Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese is a delicious and comforting twist on the classic macaroni and cheese recipe. This recipe features tender chicken breast tossed in spicy buffalo sauce and mixed with creamy, cheesy pasta. The result is a flavorful and hearty dish that's perfect for game day or any cozy night.
How To Make:
To make Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese, the chicken breast is first cooked and shredded, then tossed with buffalo sauce to add some heat and flavor. Meanwhile, the macaroni pasta is cooked until al dente, and the cheese sauce is prepared by melting butter and whisking in flour, milk, and a blend of cheeses. The buffalo chicken and macaroni are then mixed together with the cheese sauce, creating a creamy and satisfying dish that's packed with flavor.
This recipe can be customized to suit your tastes, whether you prefer a milder or spicier buffalo sauce or a different blend of cheeses. It's also a great way to use up leftover chicken, and it can be made in a large batch to feed a crowd.
Tips and Variations:
Use leftover rotisserie chicken to save time and add flavor to the dish.
Adjust the spiciness of the buffalo sauce to your liking by adding more or less hot sauce or using a milder buffalo sauce.
For a healthier version, use whole wheat pasta and reduce the amount of cheese or use a lower-fat cheese.
Add some vegetables to the dish, such as bell peppers, onions, or spinach, to add some extra nutrition and flavor.
Top the dish with breadcrumbs or crushed crackers for some added texture and crunch.
For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta and flour for the cheese sauce.
Add some blue cheese crumbles or ranch dressing for some extra tanginess and flavor.
For a vegetarian version, replace the chicken with roasted cauliflower or tofu.
Add some bacon bits for some extra smokiness and flavor.
Make it in a slow cooker by layering the chicken and buffalo sauce on the bottom, followed by uncooked macaroni, cheese, and chicken broth. Cook on low for 2-3 hours or until the pasta is cooked and the cheese is melted.
These are just a few ideas to customize and make this Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese your own. Have fun experimenting with different ingredients and flavors to create a delicious and comforting meal that you'll love.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 8 ounces of elbow macaroni
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
Season the chicken breast with salt and pepper. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, warm the olive oil. Warm the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Until the chicken breast is well cooked, cook it for 6 to 8 minutes on each side. Shred the chicken into small pieces after taking it off the fire and letting it cool somewhat. Al dente macaroni should be prepared as directed on the package. Drain and set aside.
Melt the butter in a separate pot over medium heat. Whisk in the flour until smooth, then gradually whisk in the milk. Add the garlic powder, onion powder, dry mustard, and cayenne pepper. Continue to whisk until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
When the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth, add the shredded cheddar cheese to the sauce.
Add the buffalo sauce to the cheese sauce and stir to combine.
In a large bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, shredded chicken, and buffalo cheese sauce. Mix until well combined.
Spread it out evenly in the baking dish after pouring the mixture in.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the macaroni and cheese is hot and bubbly.
Remove the dish from the oven and allow it to cool before serving.
Serve hot and enjoy!