Imagine a plate piled high with creamy macaroni swimming in a pool of cheesy goodness, adorned with spicy buffalo chicken that’s practically begging you to dig in. That’s right; we’re talking about Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese—a dish that might just become your new favorite guilty pleasure!
Now picture this: it’s a cozy Friday night after a long week at work. You’re ready to kick back, relax, and treat yourself to something truly delightful. This dish is not only a feast for your taste buds but also the perfect way to bring everyone together around the dinner table—yes, even Aunt Marge who claims she only eats salads!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This mouthwatering Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese is super easy to whip up in under an hour. With its irresistible blend of flavors like spicy buffalo sauce and creamy cheese, it will have your taste buds dancing! The vibrant colors make it visually stunning, ensuring it steals the spotlight on any dinner table. Perfect for game day or casual family dinners; it’s as versatile as it is delicious!
I’ll never forget my friend’s face when I served this at our potluck—it was love at first bite!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Elbow Macaroni: Choose high-quality pasta; small elbows hold the sauce beautifully while providing a creamy mouthfeel.
- Cooked Chicken Breast: Use shredded rotisserie chicken for convenience or cook your own for fresher flavor.
- Buffalo Sauce: Opt for your favorite brand; this is where the magic happens—spice levels can be adjusted!
- Cheddar Cheese: Go for sharp cheddar; its bold flavor complements the spice while ensuring maximum creaminess.
- Monterey Jack Cheese: Adds extra creaminess; combine with cheddar for an unbeatable cheesy experience.
- Heavy Cream: Essential for achieving that luscious sauce texture; don’t skimp here!
- Ranch Dressing: Drizzle on top for added flavor; it’s like a party on your palate!
- Green Onions: Sliced for garnish; they add color and a mild onion flavor that brightens up the dish.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Cooking this delectable dish is easier than you think! Follow these steps to create your own bowl of happiness.
Boil the Pasta: Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat. Add elbow macaroni and cook until al dente according to package instructions—about 7-8 minutes should do.
Prepare the Sauce: In another large saucepan over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons of butter until bubbly. Stir in flour until smooth to create a roux—this will give your cheese sauce that silky texture.
Add Dairy Goodness: Slowly whisk in heavy cream while constantly stirring until thickened—you want it velvety! Then mix in shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses until completely melted.
Toss in Flavor: Add cooked shredded chicken and buffalo sauce into the cheese mixture. Stir well until every piece of chicken is coated in that spicy goodness—your kitchen will smell heavenly!
Combine Pasta and Sauce: Drain cooked macaroni before adding it directly into your sauce pan. Gently fold everything together so each noodle gets submerged in cheesy bliss.
Bake Until Golden: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer everything into an oven-safe dish, sprinkle with more cheese if desired, then bake uncovered for about 20 minutes until golden brown on top.
Enjoy this delightful masterpiece straight from the oven topped with ranch dressing and sliced green onions!
With each bite of this Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese, you’ll discover layers of flavor that are both comforting and exciting—a perfect balance between indulgent richness and zesty spice. Your friends will be asking for seconds (and maybe thirds) before they even finish their first plate!
You Must Know
- Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese is a creamy, spicy delight that combines comfort food with an exciting twist
- The blend of cheesy pasta with zesty buffalo sauce creates a mouthwatering experience that’ll have your taste buds dancing
- Don’t forget to adjust the heat to match your crowd’s preference!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by cooking the pasta in salted water while you sauté chicken in buffalo sauce. This multitasking ensures everything is ready simultaneously for a deliciously creamy dish.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out the chicken for shredded rotisserie turkey or add veggies like spinach or broccoli for extra nutrition. Experimenting keeps this recipe fresh and exciting.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk to revive creaminess without drying it out.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To make your Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese extra special, use sharp cheddar cheese for bold flavor and creaminess
- Avoid overcooking the pasta; it should be al dente since it continues cooking in the sauce
- Adding crumbled blue cheese elevates the dish, giving it that authentic buffalo flavor!
Cooking this Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese reminds me of a family get-together where my cousin claimed she could handle any spice level—until she took one bite and reached for the milk!
FAQ
Can I make Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare it a day before, then bake just before serving.
How can I adjust the spice level of this dish?
Reduce the amount of buffalo sauce or use mild sauce for less heat.
What type of cheese works best for this recipe?
Sharp cheddar is ideal, but feel free to mix in mozzarella for extra creaminess.
Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Experience the ultimate comfort food with this Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese—a creamy, spicy delight that combines cheesy pasta and tender buffalo chicken, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- Elbow macaroni
- Cooked chicken breast (shredded)
- Buffalo sauce
- Sharp cheddar cheese
- Monterey Jack cheese
- Heavy cream
- Ranch dressing
- Green onions (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook elbow macaroni in salted boiling water until al dente (7-8 minutes). Drain and set aside.
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat; whisk in flour to create a roux.
- Gradually add heavy cream, stirring continuously until thickened. Mix in shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack until fully melted.
- Stir in shredded chicken and buffalo sauce, ensuring all ingredients are well coated.
- Combine the cooked pasta with the cheese mixture, folding gently until evenly mixed.
- Transfer to an oven-safe dish, sprinkle with additional cheese if desired, and bake at 350°F for 20 minutes until golden brown on top.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 490
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
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