Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese

Comfort food is more than just a category of cuisine; it’s a warm embrace on a chilly day, a nostalgic reminder of home, and a celebration of flavors that bring joy to our palates. Among the pantheon of beloved comfort foods, macaroni and cheese reigns supreme, offering a creamy, cheesy goodness that satisfies cravings and warms hearts. But what if we could elevate this classic dish with a bold twist? Enter Spicy Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese—a culinary fusion that combines the rich, comforting essence of mac and cheese with the fiery zest of buffalo chicken.

Dive into the ultimate comfort food fusion with Spicy Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese! This delightful dish combines creamy, cheesy elbow macaroni with tender chicken and a fiery buffalo sauce, topped with a crispy breadcrumb crust. Perfect for gatherings or cozy nights in, this recipe elevates classic mac and cheese like never before. Join us in exploring flavorful ingredients and easy steps to create a dish that's comforting, delicious, and sure to impress. Enjoy every indulgent bite!

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Ingredients

2 cups elbow macaroni

2 cups shredded cooked chicken

1 cup buffalo sauce (plus extra for drizzling)

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

4 cups whole milk

2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese (optional)

1 cup panko breadcrumbs

2 tablespoons chopped green onions (for garnish)

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Make the Cheese Sauce: In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for about 2 minutes until golden, creating a roux. Gradually add the whole milk while whisking constantly to avoid lumps.

Add Spices and Cheese: Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Continue to whisk until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes. Reduce the heat to low and gradually mix in the cheddar and mozzarella cheese until melted and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Combine with Chicken and Buffalo Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, shredded chicken, and buffalo sauce. Pour the cheese sauce over the mixture and stir until well combined.

Bake the Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the mac and cheese mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with a drizzle of olive oil. Sprinkle evenly over the mac and cheese mixture.

Optional Blue Cheese: For an extra punch of flavor, sprinkle crumbled blue cheese on top of the breadcrumbs if desired.

Bake: Bake for about 25-30 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown on top.

Serve and Garnish: Allow the buffalo chicken mac and cheese to cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped green onions and an extra drizzle of buffalo sauce if desired. Enjoy your spicy and cheesy indulgence!

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings:

15 minutes | 45 minutes | Serves 6-8