Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese 🔥🧀 — Creamy Baked (or Stovetop) Pasta with Spicy Shredded Chicken

Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese: A Delicious Twist on a Classic Comfort Food

Macaroni and cheese is a classic comfort food that almost everyone loves. But have you ever thought about adding some spice to it? Buffalo chicken mac & cheese is a delicious twist on the classic dish, adding some heat and flavor to the creamy pasta. This dish is perfect for game day, a weeknight dinner, or any time you're in the mood for some comfort food with a kick.

Ingredients:

1 pound elbow macaroni

2 cups cooked and shredded chicken

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

2 cups whole milk

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Optional toppings: chopped fresh parsley, crumbled blue cheese, diced celery

Instructions:

Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.

Add the flour to the melted butter and whisk until well combined.

Gradually whisk in the whole milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Continue to whisk until the sauce is smooth and begins to thicken.

Stir in the buffalo wing sauce and shredded chicken.

Add the cooked macaroni to the skillet and stir until well combined with the buffalo chicken sauce.

Gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese to the skillet, stirring constantly until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.

Serve hot, with optional toppings if desired.

Tips for Making Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese:

Use your favorite buffalo wing sauce for the best flavor. You can adjust the amount to your taste, depending on how spicy you like your food.

Shred the chicken beforehand for convenience and easy incorporation into the sauce.

You can use any type of pasta you prefer, but elbow macaroni works best for this recipe.

For an extra burst of flavor, sprinkle crumbled blue cheese over the top of the mac & cheese before serving. Chopped fresh parsley and diced celery make great toppings to add some freshness and crunch to the dish.

You Won't Believe How Good This Mac & Cheese Is | Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese Recipe

In conclusion, buffalo chicken mac & cheese is a delicious and easy twist on a portion of classic comfort food. It's perfect for game day, a weeknight dinner, or any time you're in the mood for some spicy and comforting food. With just a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking skills, you can have a flavorful and satisfying meal that will please everyone at the table. So why not give this recipe a try and spice up your next mac & cheese night?

Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese FAQ

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Yes—rotisserie or leftover roasted chicken works great. Shred it and fold it in at the “Buffalo + chicken” step.

How spicy is this?

Medium heat as written. For milder, start with 1/4 cup buffalo sauce and add more to taste; for hotter, bump to 3/4 cup or add a dash of cayenne.

Stovetop vs. baked—what’s the difference?

Stovetop is ultra-creamy and fastest. Baking adds a bubbly, slightly set casserole vibe (add extra cheese or buttery breadcrumbs on top).

Can I swap the cheese?

Cheddar is classic, but Monterey Jack or mozzarella add extra melt; mix in a little blue cheese if you love that Buffalo-wing tang.

Best pasta shapes?

Elbows hold sauce best, but cavatappi, shells, gemelli, or rotini also work well.

Make-ahead & reheating tips?

Assemble up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate 1 day. Bake covered at 375°F until hot (add a splash of milk if thick). Reheat leftovers gently with a bit of milk to loosen.

Can I make it gluten-free?

Use gluten-free pasta and swap the flour for a 1:1 GF blend or whisk 1 tsp cornstarch into cold milk before adding to the pan.

Dairy-free option?

Use plant milk (unsweetened), a dairy-free cheddar-style shreds, and vegan butter. Check your buffalo sauce for dairy.