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Creamy Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese with spicy chicken and cheesy goodness.

Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese

This Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese is a cozy and creamy dish with a spicy kick from buffalo sauce, perfect for family dinners or game day.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 650
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta
  • 8 oz macaroni (elbow noodles or shells)
Chicken
  • 2-3 cups cooked chicken (shredded or chopped) Use leftover, rotisserie, or pan-cooked chicken
Sauce Base
  • 2 tbsp butter Helps start the sauce and adds richness
  • 2 tbsp flour Thickens the sauce
  • 2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
Cheese
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese (shredded) Main cheese for flavor
  • 0.5 cup mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese (shredded) For meltiness
Buffalo Sauce
  • 1/4 cup buffalo sauce Add to taste, start small
Seasonings
  • salt To taste
  • pepper To taste
  • 1 tsp garlic powder Optional
  • paprika Optional
Optional Ingredients
  • 1 tbsp cream cheese For extra creaminess
  • 1 tbsp ranch dressing For additional creaminess

Method
 

Cooking Pasta
  1. Boil the pasta in salted water until just barely done, then drain. It is okay if it is slightly undercooked, as it will absorb the sauce.
Making the Sauce
  1. In the same pot, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for about a minute to eliminate the raw flour smell.
  2. Slowly whisk in the milk, stirring continuously until it thickens enough to coat a spoon.
  3. Turn the heat down low and stir in cheese a handful at a time, allowing each handful to melt before adding more.
  4. Add buffalo sauce gradually, tasting as you go to reach your desired heat level.
Combining Ingredients
  1. Stir in the cooked chicken, followed by the drained pasta. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder to taste.

Notes

For a baked version, transfer to a greased baking dish and top with breadcrumbs and extra cheese. Bake at 375°F for about 15-20 minutes until hot and bubbly. Adjust the buffalo sauce to taste before baking, as the flavor intensifies.