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If you're craving something comforting with a kick, this Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese is your answer. Imagine creamy macaroni mingling with spicy buffalo sauce and tender shredded chicken. Topped with gooey cheddar cheese, it's a flavor explosion that'll have everyone asking for seconds. Perfect for game day or a cozy night in, this dish is sure to become a household favorite. Let's dive into this deliciousness!
Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup buffalo sauce
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup milk
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- to taste salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Gradually whisk in the milk, cooking until the mixture thickens.
- Add the shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until the cheese is melted.
- Mix in the cooked macaroni, shredded chicken, and buffalo sauce. Stir until well combined.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes, until bubbly and golden on top.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
What You Will Need
- Elbow macaroni: Provides the base for the dish, absorbing flavors and adding a satisfying, chewy texture.
- Cooked chicken: Adds protein and heartiness, complementing the creamy cheese and spicy buffalo sauce.
- Buffalo sauce: Brings the signature spicy kick, balancing the richness of the cheese sauce.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into a creamy, gooey sauce, binding all ingredients together with a rich flavor.
- Milk: Helps create a smooth, creamy cheese sauce, ensuring the dish isn't too thick.
- Butter: Adds richness and helps form the base of the cheese sauce when combined with flour.
- All-purpose flour: Thickens the cheese sauce, giving it a perfect consistency.
- Garlic powder: Enhances the overall flavor with a subtle, savory note.
- Onion powder: Adds depth and a hint of sweetness, balancing the spicy buffalo sauce.
Read more: Mac and Cheese Recipe
Tools and Instruments Required
What tools/instruments will be needed to make Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe
- Large pot: Essential for cooking the macaroni and preparing the cheese sauce.
- Whisk: Helps in blending the flour and milk smoothly without lumps.
- Baking dish: Needed for baking the combined mac and cheese mixture to achieve a golden, bubbly top.
- Measuring cups: Ensures accurate measurement of ingredients like milk, buffalo sauce, and cheese.
- Wooden spoon: Useful for stirring the macaroni, cheese sauce, and chicken together evenly.
Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese
A deliciously spicy twist on classic mac and cheese with buffalo chicken.
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Equipment
- Large pot
- Baking Dish
- Mixing bowl
Read more: Mac and Cheese Casserole Recipe
Ingredients:
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups Elbow macaroni
- 2 cups Cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup Buffalo sauce
- 2 cups Shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup Milk
- 1/4 cup Butter
- 1/4 cup All-purpose flour
- 1 tsp Garlic powder
- 1 tsp Onion powder
- to taste Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Gradually whisk in the milk, cooking until the mixture thickens.
- Add the shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until the cheese is melted.
- Mix in the cooked macaroni, shredded chicken, and buffalo sauce. Stir until well combined.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes, until bubbly and golden on top.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes:
For a milder version, reduce the amount of buffalo sauce.
Nutrition value:
Calories: 600kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 30gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 1500mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 2gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 800IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 400mgIron: 3mg
Read more: Blue Buffalo Chicken Stew Recipe
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Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Make Ahead and Freezing Tips
Make Ahead Instructions
- Prepare the mac and cheese as directed, but don't bake it.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish.
- Cover tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Store in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- When ready to bake, remove from fridge and let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes.
- Bake as directed.
Freezing Instructions
- Prepare the mac and cheese as directed, but don't bake it.
- Transfer the mixture to a freezer-safe dish.
- Cover tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil.
- Label with the date.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
- When ready to bake, thaw in the fridge overnight.
- Remove from fridge and let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes.
- Bake as directed.
Adding a bit of cream cheese to the cheese sauce can make the Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese extra creamy and rich.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ:
How spicy is this dish?
The buffalo sauce gives it a moderate kick, but you can adjust the heat by using more or less sauce.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely, any short pasta like penne or rotini works well.
What kind of chicken should I use?
Rotisserie chicken is convenient, but any cooked, shredded chicken will do.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, prepare it up to the baking step, then refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.
Is there a way to make it healthier?
Use whole wheat pasta, reduced-fat cheese, and a lighter buffalo sauce for a healthier version.
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