If you are craving a dish that perfectly balances creamy, cheesy comfort food with a zesty kick, this Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe is about to become your new obsession. Imagine tender elbow macaroni smothered in a rich cheese sauce with the bold flavor of buffalo wing sauce, loaded with shredded chicken, and finished with a crispy golden panko topping. It’s the perfect crowd-pleaser that brings warmth, spice, and satisfaction in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating this spectacular comfort food. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, from creating the rich cheese sauce to adding vibrant color and texture that will make every bite unforgettable.
- Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons and ¼ cup): Essential for both the crispy panko topping and the creamy cheese sauce base.
- Panko breadcrumbs (½ cup): Adds a delightful crunch that contrasts perfectly with the creamy pasta.
- Elbow macaroni (8 ounces): The classic pasta shape that holds sauce beautifully and creates that nostalgic mac and cheese feel.
- All-purpose flour (¼ cup): Helps thicken the cheese sauce to a luscious consistency.
- Garlic powder, onion powder, dry mustard powder, salt, and black pepper: These spices build layers of subtle flavor that elevate the sauce.
- Whole milk (1 ½ cups): Provides the creamy base for the cheese sauce, making it smooth and rich.
- Cream cheese (4 ounces): Adds a tangy creaminess that perfectly complements the sharp cheddar.
- Buffalo wing sauce (½ cup): Brings the signature bold, spicy flavor that makes this dish stand out.
- Shredded sharp cheddar cheese (1 cup): The star cheese for that classic, bold cheddar flavor.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (1 cup): Melts beautifully, adding gooeyness and stretch.
- Shredded cooked chicken (2 cups): Offers protein and soaks up all the saucy goodness perfectly.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Panko Topping
Start by melting 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add the panko breadcrumbs and keep stirring for about 8-10 minutes until they turn gorgeously golden and toasted. This step is key to adding that irresistible crunchy layer on top. Once done, remove from heat and set aside.
Step 2: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish to make sure your cheesy masterpiece won’t stick, enabling you to serve it up perfectly without a hitch.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook until just al dente—about 10 minutes or according to your package instructions. This ensures the pasta has the perfect tender bite that will finish cooking beautifully in the oven. Drain the pasta thoroughly and set it aside.
Step 4: Make the Cheese Sauce
In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt ¼ cup of unsalted butter. Sprinkle in the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, dry mustard powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir the mixture constantly for about 30 seconds; this cooks out the raw flour taste, laying the foundation for a velvety sauce. Gradually whisk in the whole milk, stirring until the sauce thickens smoothly. Now stir in the softened cream cheese and buffalo wing sauce, whisking until the cream cheese melts completely and everything is beautifully combined. Finish this step by adding the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, stirring until fully melted and luscious.
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
In your prepared casserole dish, combine the drained macaroni, shredded chicken, and the decadent cheese sauce. Mix everything evenly to ensure every bite is packed with that rich, spicy goodness.
Step 6: Add the Panko Topping and Bake
Sprinkle the toasted panko breadcrumbs generously on top of your creamy mac and cheese mixture. Place the casserole in the oven and bake for about 20 minutes until you see bubbly edges and a golden brown top that promises crispy, crunchy satisfaction.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Once out of the oven, let it cool just a bit, then optionally garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and a fresh herbal note. Serve this delicious Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe piping hot for the best gooey, spicy experience.
How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
To take your Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe from delicious to dazzling, consider garnishing with chopped fresh parsley or green onions. A drizzle of extra buffalo wing sauce on top adds a fun zesty flair and a splash of color.
Side Dishes
This creamy, spicy dish pairs well with fresh, crisp sides to balance its richness. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette, celery sticks, or crunchy carrot sticks bring refreshing texture and coolness alongside your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving this dish in individual ramekins for a personal touch, or scoop it into bell pepper halves for a colorful, portable option. It also makes a fantastic filling for stuffed baked potatoes or as a topping on nachos for game day excitement.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself lucky enough to have leftovers, transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate them. Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe leftovers stay delicious for up to 3 days, making for an easy, flavorful meal anytime you want.
Freezing
You can freeze the casserole before baking. Assemble as usual, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed.
Reheating
Reheat your leftovers either in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through and bubbly or gently in the microwave, stirring occasionally to heat evenly. A splash of milk added before reheating can help maintain that creamy texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe?
Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is traditional, you can substitute with pasta shapes like shells, cavatappi, or penne that hold the sauce well and suit your preference.
How spicy is the buffalo wing sauce in this recipe?
The dish has a nice, moderate kick thanks to the buffalo wing sauce. You can adjust the amount used based on your heat tolerance, adding more for extra spice or less for a milder flavor.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply skip the shredded chicken and perhaps add extra cheese or roasted vegetables like cauliflower or mushrooms to keep it hearty and satisfying.
What cheese works best in Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe?
A combo of sharp cheddar and mozzarella is ideal: cheddar provides a bold, tangy flavor while mozzarella adds smooth, melty stretchiness, creating the perfect cheese sauce balance.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Definitely! Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe stores and reheats beautifully, making it a convenient and tasty option for lunches or quick dinners during the week.
Final Thoughts
This Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe is one of those irresistible dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate, combining creamy cheese, spicy buffalo flavor, and comforting pasta in every satisfying bite. Whether you’re feeding family, friends, or just treating yourself, this recipe is sure to become a beloved favorite. Dive in and enjoy this perfect balance of kick and comfort — you won’t regret it!
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Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese recipe combines creamy, spicy buffalo sauce with tender shredded chicken and cheesy macaroni, topped with toasted panko breadcrumbs for a crunchy finish. Baked to golden perfection, it’s a hearty and flavorful casserole perfect for family dinners or game day gatherings.
Ingredients
For the Panko Topping
- 2 tablespoons (28 g) unsalted butter
- ½ cup (30 g) panko breadcrumbs
For the Mac and Cheese
- 8 ounces (225 g) elbow macaroni, uncooked
- ¼ cup (57 g) unsalted butter
- ¼ cup (30 g) all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ¾ teaspoon dry mustard powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 ½ cups (360 ml) whole milk
- 4 ounces (113 g) cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup (120 ml) buffalo wing sauce
- 1 cup (100 g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup (100 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 cups (250 g) shredded cooked chicken
Instructions
- Prepare the Panko Topping: In a medium skillet over medium-high heat, melt the butter. Add the panko breadcrumbs and stir continuously until golden brown, about 8-10 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) casserole dish to prevent sticking.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the uncooked elbow macaroni and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, about 10 minutes. Drain well and set aside.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add flour, garlic powder, onion powder, dry mustard powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir constantly for about 30 seconds to cook out the raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in the milk while stirring continuously until the sauce is smooth and thickened. Add the cream cheese and buffalo wing sauce, whisking until the cream cheese melts and the sauce is smooth. Remove from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella until fully melted and combined.
- Assemble the Casserole: In the prepared casserole dish, combine the drained pasta, shredded chicken, and cheese sauce. Stir until everything is evenly coated and well mixed.
- Add the Panko Topping: Sprinkle the toasted panko breadcrumbs evenly over the assembled mac and cheese mixture.
- Bake: Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the top is golden brown.
- Serve: Remove from the oven. Optionally, sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley before serving hot.
Notes
- Use freshly shredded chicken for best texture and flavor.
- The buffalo wing sauce adds a spicy kick; adjust the quantity if you prefer milder or spicier mac and cheese.
- For a crispy topping, do not skip toasting the panko breadcrumbs beforehand.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated in the oven to maintain crispiness.
- Parmesan cheese can be added to the cheese sauce for an extra layer of flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
