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Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe

Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe
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★★★★★

4.9 from 30 reviews

Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese is a flavorful twist on the classic comfort food, combining tender rotini pasta with spicy buffalo chicken, creamy cheeses, and a crunchy breadcrumb topping. This dish offers a perfect balance of spicy, cheesy, and creamy textures, making it an irresistible meal for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta and Chicken

  • 12 oz rotini pasta
  • 2 cups cooked, diced boneless skinless chicken breast
  • 1/2 cup buffalo sauce

Cheese 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 (for topping)
  • 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz of rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  2. Combine Chicken and Buffalo Sauce: In a bowl, toss 2 cups of cooked, diced chicken breast with 1/2 cup buffalo sauce until the chicken is evenly coated. Set aside.
  3. Make the Roux: In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tbsp of butter. Once melted, whisk in 1/4 cup all-purpose flour continuously for about 1-2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste, forming a smooth paste called a roux.
  4. Add Milk and Thicken: Slowly pour in 2 cups of milk while whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue to cook and stir until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes, reaching a creamy consistency.
  5. Add Cream Cheese and Cheddar: Reduce heat to low. Add 4 oz of cream cheese in chunks and 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese to the sauce. Stir until all the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
  6. Combine Pasta, Chicken, and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta and buffalo chicken mixture into the cheese sauce. Stir well to ensure everything is evenly coated.
  7. Prepare for Baking: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the mac and cheese mixture to a greased baking dish. Evenly sprinkle 1 cup of panko breadcrumbs over the top for a crunchy topping.
  8. Bake the Dish: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden brown and crispy, and the dish is heated through.
  9. Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven and sprinkle sliced green onions on top for a fresh finish. Serve hot and enjoy your Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese.

Notes

  • For extra spice, add a few dashes of hot sauce into the cheese sauce.
  • Use rotisserie chicken as a quick shortcut for cooked chicken.
  • Substitute panko with crushed tortilla chips for a different crunchy topping.
  • To make it gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour and use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs.
  • Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat in the oven for best results.

Nutrition

Keywords: Buffalo chicken mac and cheese, spicy mac and cheese, buffalo chicken recipe, creamy mac and cheese, baked mac and cheese

Find it online: https://kitchenbynora.com/buffalo-chicken-mac-and-cheese-recipe-2/