Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe

If you love bold, spicy flavors and gooey comfort food, you simply have to try Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese. This fusion of creamy classic mac and zesty buffalo chicken is basically a flavor-packed hug in a bowl—a showstopping dinner for busy weeknights, game day gatherings, or any time you’re craving some ultimate comfort.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe comes together with a handful of simple, classic ingredients, each one playing an important role in making your Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese irresistibly rich, creamy, and packed with buffalo zing.

• Elbow Macaroni: The quintessential mac and cheese pasta—its little curves catch every bit of cheesy sauce.
• Rotisserie Chicken: A time-saving secret weapon; it brings juicy, tender chicken flavor in a snap.
• Butter: Forms the base of the luscious roux, ensuring the sauce is creamy and never gritty.
• All-Purpose Flour: Whisked into melted butter, this creates a thickening magic for the cheese sauce.
• Milk: Adds body and richness for that classic creamy texture—whole milk is best, but 2% works too.
• Ground Black Pepper: Just a pinch elevates all the flavors, balancing out the spice and cheese.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Gives that deep, familiar mac and cheese flavor with irresistible gooeyness.
• Shredded Monterey Jack Cheese: Brings extra creaminess and a little melty stretch to the sauce.
• Buffalo Hot Sauce (like Frank’s RedHot): The star of the show—swirl in as much or as little as you love!
• Crumbled Gorgonzola Cheese: Throws in tangy, bold blue cheese flavor, totally reminiscent of classic buffalo wings.

Variations

Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese is endlessly adaptable, so don’t be afraid to put your own spin on it! You can easily tweak it for your pantry, taste preferences, or dietary needs—it’s practically begging for customization.

• Make It Spicier: Add extra buffalo sauce, a sprinkle of cayenne pepper, or sliced jalapeños for even more heat.
• Go Vegetarian: Swap chicken for roasted cauliflower or crispy chickpeas for a meat-free twist that still brings the spicy goodness.
• Crusty Top: Sprinkle panko breadcrumbs on top and broil for a golden, crunchy finish worthy of a casserole.
• Different Cheeses: Try swapping in pepper jack, mozzarella, or even a little smoked gouda for unique flavor combinations.

How to Make Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a big pot of salted water to a boil, then cook your elbow macaroni until it’s just al dente—tender but still has a little bite. Drain, rinse gently, and set aside. (Undercooking slightly is your secret weapon for perfectly creamy—not mushy—mac.)

Step 2: Prep the Chicken

While your pasta boils, grab your rotisserie chicken and start removing the wings and legs. Shred or chop the dark meat into bite-sized pieces—you’ll love how the rich, juicy meat soaks up the buffalo flavor!

Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce

Melt six tablespoons of butter in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Gradually whisk in the all-purpose flour to form a thick, smooth paste (aka the roux). Cook it for about a minute until just golden, then slowly pour in the milk, whisking constantly to remove lumps as it thickens—about five minutes.

Step 4: Add the Cheese and Buffalo Flavor

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the Cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses until melted and blended. Next comes the fun: swirl in the buffalo hot sauce and season with a little black pepper, tasting as you go until it’s your absolute favorite level of spiciness.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Add the shredded chicken, crumbled gorgonzola, and cooked macaroni right into your buffalo cheese sauce. Stir everything together until each macaroni noodle is surrounded by creamy, spicy goodness and the gorgonzola is deliciously melty.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Ladle your Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese into bowls while it’s piping hot. Sprinkle extra gorgonzola, chopped scallions, or a drizzle of ranch for the ultimate finishing touch—then dig in!

How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese

Garnishes

Topping your Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese with crumbled gorgonzola, sliced scallions, or a little drizzle of ranch (or blue cheese) dressing really takes each bite to the next level—fresh herbs like parsley or chives add extra color and a pop of brightness, too.

Side Dishes

This hearty dish stands strong on its own, but for the perfect meal, try pairing with a simple green salad, crunchy celery sticks, or some crisp carrot sticks—classic partners for anything “buffalo” style. Garlic bread or cornbread are also wildly good choices for soaking up extra sauce!

Creative Ways to Present

Spoon individual servings into ramekins for a party appetizer, serve in mugs for game-day eats, or pour into a big baking dish and broil the top for a bubbly, irresistible finish—don’t forget a sprinkle of extra cheese or a fun drizzle of buffalo sauce for flair!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let leftover Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate—it’ll keep well (and taste just as dreamy) for up to 4 days.

Freezing

This dish freezes beautifully! Just portion into freezer-safe containers, seal tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight for the best results, and don’t be surprised if you have to fiercely guard your stash from midnight snackers.

Reheating

Gently reheat your Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk to revive that ultra-creamy texture. Stir occasionally and don’t rush—you want every cheesy swirl to be just as luscious as when freshly made!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

There’s something utterly magical about Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese—the bold blend of spice, creamy cheese, and tender chicken is hard to resist. Give it a try and I promise, your table will be buzzing with oohs and aahs. Dig in, enjoy every bite, and don’t forget to share your own mouthwatering variations!

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