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Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese

Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese
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Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese is a creamy, spicy, and comforting dish that combines tender chicken, a luscious blend of cheddar, mozzarella, and cream cheese, and a kick of tangy Buffalo sauce. This ultimate comfort food offers layers of gooey, flavorful bliss perfect for weeknight dinners, casual gatherings, or cozy nights in. Easily customizable and quick to make with simple ingredients, it promises a satisfying meal packed with protein and bold flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 8 ounces elbow macaroni pasta

Chicken

  • 2 cups cooked shredded or diced chicken breast

Cheese

  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened

Cheese Sauce Base

  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour/cornstarch for GF)
  • 2 ½ cups milk or cream

Seasonings & Sauce

  • ½ to ¾ cup Buffalo sauce (adjust to heat preference)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
  2. Prepare the Cheese Sauce: In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour to form a roux and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned. Slowly pour in the milk while whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Continue to simmer and whisk until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
  3. Add Cheeses and Seasonings: Reduce heat to low and stir in the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add shredded cheddar and mozzarella, stirring continuously until all cheese is melted and sauce is creamy. Blend in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to balance flavors.
  4. Mix in Buffalo Sauce and Chicken: Add Buffalo sauce to the cheese mixture, adjusting the amount for desired spiciness. Fold in the cooked chicken pieces until evenly coated in the Buffalo cheese sauce.
  5. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Pour the cheese and Buffalo chicken sauce over the drained pasta. Gently stir to combine all ingredients evenly and thoroughly.
  6. Bake to Perfection (Optional): For a bubbly, golden crust, transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. Sprinkle extra shredded cheese on top and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, until the surface is lightly browned and crispy.

Notes

  • Use freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-shredded for smoother melting and creamier texture.
  • Control the spice level by starting with less Buffalo sauce and adjusting to taste.
  • Pre-cooked chicken enhances flavor absorption and saves preparation time.
  • Cook the roux carefully to avoid raw flour taste in the cheese sauce.
  • Keep pasta al dente as it will cook further if baking.

Nutrition

Keywords: Buffalo chicken, mac and cheese, comfort food, spicy, creamy, cheesy, easy dinner, crowd-pleaser, gluten free option

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