Description
This Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese is the perfect combination of creamy, cheesy goodness with a spicy buffalo kick! Tender pasta is mixed with shredded chicken, rich cheese sauce, and zesty buffalo sauce, then baked to golden perfection. It’s an ideal comfort food for game day, family dinners, or anytime you crave something bold and satisfying!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Mac and Cheese:
- 250 g (8 oz) pasta (elbow macaroni, shells, or penne)
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works great)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce (Frank’s RedHot or your favorite)
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Topping:
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1/4 cup blue cheese crumbles (optional)
- Chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions
🍝 Prepare the Pasta:
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
🧀 Make the Cheese Sauce:
-
Create the Roux:
- In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add flour and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes until it forms a smooth paste.
-
Add Milk and Cream:
- Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream, stirring until the sauce begins to thicken (3-5 minutes).
-
Flavor the Sauce:
- Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
-
Add Cheese:
- Remove from heat and stir in cheddar and mozzarella until melted and smooth.
-
Mix in Buffalo Sauce:
- Pour in the buffalo sauce and mix well.
🍗 Combine Chicken and Pasta:
- Mix Everything Together:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, shredded chicken, and cheese sauce.
- Stir until everything is well coated.
🔥 Prepare the Casserole:
-
Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
-
Assemble the Dish:
- Transfer the mac and cheese mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
-
Prepare the Topping:
- Mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter.
- Sprinkle evenly over the top of the mac and cheese.
- Add blue cheese crumbles if using.
-
Bake:
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbly.
🥄 Serve:
-
Garnish and Serve:
- Let the dish cool slightly before serving.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and an extra drizzle of buffalo sauce if desired.
-
Pairing Suggestions:
- Serve with a side salad, garlic bread, or celery sticks for a full meal.
Notes
- For Extra Heat: Add a teaspoon of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cheese sauce.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
- Reheating Tip: Add a splash of milk when reheating to keep the mac and cheese creamy.