🧀 Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe – The Creamy, Spicy Comfort Dish You’ll Crave
If you love creamy mac and cheese and can’t resist the kick of buffalo chicken, this buffalo chicken mac and cheese recipe is your dream come true. It’s a cozy bowl of comfort with a spicy twist — gooey cheese, tender chicken, and that little zing that wakes up your taste buds.
Maybe you’ve tried buffalo wings before and thought, “I wish I could get that flavor in pasta form.” Well, here it is — rich, creamy, and a little fiery, all in one dish. Whether you’re making dinner for the family, planning a game-day snack, or craving something bold, this recipe will hit the spot.
🕒 Time & Servings
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time | Servings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 minutes | 25 minutes | 40 minutes | 6 servings |
🧂 Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Elbow macaroni | 1 pound (16 oz) |
| Cooked shredded chicken | 2 cups |
| Butter | 4 tablespoons |
| All-purpose flour | 3 tablespoons |
| Whole milk | 2 cups |
| Heavy cream | 1 cup |
| Shredded cheddar cheese | 2 cups |
| Shredded mozzarella | 1 cup |
| Cream cheese | 4 oz (half a block) |
| Buffalo sauce (like Frank’s RedHot) | ½ cup |
| Garlic powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Onion powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | ½ teaspoon |
| Black pepper | ½ teaspoon |
| Panko bread crumbs (optional topping) | ½ cup |
| Chopped green onions or parsley (for garnish) | as desired |
🍳 Step-by-Step Guide to Make Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese
Step 1: Boil the Pasta
Fill a large pot with salted water and bring it to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook until just al dente. You want it slightly firm because it will keep cooking in the sauce later. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce
In a large pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour to make a smooth paste (this is your roux). Slowly pour in the milk and cream, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
When it thickens a bit, lower the heat and add cheddar, mozzarella, and cream cheese. Stir until melted and creamy.
Step 3: Add the Buffalo Flavor
Pour in the buffalo sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix it all together until the sauce turns that lovely orange color. Taste and adjust the spice — if you like it hotter, go for a bit more sauce.
Step 4: Mix in the Chicken and Pasta
Add the shredded chicken and cooked pasta into the sauce. Stir everything gently until well combined. It should look creamy and a bit stretchy from the cheese.
Step 5: Bake (Optional for Crunchy Top)
Pour the mixture into a baking dish. Sprinkle breadcrumbs and a bit of extra cheese on top. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.
Step 6: Serve Warm and Enjoy
Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped green onions or parsley.
It’s warm, cheesy, spicy, and oh-so-satisfying. Perfect for cozy nights or big gatherings.
🧺 Kitchen Tools Needed
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Saucepan or skillet
- Whisk and wooden spoon
- Baking dish (if baking)
- Measuring cups and spoons
💡 Recipe Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken to save time.
- You can swap cheddar with pepper jack for extra spice.
- Want it creamier? Add more cream cheese or a splash of milk before baking.
- If you’re making it for kids, reduce buffalo sauce to ¼ cup for a milder taste.
- For gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta and flour substitute.
🥗 Serving Suggestions
Buffalo chicken mac and cheese pairs beautifully with:
- 🥖 Garlic bread — it helps balance the spice.
- 🥬 Crisp green salad — adds freshness to the creamy texture.
- 🍅 Tomato soup — classic combo for cozy meals.
- 🍺 Cold beer or iced tea — cools down the heat.
🧊 Storage & Reheating
| Method | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | 3–4 days | Store in airtight container. |
| Freezer | Up to 2 months | Let it cool completely before freezing. |
| Reheat | 1–2 minutes (microwave) or 10 mins in oven | Add a splash of milk before reheating to keep it creamy. |
⚖️ Nutrition (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~620 kcal |
| Protein | 35 g |
| Fat | 32 g |
| Carbohydrates | 45 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 5 g |
| Sodium | 880 mg |
🌶️ Extra Tips to Make It Perfect
- Don’t overcook pasta — it should be slightly firm.
- Mix cheese gradually into warm sauce, not boiling hot.
- A dash of smoked paprika can add depth to the flavor.
- Stir sauce constantly to avoid clumps.
- Add a sprinkle of blue cheese crumbles if you’re a fan of that classic buffalo tang.
❤️ Health Benefits (in moderation)
- Chicken gives a good source of lean protein.
- Cheese and milk add calcium for strong bones.
- Buffalo sauce contains capsaicin, which may help metabolism.
- Using whole-grain pasta can increase fiber content.
(Still, it’s best enjoyed as an occasional comfort meal!)
🚫 Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ❌ Using too much buffalo sauce — it can overpower the cheese.
- ❌ Overbaking — may dry out the sauce.
- ❌ Forgetting to taste the sauce before mixing pasta.
- ❌ Using pre-shredded cheese only — it has anti-caking agents that reduce creaminess.
🍽️ How to Serve
You can serve this dish right out of the oven in individual bowls or bake it in mini ramekins for parties. Sprinkle some green onions or a drizzle of buffalo sauce on top for that restaurant-style look.
For potlucks or game days, it’s fun to serve in small cups with a celery stick — kind of like “mac and cheese wings” without the mess!
❓ FAQs About Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese
Q1. Can I use leftover chicken?
Yes! Leftover rotisserie or grilled chicken works perfectly.
Q2. Is it too spicy for kids?
Not if you cut the buffalo sauce in half. You can always add more spice later.
Q3. Can I make it ahead of time?
Sure. Prepare the dish, cover it, and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.
Q4. Which cheese is best?
Sharp cheddar and mozzarella give the best mix of flavor and melt.
Q5. How do I make it lighter?
Use half-and-half instead of cream, low-fat cheese, and whole-grain pasta.
💭 Final Thoughts
Buffalo chicken mac and cheese brings the best of two worlds — the comfort of mac and cheese and the fiery kick of buffalo wings. It’s one of those dishes that makes everyone smile around the table. Maybe it’s the creamy texture, or maybe it’s the spice — but it just feels right.
Try it once, and you might find yourself making it again for family movie nights or weekend dinners. Keep it simple, adjust the heat to your liking, and enjoy this flavorful, cheesy bowl of happiness.
