Creamy Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese
Creamy buffalo chicken mac and cheese combines spicy wing flavors with cheesy comfort food perfection.
Pin Share Print Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 625kcal
Cost: $12-15
Equipment
- 1 Large pot (For cooking pasta)
- 1 Heavy saucepan (For cheese sauce)
- 1 9x13 baking dish (For casserole)
- 1 Whisk (For smooth sauce)
- 1 Large skillet (For cooking chicken)
Ingredients
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 2 pounds boneless chicken breasts
- ½ cup buffalo wing sauce - divided
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 6 tablespoons butter
- 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese - shredded
- 8 oz cream cheese - softened
- ¼ cup buffalo sauce - for cheese sauce
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 3 tablespoons butter - melted for topping
- ½ cup cheddar cheese - for topping
- 2 tablespoons fresh chives - chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Cook elbow macaroni according to package directions until al dente
- Season chicken breasts and cook in skillet until fully cooked
- Shred cooked chicken and toss with buffalo sauce while warm
- Preheat oven to 375°F and grease baking dish
- Melt butter in large saucepan over medium heat
- Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute to eliminate raw taste
- Gradually add milk while whisking constantly to prevent lumps
- Cook until thickened, then remove from heat
- Stir in cream cheese until completely melted and smooth
- Add shredded cheddar cheese gradually, stirring until melted
- Mix in buffalo sauce, onion powder, and paprika
- Season with salt and pepper to taste
- Combine cooked pasta with cheese sauce and buffalo chicken
- Transfer mixture to prepared baking dish
- Top with panko breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter
- Bake 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden on top
Notes
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Nutrition
Serving: 1cup | Calories: 625kcal (31%) | Carbohydrates: 45g (15%) | Protein: 35g (70%) | Fat: 32g (49%) | Saturated Fat: 18g (113%) | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9g | Cholesterol: 125mg (42%) | Sodium: 1185mg (52%) | Potassium: 485mg (14%) | Fiber: 2g (8%) | Sugar: 8g (9%) | Vitamin A: 1285IU (26%) | Vitamin C: 2mg (2%) | Calcium: 425mg (43%) | Iron: 2.2mg (12%)