Description
A creamy and spicy buffalo chicken macaroni and cheese that transforms ordinary mac and cheese into a game day favorite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
- 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
- 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
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Season chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Heat olive oil in a skillet and cook chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until cooked through. Shred the chicken and toss with buffalo sauce.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain and return to pot.
- Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat, whisk in flour to create a roux, then gradually add warm milk, whisking until thickened.
- Remove from heat and whisk in cream cheese, then add shredded cheddar and mozzarella until melted. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Pour cheese sauce over macaroni, fold in buffalo chicken, and transfer to a greased baking dish.
- Combine panko breadcrumbs and melted butter, sprinkle over the macaroni mixture.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and bubbling. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Top with green onions and blue cheese crumbles if desired, and serve with extra buffalo sauce and dressing.
Notes
For extra flavor, use freshly shredded cheese and ensure the pasta is cooked al dente to prevent mushiness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 80mg