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Buffalo chicken mac and cheese in ceramic bowl with creamy orange cheese sauce and fresh parsley garnish.

Creamy Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese

5 from 1 vote
Creamy buffalo chicken mac and cheese combines spicy wing flavors with cheesy comfort food perfection.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dinner, Game Day Food, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
Calories: 625
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

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

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

Method
 

  1. Cook elbow macaroni according to package directions until al dente
  2. Season chicken breasts and cook in skillet until fully cooked
  3. Shred cooked chicken and toss with buffalo sauce while warm
  4. Preheat oven to 375°F and grease baking dish
  5. Melt butter in large saucepan over medium heat
  6. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute to eliminate raw taste
  7. Gradually add milk while whisking constantly to prevent lumps
  8. Cook until thickened, then remove from heat
  9. Stir in cream cheese until completely melted and smooth
  10. Add shredded cheddar cheese gradually, stirring until melted
  11. Mix in buffalo sauce, onion powder, and paprika
  12. Season with salt and pepper to taste
  13. Combine cooked pasta with cheese sauce and buffalo chicken
  14. Transfer mixture to prepared baking dish
  15. Top with panko breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter
  16. Bake 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden on top

Notes

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.