Buffalo Chicken Mac Cheese is a creamy and flavorful dish made with tender pasta, tangy buffalo sauce, and juicy chicken pieces baked together until bubbly. This delightful recipe combines the beloved comfort of macaroni and cheese with the spicy kick of buffalo chicken, creating a dish that is sure to impress family and friends alike. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner or a comforting meal for a chilly evening, this recipe has you covered!

Why You’ll Love This Buffalo Chicken Mac Cheese

This dish is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. Here are a few reasons why you will love this Buffalo Chicken Macaroni and Cheese:

It’s a perfect blend of flavors, combining creamy cheese and spicy buffalo sauce.
Quick and easy to make, ideal for busy weeknights.
One-pot preparation means less cleanup!
Family-friendly, appealing to both adults and kids.
Great for meal prep; it stores well and reheats beautifully.
Can be customized with various toppings such as breadcrumbs or blue cheese.
Suitable for gluten-free diets when using the right pasta.

This Buffalo Chicken Mac Cheese is not just a meal; it’s a comforting experience that will make your dinner time memorable!

Ingredients for Buffalo Chicken Mac Cheese

Gather these items:

1 boneless skinless chicken breast (pounded to even thickness)
1/3 cup blue cheese dressing
8 oz cavatappi pasta
2 tablespoons butter (room temperature)
2 tablespoons flour
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 cup milk
1/4 cup buffalo sauce
1/2 teaspoon hot sauce
1/2 teaspoon mustard powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 1/4 cups sharp cheddar cheese (finely shredded)
2 oz cream cheese (softened)

How to Make Buffalo Chicken Mac Cheese Step-by-Step

Step 1: Place boneless, skinless chicken breast in a pot of water and boil for 15-20 minutes until fully cooked. While chicken cooks, gather and measure all remaining ingredients.
Step 2: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cook cavatappi pasta according to package directions until al dente, removing about 2 minutes early.
Step 3: Remove cooked chicken from water, let cool slightly, then shred it. Combine shredded chicken with blue cheese dressing and set aside.
Step 4: In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute to create a roux.
Step 5: Stir in tomato paste and cook for another minute. Gradually add heavy cream and milk in splashes, whisking constantly to prevent lumps.
Step 6: Bring sauce to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Stir in buffalo sauce, hot sauce, mustard powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
Step 7: Remove from heat and let cool for one minute. Add finely shredded sharp cheddar cheese and softened cream cheese, stirring continuously until both cheeses are completely melted and sauce is smooth and creamy.
Step 8: Add shredded chicken mixed with blue cheese dressing and cooked cavatappi pasta to finished cheese sauce. Stir gently to combine, ensuring pasta and chicken are evenly coated.
Step 9: Serve immediately while hot and bubbly.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Buffalo Chicken Mac Cheese

Keep these in mind:

Adjust buffalo sauce to taste for spiciness.
Can substitute cavatappi with elbow macaroni for a traditional touch.
For a crispy topping, consider adding breadcrumbs mixed with a bit of butter before baking.
Experiment with different toppings like shredded cheese or green onions for a fresh flavor.

Best Ways to Serve Buffalo Chicken Mac Cheese

This dish is perfect for:

A cozy family dinner, paired with a side salad.
A potluck or gathering, where it can be a standout dish.
Game day, served with additional buffalo sauce on the side.

How to Store and Reheat Buffalo Chicken Mac Cheese

To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This dish can be kept for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven or microwave until heated through. This makes it a great Buffalo Chicken Mac Cheese meal prep recipe for busy days.

Frequently Asked Questions About Buffalo Chicken Mac Cheese

What’s the secret to perfect Buffalo Chicken Mac Cheese?

The secret lies in balancing the flavors. Using quality cheese and adjusting the buffalo sauce to your desired spice level ensures a creamy and flavorful dish. Pair it with the right pasta, like cavatappi, for the best texture.

Can I make Buffalo Chicken Mac Cheese ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare this dish in advance and store it in the refrigerator before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Buffalo Chicken Mac Cheese?

To avoid clumping in your cheese sauce, make sure to gradually add the cheese while stirring continuously. Also, ensure your pasta is not overcooked to maintain its texture in the dish.

Variations of Buffalo Chicken Mac Cheese You Can Try

Feel free to customize your dish with these variations:

Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake: Bake the assembled dish with a breadcrumb topping for a crunchy finish.
Healthy Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese: Substitute heavy cream with lighter dairy options or non-dairy milk.
Buffalo Chicken Mac Cheese with Ranch Dressing: Add a ranch dressing mix to enhance the flavor complexity.
Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Casserole: Layer with additional cheeses for a richer taste.

These variations will keep your meals exciting and cater to different dietary preferences!

For more delicious recipes, check out our latest recipes or try making Creamy Potato Soup for a comforting meal!

Buffalo Chicken Mac Cheese: 7 Reasons to Indulge Tonight - Buffalo Chicken Mac Cheese - main visual representation

Incredible homemade Buffalo Chicken Mac Cheese ready in minutes

For more tips on meal prep, visit our Sweet Potato Biscuits recipe!