BEST BUFFALO CHICKEN MAC

Imagine that perfect bite: creamy, cheesy macaroni, tangy buffalo sauce, and tender chicken all melding together in a symphony of flavor and texture. This Buffalo Chicken Mac recipe brings that dream to life, delivering a comforting yet exciting dish that’s sure to become a new favorite. Get ready to experience mac and cheese like never before – you’ve totally got this!

What You’ll Need: The Ingredients

For the Mac and Cheese:

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

For the Buffalo Chicken:

• 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
• 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce (adjust to your spice preference)
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon white vinegar
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)

Optional Toppings:

• Crumbled blue cheese
• Chopped green onions
• Diced celery
• Ranch or blue cheese dressing

Let’s Talk Chicken Prep: Your Foundation for Flavor

Before we even think about mac and cheese, let’s address the chicken. You have a few options here, and the best one depends on your time and preferences. Poaching is a classic, resulting in super tender chicken. Simply simmer the chicken breasts in water or broth until cooked through (about 15-20 minutes), then shred with two forks. Another great option is baking. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), bake the chicken breasts for about 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through, and then shred. For a really hands-off approach, use a slow cooker! Just toss the chicken breasts in the slow cooker with a little broth and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Shred before adding to the buffalo sauce.

Crafting the Perfect Cheese Sauce: No Lumps Allowed!

The cheese sauce is the heart of any good mac and cheese, and we’re aiming for creamy perfection here. The biggest fear? Lumps! But don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. The key is to whisk constantly while adding the milk to the roux (butter and flour mixture). Make sure the butter is fully melted before adding the flour, and cook the roux for a minute or two to get rid of any raw flour taste. Then, slowly pour in the milk, whisking vigorously the entire time. Keep whisking until the sauce thickens – it should coat the back of a spoon. If you do get a few lumps, don’t panic! Just use an immersion blender to smooth things out.

Spice It Up: Building that Buffalo Flavor

Buffalo sauce is more than just hot sauce – it’s a carefully balanced blend of heat and flavor. Many store-bought buffalo sauces are great, but you can also easily make your own by combining your favorite hot sauce with melted butter, white vinegar, and a touch of garlic powder. The butter adds richness and cuts the acidity of the hot sauce, while the vinegar provides that signature tang. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different hot sauces to find your perfect level of heat. And if you’re feeling extra adventurous, add a pinch of cayenne pepper for an extra kick. A delicious variation is a Spicy Buffalo Chicken Flatbread.

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

Get Started:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook the macaroni according to package directions. Drain well.

Make the Cheese Sauce:

1. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. This is your roux.
3. Slowly pour in the milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps.
4. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens (about 5-7 minutes).
5. Remove from heat and stir in the salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
6. Add the cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack cheese, stirring until melted and smooth.

Prepare the Buffalo Chicken:

1. In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, buffalo wing sauce, melted butter, white vinegar, and garlic powder. Mix well to coat the chicken evenly.

Assemble and Bake:

1. Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir to combine.
2. Gently fold in the buffalo chicken.
3. Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
4. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until bubbly and lightly golden brown.
5. Let cool for a few minutes before serving.

Adding Your Own Flair: Customization is Key

This Buffalo Chicken Mac is delicious as is, but don’t be afraid to put your own spin on it! Want to add some veggies? Diced celery and carrots would be a great addition. Looking for even more cheese? Try adding some crumbled blue cheese or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top before baking. And if you’re feeling really indulgent, you could even top it with some breadcrumbs for a crispy crust. You might also like to try something similar to our Buffalo Chicken Cheesesteak.

Serving Suggestions: Complete the Meal

Buffalo Chicken Mac is a hearty dish on its own, but it’s even better when paired with the right sides. A simple green salad is a great way to add some freshness and balance out the richness of the mac and cheese. Coleslaw is another classic pairing, offering a cool and creamy contrast to the spicy buffalo flavor. And if you’re looking for something a little heartier, some roasted vegetables would be a delicious addition. Consider serving with a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.

Make-Ahead Tips: Perfect for Parties

Planning a party or just want to get ahead on dinner prep? This Buffalo Chicken Mac can easily be made in advance. Simply prepare the mac and cheese and buffalo chicken separately, then combine them and bake as directed when you’re ready to serve. You can also assemble the entire dish ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just be sure to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if the dish is cold. Alternatively, for another twist, check out our Buffalo Chicken Pasta!

Storing and Reheating: Enjoying Leftovers

If you have any leftovers (which is unlikely!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can either microwave individual portions or bake the entire dish in a preheated oven until heated through. If reheating in the oven, add a splash of milk or broth to prevent the mac and cheese from drying out. You might also like our Honey Pepper Chicken Mac And Cheese, Shredded Bbq Chicken Mac And Cheese, or Smoky Bbq Chicken Mac And Cheese.

The Grand Finale: Enjoy Your Creation!

There you have it – the ultimate Buffalo Chicken Mac! I hope you love this recipe as much as I do. It’s the perfect combination of comfort food and bold flavor, and it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations and make it your own. Happy cooking!