Buffalo Chicken Mac Cheese: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe

Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese: Prepare to ditch your boring weeknight dinners! This isn’t your grandma’s mac and cheese, unless your grandma happens to be a culinary genius with a penchant for spicy, cheesy goodness. We’re taking the ultimate comfort food and kicking it up a notch with the fiery flavor of buffalo chicken.

Mac and cheese, in its simplest form, has been a beloved dish for centuries, with roots tracing back to medieval Europe. But the Americanized version, creamy and comforting, truly took hold in the early 20th century. Now, imagine that classic, velvety base infused with the tangy heat of buffalo sauce and tender, shredded chicken. It’s a flavor explosion that will leave you craving more!

People adore this dish for so many reasons. The creamy, cheesy texture is undeniably satisfying, while the buffalo sauce adds a thrilling kick that awakens the taste buds. It’s also incredibly versatile and convenient. Perfect for a casual weeknight meal, a game-day gathering, or even a potluck, Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese is always a crowd-pleaser. The combination of creamy, spicy, and savory is simply irresistible. So, are you ready to experience mac and cheese like never before? Let’s get cooking!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 pound elbow macaroni
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cups milk
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
• 1/2 cup Buffalo wing sauce (adjust to your spice preference)
• 2 tablespoons blue cheese dressing (optional)
• 2 tablespoons chopped green onions, for garnish (optional)
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
• 2 tablespoons melted butter (optional, for topping)

Cooking the Macaroni:

1. First things first, let’s get that macaroni cooked! Fill a large pot with salted water and bring it to a rolling boil. I always add a generous pinch of salt – it really helps to season the pasta from the inside out.
2. Once the water is boiling, add the elbow macaroni. Cook according to the package directions, but I like to cook it about a minute or two less than the recommended time. This ensures that the macaroni will still have a little bite to it, even after it’s baked in the cheesy sauce. We don’t want mushy mac and cheese!
3. While the macaroni is cooking, keep an eye on it and stir occasionally to prevent it from sticking together. Nobody wants a giant clump of pasta!
4. Once the macaroni is cooked al dente, drain it well in a colander. Give it a good shake to remove any excess water. Set it aside for now – we’ll need it later.

Making the Cheese Sauce:

1. Now for the star of the show: the cheese sauce! In the same pot you used to cook the macaroni (make sure it’s clean!), melt the 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
2. Once the butter is melted, whisk in the 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour. Whisk constantly for about 1-2 minutes, until the mixture forms a smooth paste. This is called a roux, and it’s the base of our creamy cheese sauce. Be careful not to burn the roux, or it will give the sauce a bitter taste.
3. Slowly pour in the 3 cups of milk, whisking constantly to prevent any lumps from forming. Keep whisking until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
4. Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Let it simmer for about 5-7 minutes, or until it has thickened slightly. The sauce should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
5. Now it’s time to add the seasonings! Stir in the 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of onion powder. Adjust the seasonings to your taste – feel free to add a little more of anything you like.
6. Reduce the heat to low and gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese, one cup at a time, stirring constantly until the cheese is melted and smooth. Make sure each addition of cheese is fully melted before adding the next.
7. Repeat the process with the shredded Monterey Jack cheese, adding it gradually and stirring until it’s completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
8. Taste the cheese sauce and adjust the seasonings as needed. If you want a richer flavor, you can add a pinch of nutmeg or a dash of hot sauce.

Preparing the Buffalo Chicken:

1. While the cheese sauce is simmering, let’s get the buffalo chicken ready. If you haven’t already, cook the 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts. You can bake them, grill them, or even poach them – whatever method you prefer. I often bake mine at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until they’re cooked through.
2. Once the chicken is cooked, let it cool slightly, then shred it with two forks. You can also use a stand mixer with the paddle attachment to shred the chicken quickly and easily.
3. In a medium bowl, combine the shredded chicken with the 1/2 cup of Buffalo wing sauce. Toss to coat the chicken evenly. Adjust the amount of Buffalo sauce to your spice preference – if you like it really hot, add more!

