Comfort food meets game day perfection in this irresistible buffalo chicken macaroni and cheese! This creamy, spicy, and utterly satisfying dish combines the tangy heat of buffalo sauce with tender shredded chicken and rich, melted cheese over perfectly cooked macaroni. It’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser that transforms ordinary mac and cheese into an extraordinary buffalo chicken dinner idea that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
Whether you’re hosting a Super Bowl party, need a quick weeknight dinner solution, or want to elevate your typical pasta night, this buffalo chicken mac and cheese delivers bold flavors in every bite. The beauty lies in its versatility – serve it as a hearty main dish or bring it to potlucks where it’s guaranteed to be the star of the buffet table.
Recipe Information
- Difficulty: Easy
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Servings: 8 servings
- Cost: Affordable
Ingredients for Buffalo Chicken Macaroni and Cheese
For the Mac and Cheese Base:
- 1 pound elbow macaroni pasta
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk, warmed
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Buffalo Chicken:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce (plus extra for serving)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Toppings:
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 1/4 cup blue cheese crumbles (optional)
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing for serving
Equipment Required
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- 9×13 inch baking dish
- Large saucepan for cheese sauce
- Skillet for cooking chicken
- Whisk
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cheese grater
Recipe Preparation
Step 1: Prepare the Buffalo Chicken
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken breasts for 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F). Remove from heat, let cool slightly, then shred the chicken using two forks. Toss the shredded chicken with buffalo wing sauce until well coated. Set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Macaroni
Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook according to package directions until al dente, usually 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta but do not rinse – you want to retain some starch for better sauce adherence. Return pasta to the pot and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce
In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to create a roux, stirring constantly to prevent burning. Gradually add the warmed milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps from forming. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the sauce begins to thicken.
Step 4: Add the Cheese
Remove the saucepan from heat. Add cream cheese first and whisk until smooth, then gradually add the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, stirring until completely melted and creamy. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to taste.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Pour the cheese sauce over the cooked macaroni and stir until well combined. Gently fold in the buffalo chicken, ensuring even distribution throughout the pasta. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
Step 6: Prepare the Topping
In a small bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs with melted butter, mixing until the crumbs are evenly coated. Sprinkle the buttered breadcrumbs over the mac and cheese for a golden, crispy top layer.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake the buffalo chicken mac and cheese baked dish for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden brown and the sauce is bubbling around the edges. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the cheese sauce to set slightly.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Top with chopped green onions and blue cheese crumbles if desired. Serve immediately with extra buffalo sauce and ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side.
Chef’s Tips and Variations
Pro Tips for Success:
- Use freshly shredded cheese rather than pre-shredded for the smoothest, creamiest sauce. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can make your sauce grainy.
- Don’t overcook the pasta – it will continue cooking in the oven, so aim for al dente when boiling.
- Warm your milk before adding it to the roux to prevent the sauce from seizing up.
- For extra buffalo flavor, add a tablespoon of buffalo sauce directly to the cheese sauce.
Delicious Variations:
Buffalo Chicken Dip Mac And Cheese Style: Add 8 oz of cream cheese and 1/2 cup of sour cream to make it even more reminiscent of the popular dip. Serve with tortilla chips on the side.
Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Mac And Cheese: Cook pasta separately, then combine all ingredients in a slow cooker on low for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally. Perfect for game day entertaining!
Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake with Vegetables: Add diced celery and red bell peppers to boost nutrition and add crunch that mimics traditional buffalo chicken flavors.
Spice Level Adjustments: Use mild buffalo sauce for sensitive palates, or kick it up with extra hot sauce and a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat lovers.
Storage and Reheating:
- Refrigerate leftovers for up to 4 days in an airtight container.
- Reheat individual portions in the microwave with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
- Freeze portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- For best results when reheating large portions, use the oven at 350°F covered with foil.
Perfect Pairings:
This buffalo chicken dinner idea pairs beautifully with:
- Crisp celery sticks and carrot sticks
- Simple green salad with ranch dressing
- Garlic bread or dinner rolls
- Coleslaw for cooling contrast
- Ice-cold beer or lemonade
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 520
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fat: 24g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 890mg
Nutrition values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
Why This Recipe Works
This buffalo chicken macaroni and cheese succeeds because it balances multiple flavor and texture elements perfectly. The creamy, rich cheese sauce provides a cooling base for the spicy buffalo chicken, while the crispy breadcrumb topping adds textural contrast. The combination of sharp cheddar and cream cheese creates depth of flavor and ultra-smooth consistency.
The key to this recipe’s success lies in proper technique – creating a proper roux prevents graininess, while not overcooking the pasta ensures it doesn’t become mushy during baking. The buffalo sauce is added at the right moment to maintain its bright, tangy flavor without being overwhelmed by the cheese.
This dish embodies everything we love about comfort food while bringing exciting flavors that make it special enough for entertaining. It’s hearty enough to serve as a complete meal, yet refined enough to impress guests at your next gathering.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this buffalo chicken mac and cheese ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the entire dish without the breadcrumb topping, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, add the breadcrumb topping and bake as directed, adding 10-15 extra minutes to account for the cold start.
What’s the difference between buffalo chicken dip mac and cheese and this recipe?
While both feature buffalo chicken and cheese, buffalo chicken dip mac and cheese typically includes more cream cheese and sour cream for a dip-like consistency, and is often served with chips. This recipe focuses on a traditional mac and cheese base enhanced with buffalo chicken.
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking my own?
Absolutely! Use about 3 cups of shredded rotisserie chicken. Simply toss it with buffalo sauce and proceed with the recipe. This saves time and works perfectly for busy weeknight dinners.
How do I make this recipe less spicy?
Use a mild buffalo sauce or reduce the amount by half. You can also add extra cream cheese or a splash of heavy cream to mellow the heat. Serving with ranch or blue cheese dressing also helps cool the spice level.
What makes this different from a regular buffalo chicken pasta bake?
This recipe specifically focuses on the classic mac and cheese technique with a proper cheese sauce (roux-based), whereas many pasta bakes simply mix pasta with cheese and other ingredients. The result is a creamier, more cohesive dish that truly captures the essence of both buffalo chicken and authentic macaroni and cheese.
Try this incredible buffalo chicken macaroni and cheese recipe and let us know how it turns out! Leave a comment below with your experience, modifications, or questions. Don’t forget to share photos on social media – we love seeing your delicious creations!
Looking for more buffalo chicken dinner ideas? Check out our other comfort food favorites and game day recipes. Happy cooking!
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