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–+ servings
Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese

Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese: A Comfort Food Must-Try

Indulge in Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese—a satisfying twist on classic comfort food packed with flavor and creamy textures.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 650
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 12 oz elbow macaroni feel free to swap with shell pasta
For the Chicken
  • 2 cups cooked shredded chicken using rotisserie chicken saves time
For the Cheese Sauce
  • ½ cup buffalo sauce adjust spice level as needed
  • 4 oz cream cheese can substitute with Greek yogurt
  • 1 cup cheddar cheese try Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for a twist
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese can be omitted if preferred
  • 2 cups milk consider cashew milk for a dairy-free option
  • 1 tsp garlic powder fresh garlic can replace for bolder taste
  • 1 tsp onion powder omit if using fresh onions
For Seasoning
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp pepper
For the Topping
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs add grated Parmesan for extra flavor

Equipment

  • large pot
  • skillet
  • Medium saucepan
  • baking dish

Method
 

Cooking Instructions
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente, typically 7-9 minutes. Drain the pasta and set aside.
  2. Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the cooked shredded chicken. Season with salt and pepper, sauté for about 5-7 minutes until heated through.
  3. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat, whisk in flour for about 1 minute. Gradually add milk, cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and buffalo sauce, whisk until smooth and creamy, about 5 minutes.
  4. Add the drained pasta and sautéed chicken to the cheese sauce, stir gently until fully coated.
  5. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish, top with panko breadcrumbs.
  6. Bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden brown. Enjoy!

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 650kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 30gFat: 35gSaturated Fat: 20gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 900mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 2gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 2mg

Notes

For best results, do not rinse pasta as it washes away the starch. Mix different cheeses for richer flavor. Adjust buffalo sauce for spice preference.

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