Buffalo Chicken Mac ‘n’ Cheese

Instructions for Buffalo Chicken Mac ‘n’ Cheese

1. Cook the Pasta:

Start by cooking the macaroni (or other pasta shape) according to the package instructions. Be sure to cook it al dente, as it will continue cooking in the oven. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.

2. Prepare the Buffalo Chicken:

While the pasta is cooking, it’s time to prepare the buffalo chicken.

• Sauté the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shredded chicken to the pan and sprinkle with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Sauté the chicken for 2-3 minutes until it’s heated through and coated with the seasoning.
• Add Buffalo Sauce: Pour in the buffalo sauce and stir to coat the chicken evenly. Let the chicken simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and absorb into the chicken. Once done, set aside.

3. Make the Cheese Sauce:

Next, we’ll make the creamy cheese sauce that will coat the pasta.

• Melt the Butter: In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, whisk in the flour and cook for about 1-2 minutes to form a roux (this helps thicken the sauce).
• Add the Milk: Gradually add the milk to the roux, whisking continuously to prevent lumps from forming. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the mixture thickens into a smooth sauce.
• Add the Cheeses: Once the sauce has thickened, lower the heat and add the shredded cheddar, mozzarella, and grated Parmesan cheeses. Stir until the cheese has melted completely and the sauce is smooth.
• Season the Sauce: Add the garlic powder, mustard powder, salt, and pepper, adjusting the seasoning to taste. If the sauce seems too thick, you can add a splash of milk to reach your desired consistency.

4. Combine Pasta, Buffalo Chicken, and Cheese Sauce:

Now it’s time to bring everything together!

• Mix the Pasta and Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the creamy cheese sauce. Stir gently to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.
• Add the Buffalo Chicken: Fold in the buffalo chicken, making sure the chicken is evenly distributed throughout the pasta.

5. Prepare the Topping:

For that irresistible crunch on top, we’ll add a simple breadcrumb topping.

• Mix Panko and Butter: In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs with the melted butter. Stir to coat the breadcrumbs evenly with the butter.

6. Assemble and Bake:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the buffalo chicken mac ‘n’ cheese mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

• Add the Topping: Sprinkle the buttery panko breadcrumbs evenly over the top of the mac ‘n’ cheese.
• Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and crispy and the cheese is bubbling.

7. Garnish and Serve:

Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. For extra flavor and color, drizzle a little extra buffalo sauce over the top, and garnish with chopped green onions. Serve with a side of blue cheese or ranch dressing for dipping.

Tips for the Best Buffalo Chicken Mac ‘n’ Cheese:

• Choose the Right Cheese: For the creamiest mac ‘n’ cheese, make sure to use a combination of cheeses. Sharp cheddar provides a rich flavor, mozzarella adds creaminess, and Parmesan offers a nutty, savory undertone.
• Make Your Own Buffalo Sauce: While store-bought buffalo sauce works well, you can make your own by combining melted butter with hot sauce and a little garlic powder. This allows you to control the spice level and flavor.
• Control the Heat: If you’re not a fan of spicy food, use less buffalo sauce or choose a milder hot sauce. Conversely, if you love heat, add extra buffalo sauce or sprinkle in some cayenne pepper.
• Customize the Dish: Feel free to add other ingredients to suit your tastes. Some people like to include crumbled blue cheese in the sauce for added richness, while others may prefer to mix in some cooked bacon for extra flavor.
• Make It Ahead: Buffalo Chicken Mac ‘n’ Cheese can be made ahead of time! Assemble the dish up until the baking step, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to serve, simply bake it as directed.

Why You’ll Love Buffalo Chicken Mac ‘n’ Cheese:

• Bold and Flavorful: This dish brings together the tangy heat of buffalo chicken with the creamy, cheesy goodness of mac ‘n’ cheese. The combination is irresistible, satisfying your cravings for both comfort and spice.
• Ultimate Comfort Food: Mac ‘n’ cheese is already the ultimate comfort food, but when you add the smoky, spicy buffalo chicken, it becomes even more indulgent. This dish is rich, creamy, and just the right amount of heat.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re hosting a game day gathering, a casual dinner, or just need a comforting meal, Buffalo Chicken Mac ‘n’ Cheese is the perfect choice. It’s filling, flavorful, and sure to impress.
• Crowd-Pleaser: With its creamy texture, spicy kick, and cheesy goodness, this dish is a surefire hit at parties and family gatherings. The crispy breadcrumb topping adds the perfect crunch to every bite.

Conclusion

Buffalo Chicken Mac ‘n’ Cheese is the ultimate mashup of two classic comfort foods, offering a rich, creamy base with the bold, spicy flavor of buffalo chicken. It’s cheesy, indulgent, and full of flavor, with just the right amount of heat to keep things exciting. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or simply craving a comforting, spicy meal, this recipe is guaranteed to satisfy. So grab your ingredients, heat up the oven, and get ready to enjoy one of the most deliciously comforting dishes around.