This creamy buffalo chicken mac and cheese is a fun twist on the classic dish. It combines tender chicken, zesty buffalo sauce, and gooey cheese for a meal that’s comforting and packed with flavor!
Every bite is like a warm hug that spices up your dinner! I love serving this dish with a side salad. It’s easy to make, and your family will be asking for seconds in no time. 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Elbow macaroni is traditional for mac and cheese, but you can use penne, fusilli, or any pasta you love. Just make sure it’s a shape that holds the cheese sauce well!
Chicken: Shredded rotisserie chicken is my go-to for convenience and flavor. If you prefer, you can use grilled chicken breast or even leftover baked chicken. Canned chicken is an option too, although fresh is best.
Cheeses: Sharp cheddar and mozzarella create a delicious creamy blend. If you’re looking for something different, try pepper jack for some spice, or gouda for a smoky flavor. Keep it creamy with cream cheese—it’s essential!
Buffalo Sauce: Adjust the amount based on your heat preference. You can swap for other hot sauces or omit it for a milder version. Sweet chili sauce can add a nice twist too!
Blue Cheese: This is optional, but it adds a great tangy flavor. If you’re not a fan, you can skip it or use feta cheese as a milder alternative.
How Do You Make a Creamy Cheese Sauce Without Clumps?
Getting a smooth cheese sauce requires some attention. The important step is making a roux first by cooking the flour & butter together. This helps thicken the sauce without lumps.
- Always whisk continuously when adding the heated milk. It helps to distribute the heat evenly.
- Once you add the cheeses, remove the pan from heat to prevent them from separating.
- Add the cheese gradually, stirring well after each addition to keep everything smooth.
With these tips, your cheese sauce will be perfectly creamy every time!
How to Make Creamy Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Pasta:
- 8 oz elbow macaroni or your favorite pasta
Chicken:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie chicken works well)
Cheese Sauce:
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk, warmed
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
Flavorings:
- 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 cup blue cheese crumbles (optional, for topping or mixing in)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder (optional)
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
Garnish:
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- Cooking spray or butter (for baking dish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This creamy buffalo chicken mac and cheese takes about 30 minutes in total. You’ll need around 10 minutes for preparation and 20 minutes for baking. Perfect for a quick yet comforting dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Dish:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating, lightly grease a baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Cook the Pasta:
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente (usually about 7-9 minutes). Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside.
3. Make the Cheese Sauce:
In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Once melted, stir in the all-purpose flour and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly to form a roux. This will help thicken your cheese sauce!
4. Whisk in Milk:
Gradually whisk in the warmed whole milk. Keep whisking as the mixture thickens up, which should take about 4-5 minutes. You want it nice and smooth!
5. Add Cream Cheese:
Next, lower the heat and add the softened cream cheese. Stir until it’s completely melted and blended in.
6. Melt the Cheddar and Mozzarella:
Now, add the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese. Stir until all the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy and delicious.
7. Flavor It Up:
Time to spice things up! Stir in the buffalo wing sauce (you can adjust how much you use based on your taste), along with garlic powder, smoked paprika, and a sprinkle of salt and black pepper.
8. Combine with Pasta and Chicken:
Add the cooked pasta and shredded chicken to your cheese sauce, mixing everything until it’s thoroughly combined.
9. Transfer to Baking Dish:
Pour the mac and cheese mixture into your prepared baking dish. If you love blue cheese, sprinkle the crumbles on top before baking.
10. Bake to Perfection:
Place the dish in the oven and bake uncovered for about 15-20 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and slightly golden.
11. Garnish and Serve:
Once baked, remove it from the oven and garnish with sliced green onions. Let it cool for a few minutes before diving in.
12. Enjoy!
Your creamy buffalo chicken mac and cheese is ready to be enjoyed! Serve it up warm and savor every bite of this cheesy, spicy treat!
FAQ for Creamy Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! While cheddar and mozzarella create a delightful creamy texture, feel free to mix it up. Pepper jack for a kick or gouda for a smoky flavor both work well. Just keep the cream cheese for that ultimate creaminess!
Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
Yes! Simply skip the chicken and you can add in other ingredients like cooked mushrooms, spinach, or roasted cauliflower to keep it hearty and delicious. Just ensure your buffalo sauce is vegetarian-friendly!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of milk if needed to bring back the creaminess.
Can I Freeze This Dish?
Yes, you can freeze it! Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. It should keep well for about 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating and baking until heated through.
