Easy Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
15 mins
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Total Time
25 mins
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Servings
8
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Calories
579 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Easy Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese
Description
This recipe starts with cooking macaroni to al dente, ensuring it remains firm after baking. A roux of butter and flour is cooked briefly to build the sauce's base, then whole milk and seasonings are added and brought to a low boil to thicken. Cream cheese melts in to create a rich, smooth texture, followed by shredded mild cheddar and mozzarella for depth and stretchiness. Buffalo sauce is stirred in for heat and tang, blending with shredded chicken and cooked pasta to coat every bite.
The mixture is transferred to a baking dish and baked until bubbling and heated through. The baked finish gives the top a subtle crust and melds flavors further. The combination of creamy cheeses and spicy buffalo sauce results in a balanced dish with layered flavor and a tender yet cohesive texture.
Serve as a main course or hearty side. It pairs with fresh toppings or sides like celery sticks to contrast the creamy heat. Leftovers store well in the refrigerator and reheat smoothly.
Using freshly grated cheese ensures smooth melting, and selecting buffalo sauce by preferred spice level allows customization. The dish holds well for several days when refrigerated.
Ingredients
- ½ cup butter salted
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 ¾ cup milk whole
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 4 ounces cream cheese
- 1 cups mild cheddar cheese shredded
- 1 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
- 1 pound macaroni noodles
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
- 1 1/2 cups chicken shredded
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and spray a 9X13 baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
- Cook the pasta to al dente based on the package instructions.
- Melt the butter in a large pot over medium high heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 2 minutes to create a roux.
- Slowly whisk in the milk and the seasonings. Heat and bring the mixture to a low boil.
- Heat for a few minutes until the mixture thickens.
- Remove from heat and immediately stir in the cream cheese and shredded cheeses. Stir until the cheese is melted and smooth.
- Stir in the buffalo sauce.
- Stir in the shredded chicken and pasta until well coated.
- Pour into the prepared pan and bake for 15 minutes until heated through and bubbly.
- Serve with your favorite toppings and enjoy!
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days.
- Use freshly grated cheese to achieve a smooth, even melt in the sauce.
- Choose buffalo sauce based on your preferred spice level, as heat can vary between brands.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 579 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 579kcal | 29% |
| Carbohydrates | 51g | 17% |
| Protein | 25g | 50% |
| Fat | 30g | 46% |
| Saturated Fat | 17g | 85% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2g | 12% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 8g | 40% |
| Trans Fat | 0.5g | 25% |
| Cholesterol | 102mg | 34% |
| Sodium | 1009mg | 42% |
| Potassium | 326mg | 7% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 5g | 10% |
| Vitamin A | 926IU | 19% |
| Vitamin C | 0.03mg | 0% |
| Calcium | 306mg | 31% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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