Creamy & Spicy Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese: The Ultimate 25-Minute Dinner
Get ready to transform your dinner routine with this incredible **Creamy Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese**! This isn’t just any macaroni and cheese; it’s a vibrant fusion that takes the comforting classic, infuses it with succulent chunks of cooked chicken, and ignites it with the bold, zesty kick of buffalo sauce and a blend of savory seasonings. The result? A remarkably easy and utterly delicious meal that comes together in just **25 minutes**, promising to be a resounding hit with everyone at your table.
If your taste buds crave the rich, gooey comfort of macaroni and cheese, and you adore the bold, tangy heat of buffalo chicken, then this recipe is truly crafted for you. It masterfully marries all the iconic flavors of buffalo chicken – that distinctive spicy, vinegary, and buttery profile – with a luxuriously rich and extra-creamy mac and cheese base. The outcome is an explosion of flavor in every bite: perfectly spicy, incredibly cheesy, and simply irresistible. It’s the ultimate comfort food with a fiery twist, perfect for a cozy night in, a quick weeknight dinner, or even a game day feast.
Why You’ll Love This Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese
This recipe isn’t just another dinner idea; it’s a culinary experience designed for maximum flavor and minimal effort. Here’s why it’s destined to become a staple in your kitchen:
- **Lightning Fast:** From start to finish, you’re looking at just 25 minutes. It’s quicker than takeout and infinitely more satisfying.
- **Flavor Explosion:** It perfectly balances the classic creamy cheese sauce with the tangy, spicy punch of buffalo chicken. Every forkful is a delight!
- **Simple Ingredients:** Uses readily available ingredients, many of which you likely already have in your pantry and fridge.
- **Family Favorite:** A guaranteed crowd-pleaser that appeals to both mac and cheese lovers and those who enjoy a bit of heat.
- **Versatile:** Easy to customize with your favorite cheeses, level of spice, and toppings.
- **Comfort Food Elevated:** Takes a beloved comfort food to new heights with an exciting and delicious twist.
Essential Ingredients for Your Spicy Mac and Cheese
Crafting this flavorful dish requires a few key components that come together to create that irresistible creamy, spicy, and cheesy magic. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need, along with some insights into why each ingredient is important:
Here is what you will need for this fantastic buffalo chicken mac and cheese recipe:
- Elbow Macaroni: The classic choice for mac and cheese, its small, curved shape perfectly cradles the creamy sauce. Cook it according to package directions, aiming for al dente.
- Cheese: We highly recommend a luxurious blend of **Monterey Jack and white cheddar**. Monterey Jack melts beautifully, offering a smooth, creamy texture, while white cheddar provides that sharp, rich, and tangy depth characteristic of a truly great mac and cheese. Shredding your own cheese from blocks ensures the best melt and flavor.
- Chicken: The beauty of this recipe lies in its convenience, making **ready-made rotisserie chicken** an absolute dream. Simply shred or dice it, and you’re good to go. If you have **leftover cooked chicken**, that works perfectly too. Alternatively, prepare some crockpot shredded chicken or poached chicken ahead of time for a homemade touch.
- Buffalo Sauce: This is the star of the show, providing the signature tangy heat. Use your favorite brand to control the spice level. Frank’s RedHot is a popular choice for its classic flavor.
- Unsalted Butter: Forms the base of our roux, contributing richness and a silky texture to the cheese sauce. Unsalted butter allows you to control the overall saltiness of the dish.
- All-Purpose Flour: Essential for creating a roux with the butter, which thickens the milk into a luscious, smooth cheese sauce.
- Whole Milk: Provides the creamy liquid base for the cheese sauce. Whole milk yields the richest and most decadent result, helping to create that velvety consistency we all love.
- Spices and Seasonings: A carefully selected blend enhances the overall flavor without overpowering the buffalo kick. You’ll need **fine sea salt, ground black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and ground mustard**. The ground mustard might seem unusual, but it subtly enhances the cheesiness without making the sauce taste like mustard.
- Optional Toppings: Elevate your serving with these delightful additions: **blue cheese crumbles** for an extra tangy bite, **green onions** for freshness and a mild oniony crunch, a **drizzle of extra buffalo sauce** for more heat, or a **drizzle of ranch dressing** to cool things down and add another layer of classic buffalo flavor pairing.
Smart Substitutions & Variations
While this recipe is perfect as written, it’s also incredibly adaptable. Don’t be afraid to experiment with these substitutions to suit your preferences or what you have on hand:
- Pasta: While elbow macaroni is traditional, many other pasta shapes work wonderfully. Consider using **small shells, bowties (farfalle), cavatappi, or rotini**. These shapes also do an excellent job of capturing the creamy sauce and chicken pieces.
