BEST Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese
This Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese recipe combines creamy, cheesy macaroni with tangy buffalo sauce and tender chicken for a comforting and exciting dish. It's a perfect blend of classic comfort food and bold flavors, sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Customize it to your liking and enjoy a truly unique mac and cheese experience.
Equipment
- Large pot
- Colander
- Large saucepan
- Whisk
- Large bowl
- 9x13 inch baking dish
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Oven
- Two forks (for shredding chicken)
Ingredients
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 6 tablespoons butter
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
- ½ cup buffalo wing sauce adjust to taste
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- Pinch of cayenne pepper optional
- Optional toppings: Crumbled blue cheese, chopped green onions, diced celery, ranch or blue cheese dressing
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the macaroni according to package directions. Drain well.
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. This is your roux.
- Slowly pour in the milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps.
- Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens (about 5-7 minutes).
- Remove from heat and stir in the salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Add the cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack cheese, stirring until melted and smooth.
- 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.
- Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir to combine.
- Gently fold in the buffalo chicken.
- Pour the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until bubbly and lightly golden brown.
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
For extra flavor, use a high-quality buffalo wing sauce. You can adjust the amount of buffalo sauce to your spice preference. For a creamier mac and cheese, use whole milk or add a splash of cream. To prevent the mac and cheese from drying out during baking, cover the dish with foil for the first 15 minutes. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven, adding a splash of milk or broth to prevent drying. Feel free to add vegetables like diced celery and carrots. Crumbled blue cheese or Parmesan cheese can be sprinkled on top before baking for added flavor.