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Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe

Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe
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★★★★★

5.1 from 7 reviews

This Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese combines creamy, cheesy pasta with spicy buffalo chicken for a comforting and flavorful twist on a classic dish. Topped with crunchy panko breadcrumbs and garnished with fresh green onions, it’s a perfect meal for game day or a cozy dinner at home.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta and Chicken

  • 12 oz rotini pasta
  • 2 cups cooked, diced boneless skinless chicken breast

Cheese Sauce

  • 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 4 oz cream cheese
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups milk

Toppings and Garnish

  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (for topping)
  • 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Boil salted water and cook the rotini pasta until al dente, following the package instructions. Drain the pasta well and set it aside to prepare the other ingredients.
  2. Prepare the Chicken: In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the diced chicken breast that has been seasoned with salt and pepper. Cook until the chicken is golden brown and heated through, approximately 5 to 7 minutes. Set aside.
  3. Create Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the all-purpose flour to form a roux and cook for about 1-2 minutes while whisking constantly. Gradually whisk in the milk until the mixture is smooth and thickened. Add the cream cheese and stir until fully melted. Then incorporate the shredded sharp cheddar cheese and buffalo sauce, mixing until the sauce is creamy and well combined.
  4. Combine Everything: In a large bowl, mix the cooked pasta with the buffalo cheese sauce and the sautéed chicken. Stir well to ensure the pasta and chicken are evenly coated with the sauce.
  5. Add Toppings: Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the panko breadcrumbs over the top to add a crispy texture after baking.
  6. Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the dish for 20 to 25 minutes until the mac and cheese is bubbly and the breadcrumb topping is golden and crisp. Garnish with sliced green onions before serving.

Notes

  • For extra heat, add more buffalo sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cheese sauce.
  • You can substitute rotini pasta with elbow macaroni or penne if preferred.
  • Use fresh cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken for convenience.
  • Panko breadcrumbs can be tossed in melted butter before topping for an extra golden crust.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: buffalo chicken, mac and cheese, comfort food, cheesy pasta, spicy buffalo, baked mac and cheese

Find it online: https://dailysimplerecipe.com/buffalo-chicken-mac-and-cheese-recipe/