- Milk: For an even richer sauce, **heavy cream or half-and-half** can be used in place of whole milk. If you prefer a lighter sauce, 2%, 1%, or skim milk *can* be used, but be aware that they will result in a thinner, less creamy consistency for the sauce.
- Cheddar: If you don’t have white cheddar, **orange cheddar** works just as well and will give your mac and cheese a more classic yellow hue. A sharp cheddar can also add a bolder cheese flavor.
- Gluten-Free: Easily make this recipe gluten-free by swapping out the all-purpose flour for a **gluten-free flour blend** (measurements typically remain the same) and using your favorite **gluten-free pasta**. Ensure your buffalo sauce is also certified gluten-free.
- Cheese Blend: Feel free to experiment with other good melting cheeses like fontina, Gruyère, or even a smoked gouda for an added layer of flavor. Just make sure they’re cheeses that melt smoothly.
- Spice Level: To control the heat, you can adjust the amount of buffalo sauce. For extra mild, reduce it slightly. For extra fiery, add more or a pinch of red pepper flakes!
How to Make the Best Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese
This section walks you through the straightforward process of making this incredibly satisfying dish, complete with step-by-step photos and detailed instructions. For the complete printable recipe card with exact measurements, please refer to the recipe card further down below.
Let’s get cooking! The beauty of this recipe is how quickly it comes together, perfect for busy evenings.
1. **Start the Roux:** In a large pot or Dutch oven, begin by melting the unsalted butter over medium-low heat. You want the butter to be fully melted and shimmering, but not browning.
2. **Create the Roux:** Add the all-purpose flour to the melted butter. Whisk continuously for about 1-2 minutes until the flour is fully incorporated and forms a smooth paste. This is your roux, the thickening agent for your cheese sauce. Cooking it briefly helps remove the raw flour taste.
3. **Whisk in Milk for the Velvety Sauce:** Gradually, and very slowly, whisk in the whole milk, adding about ½ cup at a time. It’s crucial to whisk thoroughly after each addition to prevent lumps and ensure a silky-smooth sauce. Continue to cook over medium-low heat, whisking often, until the mixture is smooth, begins to thicken slightly, and coats the back of a spoon. This process usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
4. **Season the Sauce:** Now it’s time to add flavor! Whisk in the fine sea salt, ground black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and ground mustard. Stir well to ensure the spices are evenly distributed throughout the creamy sauce.
5. **Melt in the Cheese:** Reduce the heat to low. Add the shredded white cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses to the pot. Stir constantly until the cheeses are completely melted and the sauce is smooth, velvety, and homogenous. Keep the heat low to prevent the cheese from seizing or becoming grainy.
6. **Combine & Heat Through:** Finally, add the buffalo sauce, the cooked elbow macaroni, and the diced cooked chicken to the cheese sauce. Stir gently but thoroughly to combine all the ingredients, ensuring every piece of pasta and chicken is coated in the spicy, cheesy sauce. Continue to cook over low heat, stirring occasionally, until everything is warmed through, which typically takes about 5-10 minutes.
7. **Serve and Garnish:** Dish out your creamy Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese immediately while it’s warm and gooey. For an extra touch of flavor and visual appeal, top each serving with blue cheese crumbles and freshly sliced green onions, if desired. A little extra drizzle of buffalo or ranch sauce can also be a fantastic addition!
Tips for the Best Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese
To ensure your buffalo chicken mac and cheese turns out perfectly every time, keep these simple tips in mind:
- **Grate Your Own Cheese:** Pre-shredded cheeses often contain anti-caking agents that can make your sauce slightly grainy. Grating cheese from a block ensures a smoother, creamier melt.
- **Don’t Overcook Pasta:** Cook your macaroni just until al dente. It will continue to cook slightly when combined with the hot cheese sauce, and you don’t want it to become mushy.
- **Whisk Continuously for Roux:** When making the roux and adding milk, constant whisking is key to prevent lumps and ensure a silky-smooth sauce.
- **Low and Slow for Cheese:** Always add cheese to a sauce over low heat. High heat can cause cheese to separate and become oily or stringy.
- **Taste and Adjust:** Before serving, taste the finished dish. You might want to add a little more salt, pepper, or even a dash more buffalo sauce if you crave extra heat.
- **Use Quality Buffalo Sauce:** The flavor of your buffalo sauce significantly impacts the dish. Use a brand you love for the best results.
