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Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe

Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe
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★★★★★

4.7 from 10 reviews

This Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese recipe combines creamy, cheesy pasta with spicy buffalo chicken for a flavorful twist on traditional comfort food. Tender rotini pasta is enveloped in a rich cheese sauce made from sharp cheddar and cream cheese, then mixed with tender, buffalo-sauced chicken. Topped with crunchy panko breadcrumbs and fresh green onions, this dish offers the perfect balance of creamy, spicy, and crispy textures that’s ideal for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta and Protein

  • 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. 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 aside.
  2. Prepare the buffalo chicken: In a large bowl, toss the cooked, diced chicken breast with the buffalo sauce until it is evenly coated. Set aside to let the flavors meld.
  3. Make the cheese sauce: In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for about 1-2 minutes to create a roux without browning it. Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Continue to cook and stir until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
  4. Add cheeses: Lower the heat to medium-low and add the cream cheese and shredded sharp cheddar into the thickened sauce. Stir continuously until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth.
  5. Combine pasta and chicken: Add the drained rotini pasta and buffalo-coated chicken into the cheese sauce. Stir well so that everything is evenly coated with the creamy buffalo cheese sauce.
  6. Prepare the topping: In a small pan, lightly toast the panko breadcrumbs over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until golden and crisp, stirring often to prevent burning.
  7. Assemble and bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the mac and cheese mixture to a baking dish and evenly distribute the toasted panko breadcrumbs on top. Bake uncovered for about 15 minutes or until the topping is golden and the dish is heated through.
  8. Garnish and serve: Remove from the oven and sprinkle the sliced green onions over the top for a fresh, mild onion flavor. Serve hot and enjoy your Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese!

Notes

  • For extra heat, add more buffalo sauce or mix in some chopped jalapeños.
  • If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the buffalo sauce or substitute with a milder wing sauce.
  • You can use rotisserie chicken to save time.
  • To make it gluten-free, substitute the rotini pasta and flour with gluten-free alternatives and use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best results.

Nutrition

Keywords: Buffalo chicken mac and cheese, spicy mac and cheese, comfort food, dinner recipe, cheesy pasta with chicken

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