Dinner

Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe

Byluca Carter October 27, 2025October 27, 2025

Introduction

Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese is a delicious twist on a classic comfort food. Creamy, cheesy pasta meets spicy buffalo chicken for a flavorful meal that’s sure to please the whole family.

A white plate filled with creamy macaroni and cheese topped with pieces of cooked chicken and small bits of green herbs, the pasta is covered in a smooth, golden yellow melted cheese sauce with a slightly browned texture on top. The plate is placed on a white marbled surface, with a beige cloth partially visible at the edge. The overall look is warm, cheesy, and rich, showing the soft texture of the pasta and tender chicken pieces. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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)

Instructions

Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rotini pasta until al dente according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
Step 2: In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the diced chicken seasoned with salt and pepper until it is golden brown, about 5 to 7 minutes.

Step 3: In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour to make a roux and cook for about 1 minute. Slowly whisk in the milk until the sauce is smooth and thickened.
Step 4: Add the cream cheese to the sauce and stir until melted. Then mix in shredded cheddar cheese and buffalo sauce, stirring until creamy and combined.
Step 5: Combine the cooked pasta, cheese sauce, and chicken in a large bowl, stirring gently to coat everything evenly.

Step 6: Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. Sprinkle the panko breadcrumbs evenly over the top.
Step 7: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the dish for 20 to 25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown on top.
Step 8: Remove from oven and garnish with sliced green onions before serving.

Tips & Variations

For extra heat, add a dash of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the cheese sauce.
Use cooked rotisserie chicken to save time on preparation.
Swap panko breadcrumbs with crushed tortilla chips for a crunchy, southwestern twist.

To make it milder, reduce the buffalo sauce or use a ranch dressing drizzle when serving.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through to maintain the crispy topping, or gently reheat in the microwave for convenience.

How to Serve

A close-up view of creamy macaroni and cheese on a white plate, with the pasta covered in smooth, rich orange cheese sauce. The macaroni curls are soft and well-coated, while small chunks of white chicken are scattered on top. The chicken pieces have light brown crispy edges, and there are small bits of green herbs sprinkled over the dish. The cheese has a slightly browned, slightly crispy top layer adding texture contrast. The plate is set on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, any short pasta like elbow macaroni, penne, or shells will work well in this recipe.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

To make it vegetarian, omit the chicken and add extra vegetables like roasted cauliflower or mushrooms, and increase the buffalo sauce to maintain the flavor.