Savor the irresistible combination of creamy cheese sauce, tangy buffalo sauce, and tender chicken with our Buffalo Chicken Macaroni and Cheese recipe. Perfect for cozy dinners or game day gatherings, this dish brings together classic comfort food flavors with a spicy twist. Let’s dive into the recipe and learn how to create this mouthwatering masterpiece!

Ingredients:

8 ounces macaroni

¼ cup butter
⅓ cup flour
1 ¾ cups milk

¾ cup Frank’s Red Hot Sauce
1 ½ cups grated cheddar cheese, divided
1 cup grated mozzarella cheese

1 tablespoon dry ranch seasoning powder
2 cups cooked, diced chicken
½ cup Panko bread crumbs

2 tablespoons melted butter
2 tablespoons chopped green onions
Ranch dressing for drizzling over the top

Directions:

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray a 9×13 baking dish with nonstick spray to prevent sticking.

Cook Macaroni: Boil the macaroni in a large pot of water for 1 minute less than the package directions state. Drain and set aside in a large mixing bowl.

Make Cheese Sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 2 minutes. Slowly add the milk and hot sauce, whisking constantly. Cook for about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and stir in 1 cup of cheddar cheese and all of the mozzarella cheese until melted.

Combine Ingredients: Pour the cheese sauce over the cooked macaroni. Add the diced chicken and ranch powder to the mixture and stir well to combine.

Assemble and Bake: Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top. Then, sprinkle on the Panko breadcrumbs and drizzle with the melted butter. Bake for 30 minutes until golden and bubbly.

Serve: Once baked, sprinkle with chopped green onions. Serve immediately with ranch dressing and extra hot sauce for added flavor.

Prep Time: 20 min | Cooking Time: 30 min | Total Time: 50 min | Servings: 4

Nutritional Information (per serving):

Calories: 580 kcal

Fat: 30g
Carbohydrates: 44g
Protein: 35g

Serving and Storage Tips :

Make the most of your flavorful Buffalo Chicken Macaroni and Cheese with these helpful serving and storage tips:

Serving Tips:

Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Before serving, garnish your Buffalo Chicken Macaroni and Cheese with freshly chopped parsley or cilantro for a pop of color and freshness.
Serve with Additional Hot Sauce: For extra heat and flavor, serve the macaroni and cheese with a bottle of hot sauce on the side, allowing guests to customize the spice level to their liking.
Pair with Crisp Salad: Balance the richness of the dish with a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette. The refreshing contrast will complement the bold flavors of the macaroni and cheese.

Add a Side of Garlic Bread: Serve slices of warm garlic bread alongside the macaroni and cheese for a comforting and satisfying meal. The buttery garlic flavor pairs perfectly with the creamy cheese sauce.
Portion into Ramekins: For a stylish presentation, divide the Buffalo Chicken Macaroni and Cheese into individual ramekins before baking. This allows each guest to enjoy their own perfectly portioned serving.

Storage Tips:

Refrigeration: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven until heated through.
Freezing: While macaroni and cheese can be frozen, the texture may change slightly upon thawing. To freeze, transfer cooled portions of the dish into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags. Label with the date and store in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
Reheating: To reheat refrigerated or frozen Buffalo Chicken Macaroni and Cheese, place the desired portion in a microwave-safe dish and heat in the microwave at 1-minute intervals until warmed through. Alternatively, reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated to your liking.

Prevent Dryness: To prevent the dish from drying out during reheating, add a splash of milk or chicken broth to the macaroni and cheese before heating. This helps maintain its creamy texture and prevents it from becoming too thick.
Enjoy Freshly Baked: For the best taste and texture, enjoy your Buffalo Chicken Macaroni and Cheese fresh out of the oven. Serve immediately to savor the gooey cheese, tender chicken, and spicy buffalo sauce at its peak.

Variations:

Get creative with your Buffalo Chicken Macaroni and Cheese by trying out these delicious variations:

Blue Cheese Crumble: Sprinkle crumbled blue cheese over the top before baking for a tangy twist on traditional mac and cheese.
Buffalo Cauliflower: Replace the chicken with roasted buffalo cauliflower florets for a vegetarian-friendly version of this dish.
Bacon Lover’s Delight: Add crispy bacon bits to the macaroni and cheese mixture for a smoky, savory flavor.

Jalapeño Popper Style: Mix diced jalapeños into the cheese sauce and top with a layer of cream cheese before baking for a spicy kick.
Spinach and Artichoke: Fold in chopped spinach and marinated artichoke hearts for a creamy and flavorful spin on classic mac and cheese.
Tex-Mex Twist: Add diced green chilies, black beans, and corn to the mixture and top with crushed tortilla chips for a Southwestern flair.

