Description
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
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.