When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can rival the combination of cheesy goodness and spicy flavor found in Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese. This dish brings together tender rotini pasta, succulent chicken, a zesty buffalo sauce, and a creamy cheese sauce that creates a symphony of flavors. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or simply wanting to indulge in a hearty meal, this Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese is sure to please your taste buds and bring a smile to your face.
Why We Love This Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe
This recipe embodies everything we crave in comfort food: it’s rich, creamy, and bursting with flavor. You have the classic appeal of mac and cheese, but with an exciting twist. The buffalo sauce elevates the dish to a new level, giving it a delightful zing that cuts through the richness. The addition of chicken not only makes this dish more filling but also adds a wonderful texture that perfectly complements the creamy sauce.
One of the reasons why this Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese is so popular is its versatility. You can easily adjust the spice level by modifying the amount of buffalo sauce you use, ensuring that everyone can enjoy this dish, regardless of their heat tolerance. Plus, it’s simple enough to prepare that even novice cooks can feel like gourmet chefs in their own kitchens!
Ingredients about Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese
To make this delicious Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese, gather the following ingredients:
- 12 oz rotini pasta
- 2 cups cooked, diced boneless skinless chicken breast
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 4 oz cream cheese
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (for topping)
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
These ingredients work together to create a beautifully balanced dish. The blend of cheeses provides a luscious creaminess, while the buffalo sauce injects just the right amount of heat to keep things interesting. The panko breadcrumbs add a satisfying crunch on top—creating a delightful contrast to the creamy pasta below.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Directions
Let’s dive into preparing this remarkable dish! Follow these straightforward directions to create your very own Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese.
- Cook the Pasta: Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the rotini pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente—usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and set it aside briefly.
- Prepare the Chicken: In a skillet over medium heat, add the diced chicken. Season it with salt and pepper to taste. Sauté until the chicken is golden brown, which should take around 5-7 minutes. Using pre-cooked chicken can save you time if you’re in a hurry.
- Create Cheese Sauce: Now for the delicious cheese sauce! In a medium-sized saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, sprinkle in the flour to create a roux. Whisk continuously for about a minute. Slowly pour in the milk while whisking to avoid lumps. Continue whisking until the mixture is smooth and thickens slightly. Then, add in the cream cheese and let it melt fully into the sauce. Finally, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and buffalo sauce until you have a creamy consistency.
- Combine Everything: With the cheese sauce ready, it’s time to bring everything together. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, sautéed chicken, and creamy cheese sauce. Stir gently until all the pasta and chicken are well coated in the sauce.
- Add Toppings: Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish, spreading it evenly. Top it off with the panko breadcrumbs, which will add a lovely crunch as they bake.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the dish for about 20-25 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling.
Now you have a beautifully baked Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese that smells incredible and is ready to be enjoyed!
How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese
Serving this dish is just as delightful as preparing it! Once your Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese is out of the oven and cooled slightly, you can serve it straight from the baking dish. Use a large serving spoon to scoop generous portions onto plates.
For a touch of freshness, sprinkle sliced green onions on top just before serving. This adds a pop of color and enhances the dish’s flavor profile with a hint of oniony brightness. Pair this dish with a simple salad or some steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. You could also serve it with some crusty bread to soak up all that cheesy goodness.
Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese is an ideal centerpiece for gatherings and parties. Its vibrant appeal and comforting flavors will have your guests coming back for seconds!
Expert Tips: Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese
To elevate your Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese to new heights, consider these expert tips:
- Choose Your Pasta Wisely: While rotini is an excellent choice for this recipe, feel free to swap it out for different types of pasta such as elbow macaroni or penne. Just keep an eye on cooking times, as different pasta shapes may take longer or shorter to cook.
- Make it Ahead: You can prepare this dish in advance by assembling everything up to the baking step. Cover it tightly and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. When you’re ready, just pop it in the oven and add a few extra minutes to the bake time.
- Customize Your Heat: Adjust the amount of buffalo sauce according to your taste preference. If you like it extra spicy, go ahead and add more! Alternatively, you can mix the buffalo sauce with some ranch dressing for a milder flavor.
- Cheese Variety: While sharp cheddar is a classic choice, feel free to mix in other cheeses like Monterey Jack or pepper jack for added flavor complexity.
- Perfect Crunch: For an even crunchier topping, broil the dish for a couple of minutes at the end of baking. Just keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
How to Store Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese
If you happen to have leftovers—which is unlikely considering how delicious this dish is—you can store them easily. Allow the Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese to cool down to room temperature. Transfer it into an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It should stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.
When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. Add a little milk to the dish before reheating to keep it creamy, and consider covering it with foil to retain moisture.
Variation of Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese
There are endless possibilities when it comes to putting your spin on Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese! Here are a few fun ideas to get you started:
- Veggies Galore: Add your favorite vegetables for extra nutrients and colors. Broccoli, spinach, or bell peppers can be stirred into the pasta and sauce before baking.
- Buffalo Cauliflower: For a vegetarian version, swap out the chicken for buffalo cauliflower. Simply roast or sauté bite-sized cauliflower pieces with buffalo sauce until tender, then mix with the cheese sauce and pasta.
- Barbecue Twist: Switch out the buffalo sauce for barbecue sauce to create a smoky, sweet variation. Combine it with shredded rotisserie chicken for an easy take.
- Take It Up a Notch: Incorporate crumbled blue cheese for those who admire that strong, tangy flavor that pairs beautifully with buffalo sauce.
- One-Pot Wonder: You can make this dish in a single pot by cooking the pasta in chicken broth and adding the cheese sauce ingredients directly into the pot. This method is not only convenient but also minimizes cleanup!
Frequently Asked Questions about Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese
What is Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese?
Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese is a delightful fusion of classic macaroni and cheese with flavorful buffalo chicken. It features pasta combined with a creamy cheese sauce and spiced chicken, baked to perfection.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese in advance by assembling it up to baking. Store it covered in the refrigerator, then simply bake it when you’re in the mood to eat.
How can I adjust the heat level?
You can customize the spice level of your Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese by varying the amount of buffalo sauce. For a milder flavor, add less sauce, or mix it with some ranch dressing.
What can I serve with it?
This dish pairs wonderfully with a fresh salad or steamed veggies. You can also serve it alongside some crusty bread for a complete meal.
How long does it last in the fridge?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. Just remember to reheat thoroughly before enjoying!
Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese
Ingredients
- 12 oz rotini pasta
- 2 cups cooked, diced boneless skinless chicken breast
- ½ cup buffalo sauce
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 4 oz cream cheese
- 2 Tbsp butter
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (for topping)
- 2 green onions, sliced for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the rotini pasta in a large pot of salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the diced chicken with salt and pepper until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Sprinkle in the flour, whisking continuously to form a roux for about a minute.
- Slowly pour in the milk while whisking to avoid lumps. Continue whisking until the mixture thickens.
- Add the cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, and buffalo sauce to the sauce, stirring until creamy and smooth.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, sautéed chicken, and cheese sauce. Stir until well coated.
- Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish and top with panko breadcrumbs.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 20-25 minutes until the top is golden brown.
- Serve hot, garnished with sliced green onions.
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