Assembling the Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese:

1. Now for the fun part: putting it all together! Add the cooked and drained macaroni to the pot of cheese sauce. Stir well to coat the macaroni evenly with the cheese sauce.
2. Gently fold in the buffalo chicken. Be careful not to overmix, or the chicken will break down too much.
3. If you’re using blue cheese dressing, now’s the time to add it. Drizzle the 2 tablespoons of blue cheese dressing over the mac and cheese and gently stir it in. This is optional, but I think it adds a nice tang and complements the buffalo flavor perfectly.

Baking (Optional):

1. If you want to bake the mac and cheese for a golden-brown topping, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Pour the buffalo chicken mac and cheese into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
3. In a small bowl, combine the 1/4 cup of breadcrumbs with the 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the mac and cheese. This will create a crispy, golden-brown topping.
4. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the mac and cheese is bubbly.

Serving:

1. Let the buffalo chicken mac and cheese cool for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the cheese sauce to thicken slightly.
2. Garnish with chopped green onions, if desired. They add a pop of color and a fresh flavor.
3. Serve hot and enjoy! This buffalo chicken mac and cheese is perfect as a main course or as a side dish. It’s also great for potlucks and parties.

Tips and Variations:

• Spice it up: For an extra kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cheese sauce or use a spicier Buffalo wing sauce.
• Add vegetables: Stir in some cooked broccoli florets, chopped celery, or shredded carrots for added nutrients and flavor.
• Use different cheeses: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as pepper jack, Gruyere, or fontina.
• Make it ahead: You can assemble the mac and cheese ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
• Freezing: Allow the mac and cheese to cool completely. Transfer to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Enjoy your delicious Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese!

Conclusion:

This Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese isn’t just another weeknight dinner; it’s a flavor explosion waiting to happen! Seriously, the creamy, cheesy goodness combined with the spicy kick of buffalo sauce and tender chicken is a match made in comfort food heaven. If you’re looking for a dish that’s both satisfying and exciting, then trust me, you absolutely have to try this recipe. It’s the perfect way to spice up your mac and cheese game and impress your family and friends.

But the best part? It’s incredibly versatile! Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. A sharp cheddar will give it an extra bite, while a blend of Gruyere and Fontina will elevate it to gourmet status. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding some crumbled blue cheese for an extra layer of tangy flavor that complements the buffalo sauce perfectly.

For serving suggestions, consider topping it with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro or green onions for a pop of color and freshness. A side of crisp celery sticks and carrot sticks with ranch or blue cheese dressing is a classic pairing that helps cool down the heat. You could also serve it as a side dish alongside grilled chicken or burgers for a fun and flavorful twist on a traditional barbecue.

And if you’re looking to make it a complete meal, try adding some steamed broccoli or a simple side salad. The possibilities are endless!

Don’t be afraid to adjust the amount of buffalo sauce to your liking. If you prefer a milder flavor, start with less and add more to taste. For those who like it extra spicy, a dash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes will do the trick. You can also use different types of buffalo sauce, from mild to extra hot, to customize the heat level to your preference.

I’m so confident that you’ll love this Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese that I can’t wait to hear what you think! Seriously, this recipe is a game-changer. It’s the perfect blend of comfort and spice, and it’s guaranteed to become a new family favorite.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to create a culinary masterpiece. Once you’ve tried it, I encourage you to share your experience with me! Let me know what variations you tried, what your family thought, and any tips or tricks you discovered along the way. Did you add bacon? Did you use a different type of cheese? I’m all ears!

You can leave a comment below, tag me on social media, or even send me an email. I love hearing from you and seeing your creations. After all, cooking is all about sharing and connecting with others through the joy of food.

I truly believe that this recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves mac and cheese, buffalo chicken, or just good, comforting food. It’s easy to make, customizable to your liking, and guaranteed to satisfy your cravings. So go ahead, give it a try, and let me know what you think! Happy cooking!