Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe

If you’re looking for a dish that combines spicy buffalo chicken with creamy mac and cheese, you’re in the right place. This recipe is not only delicious but also easy to customize with different pasta, cheeses, and veggies. You can even make it gluten-free. With a rich cheese sauce and protein-packed chicken, it’s perfect for meal prep. Let’s explore the steps to create this comforting dish and some tips to enhance your experience.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

When you try this Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese recipe, you’ll quickly discover why it’s a favorite among many. This dish is rich and creamy, combining cheese, buffalo chicken, and pasta for a satisfying meal.

You can adjust the spicy kick of buffalo sauce to fit your taste, and it’s easy to customize with different pasta, cheeses, and veggies. Plus, you can make it gluten-free with the right ingredients. Packed with protein from chicken and cheese, it also offers fiber from vegetables. In under 30 minutes, you can prepare this versatile meal, suitable for main dishes, sides, or appetizers. Notably, the dish maintains a rich and cheesy flavor profile despite healthier ingredient substitutions.

It’s perfect for meal prep, making it a practical choice for busy days.

History

Buffalo chicken mac and cheese has an interesting history that combines two beloved dishes: buffalo chicken and macaroni and cheese.

Buffalo chicken originated in Buffalo, New York, when Teressa Bellissimo created buffalo wings in 1964. These wings featured deep-fried chicken tossed in a spicy butter and hot sauce blend.

Meanwhile, macaroni and cheese has roots going back to 14th-century Italy, gaining popularity in America thanks to Thomas Jefferson in the 18th century. The easy to prepare combination of these two dishes is a more recent culinary trend, creating a delicious fusion. Buffalo chicken mac and cheese combines the spicy, tangy flavors of buffalo sauce with creamy, cheesy pasta, making it a favorite in American comfort food and a staple in many households.

Recipe

Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese is a delightful fusion of comforting macaroni and cheese with the bold flavors of buffalo chicken. This dish is perfect for those who enjoy a bit of spice and creaminess in their meals. With its rich cheese sauce, tender chicken, and pasta, it’s an irresistible choice for a family dinner or a gathering with friends. The addition of blue cheese dressing not only enhances the flavor but also contributes to the dish’s signature tanginess.

To make this dish, you can opt for pre-cooked chicken to save time, or you can cook your chicken from scratch for a more homemade flavor. The combination of cheeses can be adjusted based on your preferences, allowing you to create a unique taste that suits your palate.

Whether you serve it with a side salad or some garlic bread, Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese is sure to be a hit!

Ingredients:
– 1 lb. dried and shredded chicken or 3 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
– 8 oz. cavatappi pasta or 1 lb. dried elbow macaroni
– 3-4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
– ½ cup blue cheese crumbles (optional)
– ¼ cup buffalo sauce or ½ cup Frank’s red hot sauce
– 2 cups whole milk or 1 cup half and half
– 2 oz. cream cheese
– Blue cheese dressing or ranch dressing (for serving)
– Breadcrumbs (for topping, optional)

Cooking Instructions:
1. Begin by cooking the chicken. If using raw chicken, gently boil it in water until cooked through, then shred the chicken. Alternatively, if using rotisserie chicken, simply shred it and set aside.
2. In a large pot, bring lightly salted water to a boil and cook the macaroni until it’s just before al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. To make the cheese sauce, melt some butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour until smooth, then gradually add half and half, stirring continuously until the mixture comes to a boil.
4. Once the sauce is thickened, gradually sprinkle in the shredded cheddar cheese and cream cheese, stirring until melted and smooth. Add the buffalo sauce and mix well.
5. Combine the cooked macaroni and shredded chicken with the cheese sauce in the pot. Stir to coat everything evenly and heat through.
6. For the final touch, you can top the dish with additional shredded cheese or breadcrumbs for extra texture, and then serve hot with blue cheese or ranch dressing on the side.

For peak flavor and texture, consider shredding cheese from a block rather than using pre-shredded cheese, as this will avoid anti-caking agents. Adjust the spice level by varying the amount of buffalo sauce to suit your taste.

Additionally, using half and half instead of regular milk will enhance the creaminess of the dish. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat with a splash of half and half for added creaminess. Enjoy your meal!

Final Thoughts

As you wrap up your cooking adventure with Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese, consider the important aspects that can elevate your dish.

Using half and half or a mix of heavy cream and milk guarantees a rich and creamy sauce. Adding buffalo sauce, hot sauce, and spices like mustard and onion powder creates depth of flavor. Additionally, shredded cheese at home melts better than pre-shredded varieties. For pasta, feel free to explore different shapes, though elbow macaroni is classic.

Don’t forget customization; toppings like blue cheese, panko breadcrumbs, or crispy bacon add great texture.

Efficient cooking is also key—pre-cook chicken and prepare ingredients ahead of time to save effort.

Enjoy your delicious creation, and happy cooking!

FAQ

After enjoying your delicious Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese, you might’ve some questions about the recipe or how to make it even better.

You can cook it using either stovetop or oven methods, and it usually takes about 20-30 minutes to prepare. This recipe serves 4-6 people and is easy to moderate in difficulty. If you want to switch up the ingredients, try using rotisserie chicken or different pasta like cavatappi. For the cheese, avoid pre-shredded options, and stick to cheddar or mozzarella. Additionally, the dish includes a crispy fried chicken preparation that adds a delicious crunch to the meal.

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to four days, and reheat gently on medium-low heat. Adding panko breadcrumbs or extra cheese before baking can enhance your dish!