BUFFALO CHICKEN MAC AND CHEESE ULTIMATE

Craving something creamy, cheesy, spicy, and utterly satisfying all at once? This Buffalo Chicken Mac And Cheese is the answer! Imagine tender chicken coated in tangy buffalo sauce, swirled into a decadent, cheesy mac that will have you licking your bowl clean; I promise, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s surprisingly easy to make.

Gather Your Ingredients

For the Mac and Cheese:

• 1 pound elbow macaroni
• 6 tablespoons butter
• 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 cups milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder

For the Buffalo Chicken:

• 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
• 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce (I love Frank’s RedHot)
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder

Optional Toppings:

• Crumbled blue cheese
• Chopped green onions
• Ranch or blue cheese dressing, for drizzling
• Hot sauce, for extra heat

Let’s Get Cooking: Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Macaroni

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package directions until al dente.
3. Drain the macaroni and set aside. Don’t rinse it – the starch helps the sauce cling!

Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux. This will help thicken your sauce beautifully.
3. Slowly whisk in the milk and heavy cream, making sure to break up any lumps.
4. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally, and cook until slightly thickened, about 5-7 minutes.
5. Reduce the heat to low. Gradually add 3 cups of the cheddar cheese and the Monterey Jack cheese, stirring constantly until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
6. Stir in the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. If you want a little more kick, add a dash of cayenne pepper!

Step 3: Prepare the Buffalo Chicken

1. While the cheese sauce is simmering, prepare the buffalo chicken. If you haven’t already, cook and shred your chicken breasts. You can poach them, bake them, or even use leftover rotisserie chicken for convenience.
2. In a bowl, combine the shredded chicken, buffalo wing sauce, melted butter, garlic powder, and onion powder. Toss to coat evenly.

Step 4: Combine and Bake (Optional)

1. Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir to combine.
2. Gently fold in the buffalo chicken.
3. At this point, you can either serve the Buffalo Chicken Mac And Cheese immediately, or you can transfer it to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
4. If baking, sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese over the top.
5. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

1. Remove from the oven (if baked) and let cool for a few minutes before serving.
2. Garnish with your favorite toppings, such as crumbled blue cheese, chopped green onions, and a drizzle of ranch or blue cheese dressing.
3. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips and Tricks for the BEST Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese

Choosing the Right Cheese

The cheese is key to a great mac and cheese. I recommend using a combination of cheddar and Monterey Jack for a creamy, flavorful sauce. Sharp cheddar will give you a more pronounced cheddar flavor, while mild cheddar is more subtle. Feel free to experiment with other cheeses, such as Gruyere or Fontina, for a richer, more complex flavor.

Perfectly Cooked Chicken

The chicken should be cooked through but still tender. Overcooked chicken will be dry and rubbery. As mentioned before, rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut. If you’re baking the mac and cheese, the chicken will continue to cook in the oven, so keep that in mind.

Spice Level Control

Buffalo sauce can vary in spiciness. Start with a mild sauce and add more to taste. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cheese sauce for an extra kick. For those who prefer a milder flavor, consider using a honey buffalo sauce.

Preventing a Grainy Cheese Sauce

A grainy cheese sauce is usually caused by overheating the cheese. To prevent this, keep the heat low and stir the cheese constantly until it’s melted. Avoid boiling the sauce. If your sauce does become grainy, try adding a tablespoon of lemon juice or a splash of white wine vinegar. The acidity can help break down the cheese proteins and smooth out the sauce.

Variations to Make It Your Own

Extra Veggies

Sneak in some extra nutrients by adding chopped vegetables to your Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese. Broccoli florets, cauliflower, bell peppers, and celery are all great additions. Sauté the vegetables before adding them to the mac and cheese.

Bacon Bits

Everything’s better with bacon! Add cooked and crumbled bacon to the mac and cheese for a smoky, salty flavor. Sprinkle some on top as a garnish as well.

Breadcrumb Topping

For a crispy topping, combine breadcrumbs with melted butter and Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle the mixture over the mac and cheese before baking. This adds a delightful crunch to every bite.

Cream Cheese Boost

Adding a few ounces of cream cheese to the cheese sauce will make it extra creamy and decadent. Cut the cream cheese into cubes and add it to the sauce along with the other cheeses.

Serving Suggestions

This Buffalo Chicken Mac And Cheese is a complete meal on its own, but it also pairs well with a variety of sides. A simple green salad provides a refreshing contrast to the rich and creamy mac and cheese. Corn on the cob, coleslaw, and garlic bread are also great accompaniments.

Can I Make This Ahead of Time?

Yes! You can prepare the Buffalo Chicken Mac And Cheese up to 24 hours in advance. Assemble the dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, remove the plastic wrap and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if needed.

Other Mac and Cheese Recipes You’ll Love

If you’re a mac and cheese fanatic like me, you’ll definitely want to check out these other delicious recipes. For an easy weeknight meal, try my Slow Cooker Mac And Cheese. If you’re looking for something a bit more sophisticated, my Garlic Shrimp Mac And Cheese is sure to impress. And for a smoky twist, you MUST try Smoky Bbq Chicken Mac And Cheese, or its cousin, Bbq Chicken Mac – both are sensational.

Other Buffalo Chicken Inspired Dishes

Love buffalo chicken as much as I do? Why not try it on a flatbread? My Buffalo Chicken Flatbread is an irresistible appetizer, and if you want something smaller, the Buffalo Chicken Sliders are amazing.

Conclusion

So there you have it – the ultimate Buffalo Chicken Mac And Cheese recipe! This dish is guaranteed to be a hit with your family and friends. It’s perfect for game day, potlucks, or just a cozy night in. Don’t be afraid to experiment with the recipe and make it your own; now, go get in the kitchen and create some cheesy, spicy magic!