Storage and Reheating
This dish makes for fantastic leftovers, perfect for a quick lunch or dinner the next day. Here’s how to store and reheat it properly:
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For best quality and safety, ensure it cools completely before refrigerating.
To reheat leftovers, for best results, heat your oven to 350° F (175° C). For each cup of macaroni you are reheating, add about 1 Tablespoon of milk or chicken broth to help restore creaminess. Cover the dish with foil and heat for 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through and bubbly. Alternatively, you can reheat individual servings in the microwave, stirring every minute, until hot.
Recipe FAQ: Your Questions Answered
Have more questions about making this delicious Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese? We’ve got you covered!
Yes, absolutely! Buffalo chicken mac and cheese freezes surprisingly well. After cooking, allow your mac and cheese to cool completely to room temperature. Transfer it to a freezer-safe container or an aluminum foil pan, and cover tightly with a layer of plastic wrap directly on the surface (to prevent freezer burn), followed by a layer of aluminum foil. Label and freeze for up to 4 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake covered at 350°F (175°C) for 20-30 minutes, or until warmed through, adding a splash of milk if needed to restore creaminess.
If you love a serious kick, there are several ways to increase the spice! You can add an extra Tablespoon or two of buffalo sauce when you’re combining the ingredients. For a more intense heat, stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes (or more, to taste) with the other seasonings, or even a dash of cayenne pepper. Another option is to use a hotter variety of buffalo sauce if available, or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce.
You can prepare certain components ahead of time to make dinner even quicker. Cook the pasta and chop the chicken in advance. You can also shred the cheeses. The cheese sauce itself is best made fresh, as it can sometimes separate upon reheating if made too far in advance. However, if you must, you can make the entire dish and gently reheat it as per the storage instructions.
This rich and flavorful dish pairs wonderfully with lighter, fresh sides. A crisp green salad with a ranch or blue cheese dressing is a classic choice to balance the richness. Steamed or roasted vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or green beans also make excellent accompaniments. For a heartier meal, some crusty bread for dipping into the extra sauce is always a welcome addition.
More Cheesy Pasta Recipes You’ll Love
If you’re a fan of cheesy, comforting pasta dishes, be sure to explore some of these other fantastic recipes that are sure to become family favorites:
- Beef Enchilada Pasta: A Tex-Mex twist on pasta that’s packed with flavor.
- Classic Baked Mac and Cheese: For those who love a crispy topping and ultimate comfort.
- Taco Pasta Bake: All the flavors of your favorite tacos in a cheesy pasta bake.
- Easy Cheesy One Pot Pasta: Minimal cleanup, maximum flavor – perfect for any busy weeknight.
Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese
Author: Jaclyn
Ingredients
- 16 ounces elbow macaroni cooked according to package directions
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon ground mustard
- 2 cups white cheddar cheese shredded
- 2 cups monterey jack cheese shredded
- ½ cup buffalo sauce plus more for garnish-optional
- 2 cups diced cooked chicken
- blue cheese crumbles for garnish optional
- sliced green onions for garnish optional
Instructions
-
In a large pot or dutch oven, melt the butter over medium-low heat.
-
Add flour and whisk into the melted butter until fully incorporated. Slowly whisk in the milk, about ½ cup at a time, whisking well after each addition. Continue to cook, whisking often, until the mixture is smooth and begins to thickens slightly.
-
Whisk in the salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and ground mustard.
-
Reduce heat to low and add the cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses and stir until melted and smooth.
-
Add in the buffalo sauce, cooked pasta, and diced chicken; stir to combine. Continue to cook until warmed through, about 10 minutes.
-
Serve warm, topped with blue cheese crumbles and sliced green onions if desired.
Notes
To reheat leftovers, heat your oven to 350° F. Add 1 Tablespoon of milk for each cup of macaroni you are reheating. Heat covered for 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through.
Nutrition
Did You Make This Recipe?
Share it with me on Instagram @crayonsandcravings and follow on Pinterest @crayonsandcravings for even more!
Pin Recipe
Leave A Review
This Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese recipe is a testament to how simple ingredients and smart techniques can create an explosion of flavor and comfort in very little time. Whether you’re a long-time fan of buffalo chicken, a mac and cheese connoisseur, or just looking for a new family-friendly dinner idea, this dish delivers on all fronts. Its creamy texture, spicy kick, and hearty chicken make it an unforgettable meal that you’ll want to revisit again and again. So grab your ingredients, get cooking, and prepare to delight your taste buds with this sensational twist on a classic!
