Spicy Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe: The Perfect Comfort Food with a Kick

There’s something undeniably satisfying about the combination of creamy mac and cheese paired with the bold, spicy flavors of buffalo chicken. Imagine tender elbow macaroni covered in a rich, velvety cheese sauce, intertwined with juicy bites of buffalo-infused chicken. It’s the kind of comfort food that not only warms you up but leaves you craving more with every bite. Whether you’re hosting a game day party, need a hearty weeknight dinner, or are simply craving something indulgent, this Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese is the perfect solution.

Photo byInsanelyGoodRecipes

I first stumbled across this mouthwatering recipe while browsing the incredible culinary collection on Insanely Good Recipes. I couldn’t resist sharing it with you all because it combines two beloved comfort food staples into one unforgettable dish!

What makes this recipe stand out is the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheeses offer creamy, gooey goodness, while the tangy buffalo sauce provides that signature kick. Top it all off with a sprinkle of crumbled bleu cheese and some fresh green onions, and you’ve got a dish that’s perfect for any occasion.

A Little Background on Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese

This fusion of mac and cheese with buffalo chicken is a relatively new addition to the comfort food world, inspired by two iconic American favorites. Buffalo chicken, hailing from Buffalo, New York, is loved for its spicy, tangy flavors. Pairing that with macaroni and cheese, a dish steeped in tradition and adored for its creamy texture, creates a delightful culinary contrast. It's comfort food with a fiery twist, satisfying those who crave heat as well as those who love the creaminess of classic mac and cheese.

Recipe: How to Make Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (about 2 medium breasts)
• 1/2 cup buffalo hot sauce (such as Frank’s® Redhot®)
• 8 ounces elbow macaroni
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 ounces cream cheese
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup crumbled Bleu cheese (optional)
• Extra buffalo sauce for drizzling (optional)
• Chopped green onions or chives for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Buffalo Chicken: In a medium bowl, toss the shredded chicken with the 1/2 cup of buffalo sauce until it’s well coated. Set this mixture aside.
3. Cheese Sauce: In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute until golden. Slowly whisk in the milk, ensuring a smooth consistency.
4. Season and Thicken: Add the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir continuously and cook for about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens.
5. Cheese Meltdown: Remove the pot from heat and stir in the cream cheese. Once smooth, slowly add the shredded cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese in batches, ensuring each batch melts before adding more.
6. Combine: Stir in the cooked pasta, buffalo chicken, and optional bleu cheese until everything is coated in the rich sauce.
7. Garnish and Serve: Drizzle with extra buffalo sauce if desired, and garnish with chopped green onions or chives. Enjoy this creamy, spicy indulgence!

Optional Oven Baked Version:

• Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Transfer the prepared buffalo mac and cheese to a greased baking dish. Drizzle extra buffalo sauce on top and sprinkle with more cheese.
• Bake for 15-20 minutes or until bubbly and golden. Let it cool for 10 minutes before serving for the perfect cheesy crust.

Cooking Tips and Variations:

• Undercook the Pasta: If baking the dish, cook the macaroni 1-2 minutes less than the package suggests to prevent overcooking in the oven.
• Slow Cheese Addition: Add the shredded cheese gradually so it melts perfectly without becoming grainy.
• Make it Spicier: Love extra heat? Add some cayenne pepper or use a spicier buffalo sauce.
• Dietary Adjustments: This dish can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta and a gluten-free flour substitute. For a lower-carb option, substitute the macaroni with cauliflower florets.

Final Thoughts

This Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese recipe brings together the best of both worlds: the creamy richness of mac and cheese and the bold, spicy flavors of buffalo chicken. Whether baked for that perfect golden crust or served straight from the pot for a creamy, comforting meal, it’s guaranteed to impress. So why not give it a try?

If you enjoyed this recipe, leave a comment below and share it with your friends! Don’t forget to follow me for more delicious recipes like this one. Special thanks to Insanely Good Recipes for inspiring this flavorful dish!