Buffalo Ranch: Drizzle ranch dressing over the baked macaroni and cheese for an extra layer of creamy flavor that complements the buffalo sauce.
Loaded Potato Style: Mix in diced potatoes and top with shredded cheese, bacon crumbles, and green onions for a loaded baked potato-inspired version.
Italian-Inspired: Use Italian seasoning and grated Parmesan cheese in the cheese sauce, and top with chopped fresh basil and diced tomatoes before serving.

Greek Yogurt Swap: Substitute Greek yogurt for some or all of the sour cream in the recipe for a lighter, tangier twist on the classic dish.

FAQs:

Can I use a different type of pasta? Yes, you can use any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne, rotini, or shells, instead of macaroni.
Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the dish ahead of time and refrigerate it before baking. Simply cover with plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking as directed.

Can I use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken? Yes, pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken works well in this recipe. Simply shred the cooked chicken and mix it into the cheese sauce before baking.
Can I make this dish gluten-free? Yes, you can use gluten-free macaroni noodles and gluten-free flour to make this dish gluten-free. Ensure all other ingredients are also gluten-free.
How can I make this dish spicier? To make the dish spicier, add additional hot sauce or chopped jalapeños to the cheese sauce before baking.

Can I freeze leftovers? Yes, you can freeze leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
What can I serve with Buffalo Chicken Macaroni and Cheese? This dish pairs well with a side salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Can I use a different type of cheese? Yes, feel free to experiment with different cheeses, such as pepper jack, Swiss, or gouda, to customize the flavor of the dish.

Can I omit the breadcrumbs? Yes, you can omit the breadcrumbs for a lower-carb option or substitute crushed crackers or potato chips for added crunch.
Can I make this dish in a slow cooker? Yes, you can adapt this recipe for the slow cooker by cooking the macaroni and cheese mixture on low for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally, until heated through and bubbly.

Elevate your dinner experience with our Buffalo Chicken Macaroni and Cheese recipe, guaranteed to satisfy your cravings and spice up your mealtime. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a cozy night in, this dish is sure to be a hit with friends and family. Enjoy the bold flavors and comforting goodness of this cheesy, spicy delight!

Buffalo Chicken Macaroni and Cheese

Author: Lusine Svetlana

Description

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray a 9×13 baking dish with nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
Cook Macaroni: Boil the macaroni in a large pot of water for 1 minute less than the package directions state. Drain and set aside in a large mixing bowl.
Make Cheese Sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 2 minutes. Slowly add the milk and hot sauce, whisking constantly. Cook for about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and stir in 1 cup of cheddar cheese and all of the mozzarella cheese until melted.

Combine Ingredients: Pour the cheese sauce over the cooked macaroni. Add the diced chicken and ranch powder to the mixture and stir well to combine.
Assemble and Bake: Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top. Then, sprinkle on the Panko breadcrumbs and drizzle with the melted butter. Bake for 30 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Serve: Once baked, sprinkle with chopped green onions. Serve immediately with ranch dressing and extra hot sauce for added flavor.

Notes

Serving Tips:

Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Before serving, garnish your Buffalo Chicken Macaroni and Cheese with freshly chopped parsley or cilantro for a pop of color and freshness.
Serve with Additional Hot Sauce: For extra heat and flavor, serve the macaroni and cheese with a bottle of hot sauce on the side, allowing guests to customize the spice level to their liking.
Pair with Crisp Salad: Balance the richness of the dish with a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette. The refreshing contrast will complement the bold flavors of the macaroni and cheese.

Add a Side of Garlic Bread: Serve slices of warm garlic bread alongside the macaroni and cheese for a comforting and satisfying meal. The buttery garlic flavor pairs perfectly with the creamy cheese sauce.
Portion into Ramekins: For a stylish presentation, divide the Buffalo Chicken Macaroni and Cheese into individual ramekins before baking. This allows each guest to enjoy their own perfectly portioned serving.

Storage Tips:

Refrigeration: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven until heated through.

Freezing: While macaroni and cheese can be frozen, the texture may change slightly upon thawing. To freeze, transfer cooled portions of the dish into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags. Label with the date and store in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
Reheating: To reheat refrigerated or frozen Buffalo Chicken Macaroni and Cheese, place the desired portion in a microwave-safe dish and heat in the microwave at 1-minute intervals until warmed through. Alternatively, reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated to your liking.
Prevent Dryness: To prevent the dish from drying out during reheating, add a splash of milk or chicken broth to the macaroni and cheese before heating. This helps maintain its creamy texture and prevents it from becoming too thick.

Enjoy Freshly Baked: For the best taste and texture, enjoy your Buffalo Chicken Macaroni and Cheese fresh out of the oven. Serve immediately to savor the gooey cheese, tender chicken, and spicy buffalo sauce at its peak.