Effortless & Healthy Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese (Weight Watchers Friendly!)
Get ready to unleash some serious crockpot magic with this incredible buffalo chicken mac and cheese recipe! This dish is not only ridiculously easy to make, but it also promises minimal cleanup – a true win-win for any busy home cook. Trust me, the flavors in this creamy, spicy, and satisfying macaroni and cheese are absolutely out of this world. It’s the kind of comfort food that genuinely makes you happy, without derailing your health goals.
Funnily enough, this recipe has been highly anticipated! I recently received an email request from a reader specifically asking for a Weight Watchers-friendly buffalo chicken mac and cheese. What a delightful coincidence! This exact concept was already simmering on my ever-growing “to-make” list, just waiting for its moment in the spotlight. Her email provided the perfect push, bumping it straight to the top of the queue. After all, who can resist the allure of another mouthwatering buffalo chicken creation, especially one that fits into a mindful eating plan? To the person who sent that email: I tried to reply, but unfortunately, your email came back undeliverable. I sincerely hope you’re reading this now and are ready to dive into this fantastic creation!
Now, let’s be clear: this isn’t your traditional, super-heavy, cheese-laden macaroni casserole. This blog is dedicated to Weight Watchers-friendly recipes, meaning we find clever ways to enjoy our favorite comfort foods with smart substitutions. But don’t let that fool you; the end result is still incredibly flavorful, deeply satisfying, and astonishingly creamy. I absolutely adored it, and I have a strong feeling you will too!
This recipe is designed to yield 8 generous 1-cup servings, making it perfect for meal prep or feeding a family. Each satisfying serving clocks in at an impressive 5 Weight Watchers points, making it an incredibly budget-friendly option for your daily point allowance. So, let’s gather our simple ingredients and get ready to cook up some deliciousness with minimal fuss!
Why This Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Will Be Your New Favorite
1. Indulge in Mac and Cheese for Just 5 Weight Watchers Points
Imagine enjoying a hearty, flavorful bowl of mac and cheese without any guilt. This recipe makes it a reality! By thoughtfully selecting ingredients like lean chicken breast, whole wheat pasta, and lighter dairy options, we’ve crafted a dish that delivers on taste while keeping your Weight Watchers points low. Each serving is packed with protein from the chicken, making it a truly balanced and filling meal. You won’t have to worry about this deliciousness throwing you off your diet goals; instead, it will become a go-to for a healthy and satisfying dinner.
2. Customize Your Heat Level to Perfection
One of the best aspects of this buffalo chicken mac and cheese is its adaptability to your personal spice preference. We primarily use Frank’s RedHot Original Cayenne Pepper Sauce, a classic for buffalo flavor, which provides a consistent and delicious heat. If you love a fiery kick, feel free to increase the amount of hot sauce. For those who prefer a milder experience, simply reduce the quantity. You can even add a touch of extra chicken broth or milk to temper the spice further. Don’t let a dislike of overly spicy food deter you; this recipe is easily tailored to suit every palate in your household.
3. Made with Less Than 10 Simple Ingredients
Say goodbye to long grocery lists and complicated cooking processes! This crockpot buffalo chicken mac and cheese boasts an incredibly short ingredient list, making shopping and preparation a breeze. Most of the items are likely staples in your pantry or readily available at any grocery store. The simplicity of ingredients, combined with the “set it and forget it” convenience of the slow cooker, means you can whip up this dish without stress. It’s destined to become a beloved weeknight favorite for its ease and incredible flavor.
Essential Ingredients for Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating this delightful meal. Here’s what you’ll need, along with a few tips for selection:
- 20 ounces raw boneless skinless chicken breast: This lean protein is key to keeping the dish light. You can also use chicken tenderloins or even boneless, skinless chicken thighs if you prefer a slightly richer flavor, though this may adjust the WW points.
- ½ cup chicken broth: Opt for low-sodium chicken broth to control the overall salt content of the dish. It adds moisture and helps create the perfect sauce base.
- ½ cup Frank’s hot sauce: The iconic hot sauce that gives this dish its authentic buffalo flavor. Feel free to adjust this amount to your desired level of spice.
- 3 cups cooked whole wheat macaroni pasta: Whole wheat pasta adds fiber and a nutritional boost. You can cook it slightly al dente as it will continue to cook in the slow cooker. Other small pasta shapes like elbow macaroni or ditalini would also work well.
- 2 cups lowfat milk: We recommend 1% or skim milk to keep the fat content down while still providing creaminess.
- ⅓ cup plain nonfat yogurt (regular or Greek is fine): This is a secret weapon for creaminess without the added fat. Greek yogurt will make the sauce slightly thicker and tangier, which complements the buffalo flavor beautifully.
- 2 oz light cream cheese: Another ingredient that contributes to the luxurious, creamy texture of the mac and cheese while staying light.
