Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese
Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese takes comfort food to a whole new level. This irresistible dish combines tender chicken coated in zesty buffalo sauce with creamy, rich cheese and perfectly cooked elbow macaroni. Topped with crunchy panko breadcrumbs and baked to golden perfection, each bite is a delightful explosion of flavors that will warm your heart and satisfy your cravings. Perfect for game days, family dinners, or cozy nights in, this easy-to-make recipe promises to please everyone at the table.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp butter (for topping)
Instructions
- Cook elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente; drain and set aside.
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat, whisk in flour to create a roux. Gradually add milk until smooth.
- Stir in cream cheese until melted; then mix in cheddar cheese until fully combined.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, and cheese sauce; mix well.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Pour mixture into a greased baking dish.
- Top with panko breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter; bake for 20 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: Experiment with different cheeses like pepper jack or gouda for added flavor depth. Adjust the spice level by modifying the amount of buffalo sauce based on personal preference. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container; reheat with a splash of milk for extra creaminess.