Buffalo Chicken Mac And Cheese Recipe

Are you ready to indulge in the ultimate comfort food? Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese is the perfect fusion of creamy, cheesy pasta and spicy buffalo chicken. It's a dish that combines the best of both worlds — tangy, spicy buffalo chicken with rich, gooey mac and cheese. Whether you're cooking for a family dinner, a game day snack, or a special treat for yourself, this dish is sure to be a hit. Keep reading to discover everything you need to know about how to make this mouthwatering meal, from ingredients to substitutions, step-by-step instructions, and expert tips!

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What is Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese?

Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese is a popular hybrid dish that merges two comfort food classics: buffalo chicken wings and macaroni and cheese. The creamy, cheesy texture of the mac and cheese is perfectly complemented by the tangy, spicy buffalo sauce. In this dish, cooked macaroni is mixed with shredded chicken that's been tossed in buffalo sauce, and the whole thing is baked until bubbly and golden. It's a crowd-pleasing dish that's perfect for any occasion, from family dinners to potlucks and tailgating parties.

Ingredients List for Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese

Before you begin cooking, gather all the ingredients for this tasty dish. The ingredients for Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese are pretty simple, and you might already have most of them in your pantry.

For the Mac and Cheese:

• 2 cups elbow macaroni (or your preferred pasta shape)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream (for extra creaminess)
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder

For the Buffalo Chicken:

• 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great for convenience)
• ½ cup buffalo sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot or your favorite brand)
• 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for tossing with the chicken)

For the Topping:

• ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
• ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 tablespoon butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)

Substitutions and Variations

Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese is a versatile dish, and you can easily make substitutions or add variations to suit your dietary needs or taste preferences. Here are a few ideas:

1. Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta and substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Check the labels on your buffalo sauce to ensure it's gluten-free.
2. Healthier Version: Swap whole milk and heavy cream for low-fat milk or a dairy-free alternative like almond milk. You can also use reduced-fat cheese.
3. Spicier Version: Increase the amount of buffalo sauce or add a dash of cayenne pepper or hot sauce for an extra kick.
4. Vegetarian Option: Substitute the chicken with cauliflower or a plant-based chicken alternative. For an extra boost of flavor, roast the cauliflower with a little buffalo sauce before mixing it into the mac and cheese.
5. Different Cheese: Feel free to experiment with other cheeses, like Monterey Jack, blue cheese (for a more classic buffalo flavor), or even pepper jack for added spice.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let's dive into how to prepare this delicious Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese. Follow these simple steps for the perfect meal every time.

1. Cook the Pasta

Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes. You want the pasta to be al dente since it will continue cooking in the oven later. Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and set it aside.

2. Prepare the Buffalo Chicken

In a medium bowl, toss the cooked shredded chicken with the buffalo sauce. You can adjust the amount of buffalo sauce depending on how spicy you like it. If you prefer a richer flavor, melt a tablespoon of butter and mix it into the buffalo chicken mixture. Set aside.

3. Make the Cheese Sauce

In a large saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour to form a roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste. Slowly whisk in the milk and heavy cream, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens, about 5 minutes.

Next, add the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, mixing until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.

4. Combine the Pasta and Chicken

Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring to coat all the pasta evenly. Then, fold in the buffalo chicken, making sure it's evenly distributed throughout the mixture.

5. Prepare the Topping

In a small bowl, mix together the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and melted butter. This will give the dish a deliciously crunchy topping.

6. Assemble the Dish

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the buffalo chicken mac and cheese to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the breadcrumb topping evenly over the top.

7. Bake

Bake the dish in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy, and the mac and cheese is bubbling around the edges.

8. Garnish and Serve

Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve hot.

How to Cook Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese: A Step-by-Step Guide

To summarize:

1. Cook elbow macaroni to al dente.
2. Toss shredded chicken with buffalo sauce.
3. Make a creamy cheese sauce with butter, flour, milk, cream, cheddar, and mozzarella.
4. Combine pasta with cheese sauce and buffalo chicken.
5. Top with a panko breadcrumb mixture.
6. Bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes.
7. Garnish with parsley and serve!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overcooking the Pasta: Remember, the pasta will continue to cook when it bakes, so undercook it slightly to avoid mushy mac and cheese.
2. Skipping the Roux: The flour and butter roux is essential for creating a thick, creamy cheese sauce. Don’t skip this step!
3. Using Pre-Shredded Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents, which can result in a grainy sauce. It's best to shred your cheese fresh for the smoothest, creamiest result.
4. Not Enough Buffalo Sauce: If you love the tangy, spicy flavor of buffalo sauce, don’t be afraid to add more. You can always serve extra on the side if you're worried about heat levels.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Presentation is key to making this dish look as good as it tastes. Here are some tips to make your Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese stand out:

How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese

Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese is a hearty, filling dish that can be served as a main course or a side. For a complete meal, serve it alongside a crisp green salad with ranch or blue cheese dressing to balance the spiciness of the buffalo sauce. It's also fantastic with garlic bread or roasted vegetables.

Presentation Ideas for Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese

1. Garnish with Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or cilantro can add a pop of color and freshness.
2. Drizzle with Extra Buffalo Sauce: For an added visual appeal and extra flavor, drizzle a little more buffalo sauce on top before serving.
3. Blue Cheese Crumbles: If you're a fan of the classic buffalo wing pairing, add a few blue cheese crumbles to the top for that authentic buffalo wing experience.

Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe Tips

1. Use Rotisserie Chicken: For convenience, rotisserie chicken is perfect for this recipe. It saves time and adds a ton of flavor.
2. Double the Recipe: This dish is great for feeding a crowd, and it reheats well. Consider doubling the recipe if you're serving a large group or want leftovers.
3. Make Ahead: You can prepare the dish up to the baking step and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. This is perfect for meal prepping or when hosting a gathering.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A: Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is traditional, you can use other pasta shapes like shells, cavatappi, or penne.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

Q: Can I freeze Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese?
A: Yes! Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven.

Q: What can I use instead of buffalo sauce?
A: If you don’t have buffalo sauce, you can make a quick version by combining hot sauce with melted butter. Alternatively, you can use BBQ sauce for a different flavor profile.

Q: Is there a way to make it less spicy?
A: Yes! Reduce the amount of buffalo sauce, or use a milder version. You can also mix in some ranch or blue cheese dressing to mellow out the heat.

Conclusion

Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese is a game-changer for anyone who loves bold, spicy flavors paired with creamy, cheesy goodness. With a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you can create a dish that's perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or game day parties. The versatility of this recipe allows for endless customization, so don’t hesitate to get creative with your ingredients. Now that you know all the tips, tricks, and steps, it's time to head to the kitchen and give this delicious recipe a try! Your taste buds will thank you!

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