If you’re hungry for the ultimate comfort food mashup, get ready to fall head over heels for this Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe. It’s creamy, cheesy, spiked with that perfect tangy heat from buffalo sauce, and loaded with tender chicken — all baked under a crispy, golden crust. Honestly, this is the kind of crowd-pleasing dish that lights up the dinner table and brings everyone running for seconds, whether you’re feeding a game-day crew or just your own mac-and-cheese loving family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe is how it transforms simple, grocery store ingredients into a show-stopping meal. Each ingredient here brings something special to the table — flavor, texture, creaminess, or a spicy kick — so gather them all for truly irresistible results!
- Elbow macaroni (12 ounces): The classic pasta shape that soaks up all the cheesy, saucy goodness for that perfect bite.
- Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons): Essential for starting your creamy roux and helping every flavor shine.
- All-purpose flour (2 tablespoons): This thickens the sauce, giving you that luscious, rich base.
- Whole milk (2 cups): Creates the smooth foundation for your cheese sauce; don’t skimp on quality here!
- Heavy cream (1/2 cup): Adds a decadent, velvety richness that takes your mac to the next level.
- Shredded sharp cheddar cheese (2 cups): Provides that classic bold melt and robust cheesy flavor.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (1 cup): Keeps everything extra gooey and stretchy — just what everyone craves.
- Crumbled blue cheese (1/2 cup, optional): For a signature buffalo chicken punch; skips if you prefer a milder kick.
- Cooked and shredded chicken breast (2 cups): Rotisserie or leftover roast chicken works beautifully for convenience and tenderness.
- Buffalo wing sauce (1/2 cup): The spicy, tangy star that gives this dish its signature flavor.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Brings warmth and depth — a little goes a long way.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Just enough to make the other flavors pop.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a gentle heat and rounds out the profile.
- Chopped green onions (1/4 cup, optional): Sprinkle on top for a fresh burst of flavor and color.
- Panko breadcrumbs (1/2 cup, optional, for topping): Creates that irresistible crisp golden crust.
- Melted butter (1 tablespoon, for topping): Helps the panko brown beautifully and adds savory flavor.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pasta
First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Meanwhile, cook your elbow macaroni according to the package directions, aiming for that coveted “al dente” texture. You want the pasta to have a bit of bite because it will soak up more sauce when baked. Drain and set aside — this is the starchy backbone of your Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe.
Step 2: Whip Up the Creamy Cheese Sauce
In a large saucepan set over medium heat, melt the butter and immediately whisk in the flour to create that classic roux. Let it cook for one to two minutes until it turns just lightly golden. Slowly pour in the whole milk and heavy cream, whisking all the while to ensure a silky mix without lumps. Keep stirring as it thickens to a luxurious, velvety sauce (about four to five minutes) — patience here pays off!
Step 3: Melt in the Cheeses
Take the pan off the heat, and stir in the sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and blue cheese (if using). Blend until everything is smooth, gooey, and irresistible. This trio brings a mix of sharp, creamy, and tangy notes that make this mac truly restaurant-worthy. If blue cheese isn’t your thing, feel free to skip it for a milder take.
Step 4: Add That Buffalo Flavor
Now comes the magic: stir in the buffalo wing sauce, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. This is where the signature zing of the Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe really comes alive! The sauce should be irresistible — creamy, cheesy, spicy, and perfectly balanced.
Step 5: Combine & Fold Everything Together
Gently fold your shredded chicken and cooked macaroni into the sauce, making sure every piece is lusciously coated. That’s the secret to getting flavor into every bite. At this point, try not to sneak too many tastes, but I won’t judge if you do!
Step 6: Prep and Add the Crunchy Topping
If you’re a fan of a crispy golden topping, mix the panko breadcrumbs with melted butter in a small bowl. Sprinkle evenly over your pasta mixture once it’s poured into the greased baking dish. This contrast between creamy mac and crispy crust is what dreams are made of.
Step 7: Bake to Bubbly Perfection
Slide the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Watch for those telltale golden hints and bubbling edges — that’s your sign it’s ready. As soon as it’s out, sprinkle on chopped green onions if you like a pop of freshness and color.
How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
A final flourish of chopped green onions not only looks gorgeous but also gives the dish a fresh brightness that cuts through the richness. If you’re a blue cheese lover, try crumbling a little more on top before serving. Sometimes a drizzle of extra buffalo sauce just before the first scoop is the dramatic moment the Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe deserves.
Side Dishes
Balance out all that cheesy, spicy goodness with something cool and crisp on the side. A fresh salad with ranch or blue cheese dressing is a classic pick, or go for celery and carrot sticks for that authentic buffalo chicken vibe. If you’re hosting friends, cornbread or classic garlic bread rounds out the meal beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Dish out your Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe in individual ramekins for cute, personal servings — perfect for parties! Or, scoop it into a hollowed-out bread bowl for a show-stopping centerpiece. For a more casual get-together, let guests build their own bowls and top with crunchy onions, extra sauce, or even a sprinkle of crushed potato chips.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Have leftovers? Lucky you! Let the mac and cheese cool before transferring to airtight containers. Store it in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors continue to meld, making each bite just as rewarding the next day.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe for a future busy weeknight. After baking, let it cool completely, then cover tightly or portion into freezer-safe containers. It’ll keep its best flavor for up to two months. Just remember, skip the crispy topping until after reheating for freshest results.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw (if frozen) and warm in the oven at 350°F until bubbly and heated through. A splash of milk mixed in before reheating helps restore creaminess. The microwave works for single servings, but nothing beats a quick oven bake to revive that golden, crisp top!
FAQs
Can I use a different kind of pasta?
Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is traditional for maximum sauce coverage, shells, rotini, or penne work just as well. The key is choosing a shape that holds onto the creamy, cheesy sauce.
Is the Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe very spicy?
You control the heat! Using 1/2 cup buffalo sauce gives a noticeable but approachable kick; for extra spicy fans, add more. Mild buffalo sauces or even half-and-half with BBQ sauce can mellow it for sensitive palates.
Can I skip the blue cheese?
Yes — blue cheese is optional. If you’re not a fan of the signature tang, just omit it for a more classic, cheesy flavor profile. The Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe is still an absolute winner either way.
What kind of chicken should I use?
Rotisserie chicken is a game changer for both convenience and flavor, but feel free to use any leftover cooked chicken. Shredded baked, poached, or grilled chicken breasts all work beautifully.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
Definitely! Assemble the Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe (minus the crispy topping), cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add the topping just before baking, and increase bake time as needed until hot and bubbly.
Final Thoughts
This Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe is pure comfort in a pan, perfect for shaking up your weeknight dinners, game day feasts, or anytime you’re craving something cheesy with a little attitude. Once you try it, I promise you’ll be back for seconds — and maybe even thirds! Give it a go, and make some delicious memories around your dinner table.
Print
Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this delicious Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese recipe. Creamy, cheesy, and with a kick of spicy buffalo sauce, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 12 ounces elbow macaroni
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Cheese Mixture:
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese (optional)
Additional Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken breast
- 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions (optional)
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
- 1 tablespoon melted butter (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the macaroni: Cook the macaroni until al dente, drain, and set aside.
- Make the cheese sauce: In a saucepan, make a roux with butter and flour. Slowly whisk in milk and cream. Add cheddar, mozzarella, and blue cheese. Stir in buffalo sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Combine ingredients: Fold in chicken and pasta. Pour into baking dish.
- Add toppings and bake: Top with breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden.
- Serve: Top with green onions if desired.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for a quick shortcut.
- For a spicier version, increase the amount of buffalo sauce.
- Omit the blue cheese for a milder flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 860mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