- 1 cup shredded light cheese: We used a 3-cheese blend for a more complex flavor profile, but any light shredded cheddar or a mozzarella blend would be delicious. Look for varieties with reduced fat to keep those points in check.
How to Make Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese (Step-by-Step)
Making this incredible dish is surprisingly simple, thanks to the magic of your slow cooker. Just follow these easy steps for a delicious and satisfying meal:
- Prepare the Chicken: Begin by placing the raw boneless, skinless chicken breast, chicken broth, and Frank’s hot sauce directly into your crock pot. Make sure the chicken is submerged in the liquid.
- Slow Cook to Perfection: Cover your crock pot and cook on high for 3 hours, or if you have more time, cook on low for 6-7 hours. The goal is for the chicken to be tender enough to shred easily.
- Boil the Pasta: About 15-20 minutes before the chicken is fully cooked (so it’s “just about ready”), bring a pot of salted water to a boil on your stove. Add the whole wheat macaroni pasta and boil for about 5 minutes, or until it’s al dente. Remember, it will continue to cook in the crock pot, so don’t overcook it at this stage. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Shred the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked through and tender, remove it from the crock pot or shred it directly in the pot using two forks. Alternatively, a hand blender can make quick work of shredding the chicken right in the liquid. This creates those perfect, tender strands of buffalo chicken throughout your mac and cheese.
- Combine the Mac and Cheese Elements: To the shredded chicken and cooking liquid in the crock pot, add the cooked pasta, lowfat milk, plain nonfat yogurt, light cream cheese, and shredded light cheese. Stir everything together thoroughly, ensuring all the ingredients are well combined and the cheese starts to melt into the sauce.
- Final Cook and Serve: Cook the mixture on low for an additional 2 hours. This allows the flavors to meld, the cheese to fully melt, and the sauce to thicken beautifully. Give it a final good stir before serving. Portion it out, garnish if desired, and enjoy your incredibly flavorful and healthy crockpot buffalo chicken mac and cheese!
This recipe yields 8 (1 cup) servings. Here’s the nutrition information per 1 cup serving:
Calories 244, Fat 7 g, Saturated fat 3.34 g, Carbs 20 g, Fiber 2 g, Sugars 4 g, Sodium 918.93 mg, Protein 26 g.
Weight Watchers Points for Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese
One of the most appealing features of this recipe is its excellent Weight Watchers point value. We’ve carefully selected ingredients to maximize flavor while minimizing points, making it a fantastic option for those following the program. Here’s a breakdown of the points for the main ingredients, demonstrating how we achieve such a low point value per serving:
- Boneless skinless chicken breast: 0 points (a fantastic ZeroPoint food!)
- Chicken broth: 0 points
- Frank’s hot sauce: 0 points
- Cooked whole wheat macaroni pasta: 12 points (for the entire recipe, distributed across 8 servings)
- Low fat milk: 7 points (for the entire recipe)
- Plain nonfat yogurt (regular or Greek): 0 points (another excellent ZeroPoint ingredient!)
- Light cream cheese: 6 points (for the entire recipe)
- Shredded light cheese: 14 points (for the entire recipe)
Based on these calculations, using the WW app recipe creator, this Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese comes out to a delightful 5 points per serving. This makes it an incredibly satisfying and guilt-free meal option that can easily fit into your daily or weekly point budget.
If you’re using an older version of WW, here are the estimated points per serving:
- SP Freestyle per serving (Blue Plan): 5 points using WW recipe builder
- Smart points per serving (Green Plan): 6 points using WW recipe builder
- Purple Smart Points per serving: 2 points using WW recipe builder
- Points Plus per serving (older program): 6 points using points plus calculator
These varying point values highlight the flexibility of the recipe across different Weight Watchers programs, ensuring you can enjoy this dish regardless of which plan you follow.
Creative Ways to Customize This Delicious Recipe
While the base recipe for Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese is fantastic on its own, it also lends itself beautifully to customization. Here are a few ideas to change things up and make it uniquely yours:
- Adjust the Heat: As mentioned, the simplest customization is to increase or decrease the amount of Frank’s RedHot sauce to match your preferred spice level. For an extra kick, you could add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite smoky hot sauce. To mellow it out, a touch more milk or Greek yogurt can do the trick.
- Speed It Up with Rotisserie Chicken: If you’re really short on time, skip the initial slow cooking of raw chicken. Instead, use about 3-4 cups of shredded, cooked rotisserie chicken. Add it along with the broth and hot sauce, and then proceed directly to shredding the chicken and adding the other ingredients. This significantly cuts down on the overall cooking time, making it an even faster weeknight meal.
- Add More Veggies: Boost the nutritional content and add more texture by stirring in some finely diced celery, bell peppers, or even frozen peas during the last hour of cooking.
