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Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 54 reviews

This Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese combines creamy, cheesy macaroni with spicy buffalo chicken for a comforting and flavorful twist on a classic dish. It features rotini pasta coated in a rich cheese sauce with a hint of buffalo heat, topped with crispy panko breadcrumbs and garnished with fresh green onions. Baked to bubbly perfection, this recipe is perfect for a family dinner or game day treat.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta and Chicken

  • 12 oz rotini pasta
  • 2 cups cooked, diced boneless skinless chicken breast
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Cheese Sauce

  • 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

Topping and Garnish

  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 green onions, sliced

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
  2. Prepare the Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced chicken breast, season with salt and pepper, and sauté until golden brown and heated through, approximately 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat.
  3. Create Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Sprinkle in the all-purpose flour and whisk constantly to form a smooth roux, cooking for about 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in the milk until the mixture is smooth and slightly thickened. Stir in the cream cheese until melted completely. Add the shredded cheddar cheese and buffalo sauce, stirring until the sauce is creamy and well combined.
  4. Combine Everything: Add the cooked pasta and sautéed chicken to the cheese sauce. Stir gently to coat the pasta and chicken evenly with the sauce.
  5. Add Toppings: Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish. Sprinkle the panko breadcrumbs evenly over the top for a crunchy crust.
  6. Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the dish uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the sauce is bubbly.
  7. Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven and sprinkle sliced green onions over the top before serving for a fresh, mild onion flavor.

Notes

  • You can adjust the amount of buffalo sauce to control the spiciness of the dish.
  • Using rotini pasta helps hold the sauce well, but elbow macaroni can also be used.
  • For a creamier texture, use whole milk or even half-and-half.
  • For added flavor, consider stirring in a little garlic powder or smoked paprika to the cheese sauce.
  • Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.

Keywords: Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese, spicy mac and cheese, baked macaroni and cheese, buffalo chicken recipe, comfort food

Find it online: https://lucabites.com/buffalo-chicken-mac-and-cheese-recipe/