This creamy buffalo chicken mac and cheese is comfort food at its finest! With cheesy goodness and a spicy kick, it’s perfect for any day.
Who doesn’t love mac and cheese? Add some buffalo chicken, and you’ve got everyone’s favorite dish with a fun twist! I can’t resist topping it with extra cheese—yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Elbow macaroni is classic, but you can swap it for any pasta shape you prefer, like shells or rigatoni. Just ensure it holds the creamy sauce well!
Chicken: Use cooked chicken breast for convenience. If you want a lighter option, shredded rotisserie chicken works great. For a vegetarian version, consider substituting the chicken with roasted cauliflower or chickpeas.
Cheese: Sharp cheddar brings an amazing flavor, while mozzarella adds creaminess. If you’re looking for alternatives, try pepper jack for a spicier kick or gouda for a unique twist. Cream cheese helps make it extra creamy; you can replace it with ricotta for a different texture.
Buffalo Wing Sauce: Adjust the amount to suit your spice preference! If you don’t have buffalo sauce, hot sauce mixed with melted butter works, or you could use a BBQ sauce for a sweeter flavor.
How Do You Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce?
The key to a smooth and creamy cheese sauce is making a roux. Here’s a simple breakdown:
- Start by melting butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour until it forms a paste, cooking for 1-2 minutes.
- Gradually add milk, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Keep stirring until the mixture thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
- Lower the heat and stir in the cream cheese until it’s smooth. Then, add your shredded cheeses and keep stirring until everything is melted together.
Be patient during this process! Slow heat allows the flavors to develop beautifully and prevents the cheese from becoming grainy. Trust me, it’s worth it!
Easy Creamy Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni or similar pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or sliced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk (whole milk preferred)
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup buffalo wing sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This creamy buffalo chicken mac and cheese takes about 20-25 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll spend around 10 minutes cooking the pasta and preparing the sauce, then just a few minutes to mix everything together and serve. Quick and easy comfort food!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside while you prepare the sauce.
2. Make the Roux:
In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, whisk in the flour, cooking for about 1-2 minutes while stirring constantly to form a roux. This will help thicken your cheese sauce.
3. Add the Milk:
Slowly whisk in the milk, continuing to stir frequently. Cook this mixture for about 5-7 minutes, or until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. You want a nice creamy base for your sauce!
4. Stir in the Cream Cheese:
Lower the heat to low, then add in the softened cream cheese. Stir until it’s completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
5. Add the Cheeses:
Now it’s time to add the shredded sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheese. Stir until fully melted and combined, creating that rich, cheesy goodness!
6. Flavor it Up:
Next, stir in the buffalo wing sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust the seasonings according to your preference—add more buffalo sauce if you like it spicier!
7. Combine Pasta and Chicken:
Add the cooked pasta and shredded chicken to the cheese sauce. Gently mix everything together until all the pasta and chicken are coated evenly in that delicious creamy sauce.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the mac and cheese warm. Feel free to garnish it with freshly chopped parsley and an added crack of black pepper, if desired. Enjoy this delightful comfort food!
This dish offers rich, creamy cheese sauce infused with tangy buffalo flavor, tender chicken, and comforting pasta—delicious, easy, and perfect for a satisfying meal!
FAQ for Easy Creamy Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese
Can I Use Leftover Chicken in This Recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken works great in this dish. Just shred or chop it into bite-sized pieces before adding it to your mac and cheese.
How Can I Make This Dish Less Spicy?
If you prefer a milder flavor, start with half the amount of buffalo wing sauce and taste as you go. You can also mix in some extra cream cheese or sour cream to balance the spice without sacrificing creaminess.
Can I Make This Mac and Cheese Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the dish, but I recommend cooking just until the pasta is al dente. Store it covered in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just reheat on the stove, adding a splash of milk if it looks too thick.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
