Bold and Flavorful Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese

Buffalo Chicken Mac and CheesePhoto byRecipe Formula

Buffalo chicken mac and cheese is a bold and flavorful twist on the classic comfort food.

Get the Recipe in Details: Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese

Ingredients

• 1 pound elbow macaroni or other pasta
• 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
• 1/2 cup buffalo sauce (like Frank's RedHot)
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 cups milk
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup cream cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup blue cheese crumbles (optional)
• 1/4 cup green onions, sliced (for garnish)
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
• 2 tablespoons melted butter (optional, for topping)

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the Chicken: In a medium bowl, toss the shredded chicken with the buffalo sauce until evenly coated. Set aside.
3. Make the Cheese Sauce: In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour to form a roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes, whisking constantly, until the roux is light golden.
4. Add the Milk: Gradually whisk in the milk, continuing to stir until the mixture is smooth and begins to thicken about 3-5 minutes.
5. Add the Cheese: Lower the heat and stir in the cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Continue stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is creamy.
6. Combine the Chicken and Pasta: Stir the buffalo chicken mixture into the cheese sauce, mixing until well combined. Add the cooked pasta to the pot, stirring to coat all the pasta evenly with the sauce.
7. Transfer to Baking Dish (Optional): If you prefer a baked mac and cheese, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the mac and cheese to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
8. Optional Topping: In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with the melted butter. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the top of the mac and cheese.
9. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and the dish is bubbly.
10. Serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly. Garnish with blue cheese crumbles and sliced green onions, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

Conclusion

Buffalo chicken mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort food mashup, bringing together the creamy goodness of mac and cheese with the bold, spicy flavors of buffalo chicken. This dish is not only easy to make but also incredibly satisfying, making it perfect for any occasion where you want to impress with minimal effort. Serve it as a main dish or a side, and watch as it quickly becomes a favorite at your table.