This Easy Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese is a warm and creamy dish that packs a flavorful punch! Just imagine cheesy pasta mixed with tender chicken and a kick of buffalo sauce.
You won’t believe how quickly it comes together. Perfect for a cozy dinner or game night! I mean, who doesn’t love mac and cheese? Add some crunchy toppings, and you’re in for a treat! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Elbow Macaroni: This classic choice for mac and cheese holds the cheese sauce well. You can swap it for other pasta shapes like cavatappi, rotini, or even gluten-free pasta for a different texture.
Cooked Chicken: Shredded chicken is the star here. I often use rotisserie chicken for convenience. If you’re vegetarian, try chickpeas or cooked cauliflower as a substitute to keep that hearty texture.
Cheddar and Mozzarella: Sharp cheddar gives a great flavor, while mozzarella adds creaminess. Feel free to use pepper jack for some extra spice, or swap for a dairy-free cheese if you’re avoiding dairy.
Buffalo Wing Sauce: Adjust the amount based on your spice tolerance. If you want less heat, try a mild buffalo sauce or even BBQ sauce for a different flavor profile.
What’s the Best Way to Make a Creamy Cheese Sauce?
The cheese sauce is key to getting that creamy, dreamy texture. Start with making a roux first, which thickens your sauce beautifully. Heat the butter, whisk in the flour, and keep stirring to avoid lumps.
- Ensure your milk is warm to help melt the cheese smoothly.
- Stir in the cheese gradually and use low heat to prevent scorching.
- Mix until silky smooth, then add chicken and sauce for flavor.
Taking your time with this step makes a huge difference in taste and texture, so don’t rush it!
Easy Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Pasta:
- 8 oz elbow macaroni or similar pasta
Meat:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
For the Cheese Sauce:
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk, warmed
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
For Flavor:
- 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce (adjust to taste)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or chives, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes about 30 minutes from start to finish. You’ll spend about 10 minutes preparing the ingredients and cooking the pasta, followed by about 20 minutes making the creamy cheese sauce and bringing everything together. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by boiling water in a pot. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente (firm to the bite). Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside for later.
2. Make the Roux:
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted and bubbly, whisk in the all-purpose flour. Keep stirring constantly for about 1 minute to form a roux. This will help thicken your cheese sauce later.
3. Create the Cheese Sauce:
Gradually add the warmed milk to the roux while whisking. Keep mixing until the sauce thickens and turns smooth, which should take about 4-5 minutes.
4. Add the Cheeses:
Reduce the heat to low, then stir in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Continue to stir until the cheeses are completely melted and incorporated into the sauce, creating a creamy texture.
5. Combine with Chicken and Sauce:
Add the buffalo wing sauce and the shredded chicken into your cheese sauce. Stir everything together until the chicken is well-coated and heated through. This will give your mac and cheese that irresistible buffalo flavor!
6. Mix in the Pasta:
Fold in the cooked macaroni, ensuring that every piece is coated in the cheesy buffalo goodness.
7. Season to Taste:
Finally, season your dish with a sprinkle of salt and black pepper according to your taste. Give it one last good stir!
8. Serve and Garnish:
Serve your delightful buffalo chicken mac and cheese immediately, garnished with chopped fresh parsley or chives for a nice pop of color and flavor.
Enjoy your spicy, creamy, and comforting Easy Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese!
FAQ for Easy Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese
Can I Use Leftover Chicken in This Recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken you have on hand works perfectly. Simply shred it and add it directly to the cheese sauce.
What If I Don’t Have Buffalo Wing Sauce?
No worries! If you don’t have buffalo wing sauce, you can substitute it with a mild barbecue sauce or even a creamy ranch dressing for a different flavor. Just keep in mind it won’t have the same spicy kick!
Can I Make This Mac and Cheese Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the cheese sauce and cook the pasta ahead of time. Just store them separately in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready to eat, reheat the sauce gently, combine with cooked pasta, and stir in the chicken.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave in short intervals or warm on the stove, adding a splash of milk if the sauce seems too thick.