- Different Pasta Shapes: While macaroni is classic, feel free to experiment with other small pasta shapes like cavatappi, penne, or shells for a different bite.
- Topping It Off: For an extra layer of flavor and texture, consider garnishing your finished dish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped chives or green onions, a light crumble of blue cheese (if your points allow), or a drizzle of light ranch dressing.
Expert Tips and Tricks for Making the Best Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese
To ensure your buffalo chicken mac and cheese turns out perfect every time, keep these helpful tips in mind:
- Meal Prep Dream: This recipe is fantastic for meal prepping! It keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to seven days. Simply portion it out into individual containers for quick and easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.
- Freezing Leftovers: Cooked leftovers freeze exceptionally well. Allow the mac and cheese to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or bags. It can be frozen for up to three months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk if needed to restore creaminess.
- Don’t Overcook the Chicken: While the slow cooker is forgiving, avoid cooking the chicken for too long on high, as it can become dry. Shred it as soon as it’s tender.
- Season to Taste: Before serving, always taste your mac and cheese and adjust seasonings if necessary. A little extra salt, a dash of black pepper, or even a tiny bit more hot sauce can really elevate the flavors.
- Serve with Freshness: The richness of the mac and cheese pairs wonderfully with fresh, crisp sides. Consider serving it with a simple green salad, celery sticks, or carrot sticks to add a refreshing contrast.
- Equipment Check: Ensure your crock pot is adequately sized for the ingredients. A 6-quart slow cooker is usually perfect for this recipe.
Frequently Asked Questions About Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese
Here are some common questions you might have about making this delicious and healthy dish:
Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes, you can use frozen boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the slow cooker. However, you may need to increase the initial cooking time by an hour or two on high, or 2-3 hours on low, to ensure they cook through and shred easily. Always ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Can I make this dairy-free?
Making this completely dairy-free would require significant substitutions for the milk, yogurt, cream cheese, and shredded cheese. While there are many plant-based alternatives available, substituting all dairy components might alter the flavor and texture profile of the dish considerably and may change the Weight Watchers points. It’s best to test dairy-free alternatives if you’re comfortable with recipe experimentation.
What if my mac and cheese is too thin or too thick?
If your mac and cheese is too thin after the final cooking, you can remove a small amount of liquid, or for a thicker consistency, you can stir in a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with a tablespoon of cold water (a slurry) during the last 30 minutes of cooking. If it’s too thick, simply stir in a splash more low-fat milk or chicken broth until you reach your desired consistency.
Can I add blue cheese to this recipe?
Absolutely! For true buffalo flavor enthusiasts, a sprinkle of crumbled light blue cheese on top of each serving adds a fantastic tangy and pungent note. Just be mindful that blue cheese will add extra Weight Watchers points, so factor that into your daily allowance.
How do I reheat leftovers?
Leftovers can be reheated on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave. If reheating on the stovetop, add a tablespoon or two of milk or chicken broth to help restore its creamy texture and prevent it from drying out. Stir frequently until heated through. For microwave reheating, heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until warm.
Similar Recipes You’ll Enjoy
If you loved this healthy and delicious crockpot recipe, you might enjoy exploring some of our other flavorful and Weight Watchers-friendly creations:
- Asiago Chicken: A sophisticated yet simple chicken dish packed with savory flavors.
- Proscuttio Mozzarella Roll: Elegant chicken rolls that are surprisingly light and satisfying.
- Blueberry Cake Donuts: For when you need a sweet treat that’s still mindful of your goals.
Crockpot buffalo chicken mac and cheese
Ingredients
- 20 ounces raw boneless skinless chicken breast
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup franks hot sauce
- 3 cups cooked whole wheat macaroni pasta
- 2 cups milk, I used 1%
- 1/3 cup plain 0% yogurt, reg or greek is fine
- 2 oz light cream cheese
- 1 cup shredded light cheese, I used a 3 cheese blend
Instructions
-
Place the chicken, broth and hot sauce in the crock pot. Cook on high for 3 hours (or low for 6-7).
-
Boil the pasta on the stove for 5 minutes. (Wait until the chicken is just about ready). Set the pasta aside.
-
Using two forks or a hand blender, shred the chicken apart in the crock pot.
-
Add in the cooked pasta, low-fat milk, nonfat yogurt, light cream cheese, and light shredded cheese.
-
Cook on low for 2 hours. Give it a good stir, serve and enjoy!
Notes
If you’re using an older version of WW, check out these points below.
SP Freestyle per serving- (blue) 5 using WW recipe builder
Smart points per serving- (green) 6 using WW recipe builder
Purple Smart Points per serving- 2 using WW recipe builder
Points plus per serving- 6 using points plus calculator
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.