Buffalo Chicken Mac Cheese combines tender pasta enveloped in a creamy cheese sauce, tangy buffalo sauce, and juicy chicken pieces, all baked together until bubbly and golden. This dish is a crowd-pleaser that melds the beloved flavors of buffalo chicken with the comforting essence of macaroni and cheese. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or looking for a weeknight dinner option, this recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings!

Why You’ll Love This Buffalo Chicken Mac Cheese

There are countless reasons to adore this Buffalo Chicken Mac Cheese. First, it’s incredibly comforting and filling, making it perfect for a family dinner. Second, the combination of spicy buffalo sauce and creamy cheese is simply irresistible. Third, it can easily be prepared in under an hour, fitting into your busy schedule. Additionally, this dish can serve as a great party food, with its cheesy goodness appealing to a wide audience. For those who enjoy meal prepping, this recipe also stores well in the fridge. Lastly, it’s versatile enough to accommodate variations, such as vegetarian options or different types of cheese, ensuring everyone can enjoy it!

Ingredients for Buffalo Chicken Mac Cheese

Gather these items:

1 boneless skinless chicken breast (pounded to even thickness)
1/3 cup blue cheese dressing
8 oz cavatappi pasta
2 tablespoons butter (room temperature)
2 tablespoons flour
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 cup milk
1/4 cup buffalo sauce
1/2 teaspoon hot sauce
1/2 teaspoon mustard powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 1/4 cups sharp cheddar cheese (finely shredded)
2 oz cream cheese (softened)

How to Make Buffalo Chicken Mac Cheese Step-by-Step

Step 1: Place boneless, skinless chicken breast in a pot of water and boil for 15-20 minutes until fully cooked. While chicken cooks, gather and measure all remaining ingredients.
Step 2: Bring a large pot of salted water to rolling boil and cook cavatappi pasta according to package directions until al dente, removing about 2 minutes early.
Step 3: Remove cooked chicken from water, let cool slightly, then shred it. Combine shredded chicken with blue cheese dressing and set aside.
Step 4: In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute to create a roux.
Step 5: Stir in tomato paste and cook for another minute. Gradually add heavy cream and milk in splashes, whisking constantly to prevent lumps.
Step 6: Bring sauce to gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Stir in buffalo sauce, hot sauce, mustard powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
Step 7: Remove from heat and let cool for one minute. Add finely shredded sharp cheddar cheese and softened cream cheese, stirring continuously until both cheeses are completely melted and sauce is smooth and creamy.
Step 8: Add shredded chicken mixed with blue cheese dressing and cooked cavatappi pasta to finished cheese sauce. Stir gently to combine, ensuring pasta and chicken are evenly coated.
Step 9: Serve immediately while hot and bubbly.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Buffalo Chicken Mac Cheese

Keep these in mind:

For an extra kick, consider adding more hot sauce to the cheese sauce.
Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting and flavor.
Make it a spicy buffalo chicken mac and cheese by incorporating jalapeños or other hot peppers.
This dish can also be prepared as a slow cooker buffalo chicken mac cheese for convenience.

Delicious Buffalo Chicken Mac Cheese for Everyone - Buffalo Chicken Mac Cheese - main visual representation

Best Ways to Serve Buffalo Chicken Mac Cheese

Consider pairing your Buffalo Chicken Mac Cheese with a fresh garden salad or crispy garlic bread for a complete meal. This dish can also be a hit at parties, making it a fantastic option for gatherings, especially during game days. For an interesting twist, try serving it in buffalo chicken shells and cheese for a fun presentation!

How to Store and Reheat Buffalo Chicken Mac Cheese

Store leftover Buffalo Chicken Mac Cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven or microwave until heated through. This dish can also be prepared ahead of time, making it a great choice for meal prep!

Frequently Asked Questions About Buffalo Chicken Mac Cheese

What is buffalo chicken mac and cheese?

Buffalo chicken mac and cheese is a comforting dish that combines macaroni pasta, shredded chicken, and a creamy cheese sauce infused with buffalo sauce. It’s a delicious twist on traditional mac and cheese, perfect for those who love a bit of heat!

Can I make buffalo chicken mac cheese ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dish ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just reheat it before serving for a quick and satisfying meal.

How do I avoid common mistakes with buffalo chicken mac cheese?

To ensure your Buffalo Chicken Mac Cheese comes out perfectly, avoid overcooking the pasta and make sure to gradually add the cheese to the sauce for a smooth texture.

Variations of Buffalo Chicken Mac Cheese You Can Try

There are many fun variations of Buffalo Chicken Mac Cheese. You can make a vegetarian buffalo chicken mac and cheese by substituting chicken with roasted vegetables or tofu. Additionally, for those with dietary restrictions, consider making a gluten-free buffalo chicken mac and cheese by using gluten-free pasta. You can even create a creamy buffalo chicken pasta bake by layering the dish with breadcrumbs on top before baking!

For more delicious recipes, check out our latest recipes or try making baked mac cheese for a different twist. If you’re interested in meal prepping, consider our creamy chicken pot pie pasta recipe!

For more information on the health benefits of buffalo sauce, you can visit Healthline.