomes a mini flavor explosion!

Side Dishes

Pair this bold, cheesy pasta with a simple side like crisp celery sticks or a cool garden salad. These lighter bites balance out the richness, add some crunch, and let the flavors of your main dish really pop.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve individual portions in mini cast-iron skillets or ramekins—perfect for parties or game day! You can also broil the mac under a hot oven for a golden, bubbly top, then run it to the table for that “oooh” factor everyone loves.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and let them cool completely before refrigerating. They’ll keep fresh and flavorful for up to 3 days—so you can sneak a bowl for lunch the next day!

Freezing

Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe freezes surprisingly well! Let the mac cool, portion out into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture.

Reheating

Warm leftovers gently either on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk if needed to loosen up the sauce. Stir well so the creamy, cheesy goodness returns with every bite.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course

Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is classic, feel free to use shells, rotini, or penne—whatever catches the sauce and makes you happy.

How spicy is this Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe?

It packs a moderate kick from the buffalo sauce, but you can always adjust the heat up or down by adding more or less sauce to match your personal spice tolerance.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Swap the chicken for roasted cauliflower or a plant-based chicken substitute for a meatless yet flavor-packed dish.

Is it necessary to bake the mac and cheese?

Nope, it’s completely up to you. This Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe is ultra-creamy and delicious straight from the stovetop, but baking with extra cheese on top adds a wonderful crispy layer.

What’s the best way to shred chicken quickly?

Rotisserie chicken is your best shortcut, but if you’re cooking from scratch, poach chicken breasts and then shred with two forks or a handheld mixer for speedy results.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like sharing a bubbling, spicy-sweet casserole of Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe with friends or family. It’s easy, packed with flavor, and guaranteed to bring smiles to any table. Give this recipe a try and watch it become a favorite comfort classic in your kitchen too!

Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe

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4.8 from 7 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese recipe. Creamy and cheesy pasta gets a spicy kick from buffalo wing sauce and tender shredded chicken, creating a dish that’s sure to satisfy your cravings.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta:

8 ounces elbow macaroni

Cheese Sauce:

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups milk
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
2 tablespoons cream cheese

Additional Ingredients:

1/3 cup buffalo wing sauce
2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
1/4 cup chopped green onions (optional)
ranch or blue cheese dressing for drizzling (optional)

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Instructions

Cook the Macaroni: Cook the macaroni according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
Prepare Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter, whisk in flour, then gradually add milk. Stir in seasonings and cheeses until smooth.
Combine Ingredients: Mix in buffalo sauce, shredded chicken, and cooked pasta until well combined and heated through.
Serve: Garnish with green onions and drizzle with dressing if desired.