Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese
Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese is a delightful twist on the classic comfort dish, marrying creamy macaroni with the bold flavors of spicy buffalo chicken. This recipe features al dente elbow macaroni enveloped in a rich, cheesy sauce, complemented by tender pieces of chicken coated in zesty buffalo sauce. Finished with a crispy breadcrumb topping, it’s an indulgent meal that’s perfect for game days, family gatherings, or cozy nights in. Quick and easy to prepare in under an hour, this dish promises to impress guests while delivering warmth and deliciousness to your table.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
- ½ cup buffalo sauce
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Cook elbow macaroni according to package directions until al dente; drain and set aside.
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper and cook in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked (about 12 minutes). Shred once cool.
- In the same skillet, melt butter, stir in flour to make a roux, then gradually add milk while whisking until thickened. Mix in cheese and buffalo sauce until smooth.
- Combine pasta and shredded chicken into the cheese sauce.
- Transfer mixture to a greased baking dish, top with breadcrumbs, and bake at 350°F for 20 minutes or until golden brown.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 560
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: - For added flavor, mix different cheeses like mozzarella or gouda.- Incorporate vegetables such as spinach or bell peppers for extra nutrition.