Buffalo Chicken Macaroni and Cheese
Creamy, cheesy, and packed with bold flavor, this Buffalo Chicken Macaroni and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food with a spicy twist! Tender chicken is tossed in tangy buffalo sauce and combined with rich, velvety mac and cheese for a dish that’s perfect for dinner, game day, or cozy nights in.
Ingredients
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 2 cups cooked chicken shredded or diced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup buffalo sauce adjust to taste
- ¼ cup cream cheese optional for extra creaminess
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ cup blue cheese crumbles optional
- ½ cup breadcrumbs optional, for topping
- 1 tablespoon olive oil for topping
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta Boil macaroni in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Roux In a large pan, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and whisk for 1–2 minutes until smooth.
- Make the Sauce Slowly add milk, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Cook until the sauce thickens.
- Add Cheese & Flavor Stir in cheddar, mozzarella, and cream cheese until melted. Add garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Add Buffalo Sauce Mix in buffalo sauce and adjust spice level as desired.
- Combine Chicken & Pasta Add cooked chicken and drained macaroni to the sauce. Stir well to coat everything evenly.
- Optional Baking Step Transfer to a baking dish. Mix breadcrumbs with olive oil and sprinkle on top. Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 15–20 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Finish & Serve Garnish with blue cheese crumbles or fresh herbs if desired.