Ultimate Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese: A Spicy Comfort Food Delight

Prepare yourself for an explosion of flavor and comfort with this incredible Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese recipe. It’s a dish that takes the classic, beloved macaroni and cheese and elevates it with the zesty kick of buffalo sauce and the savory goodness of tender shredded chicken. This homemade version is not just simple to prepare, but it also delivers an irresistibly creamy, perfectly spicy, and utterly satisfying meal that’s guaranteed to become a new family favorite. Whether you’re craving a quick, cozy dinner or a crowd-pleasing dish for your next gathering, this cheesy and comforting creation is designed to delight. The combination of a velvety smooth cheese sauce, perfectly cooked pasta, and flavorful buffalo chicken creates a symphony of tastes and textures that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Angled view of a spoonful of buffalo chicken mac and cheese resting on a casserole dish of mac and cheese, highlighting the creamy texture and buffalo chicken pieces. — A generous spoonful of our decadent Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese, showcasing its rich, creamy texture and vibrant color.

Why This Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe is So Good

This isn’t just another mac and cheese recipe; it’s a culinary experience tailored for maximum deliciousness and minimal fuss. Here’s what makes this particular Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese stand out:

Unbelievably Cheesy Perfection: Our recipe features a simple yet incredibly potent cheese sauce, crafted from a harmonious blend of mozzarella and sharp cheddar. This combination ensures a luxurious, gooey, and tangy sauce that coats every single noodle, providing that quintessential cheesy goodness everyone craves in a comfort food dish.
Effortless Preparation: Don’t let the gourmet taste fool you – this dish is surprisingly easy to make. With straightforward steps like cooking pasta, whipping up a quick roux-based cheese sauce, incorporating shredded chicken and buffalo flavor, and then baking to bubbly perfection, you’ll have a complete and satisfying meal on the table in under an hour. It’s the ideal choice for busy weeknights when you want something homemade and hearty without the hassle.
A Crowd-Pleasing Sensation: This Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese is universally adored. Its rich flavors, spicy kick (adjustable to your preference), and comforting nature make it an instant hit with both adults and children. Whether it’s for a family dinner, a potluck, or a game day feast, this recipe guarantees empty plates and rave reviews. The velvety smooth sauce and layers of melted cheese create an irresistible allure that no one can resist.
Bold and Balanced Flavors: The fiery notes of buffalo sauce are perfectly balanced by the creamy, mild cheese sauce, preventing it from being overwhelmingly spicy. The addition of tender shredded chicken adds a hearty, savory depth, making each bite a harmonious blend of creamy, cheesy, and spicy goodness.

Key Ingredients for the Perfect Dish

Crafting the ultimate Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese starts with understanding the role of each ingredient. Here’s a closer look at the stars of this recipe:

Whole Milk: The foundation of our luscious cheese sauce, whole milk provides unparalleled richness and a creamy texture that skim or low-fat alternatives simply can’t match. Its higher fat content contributes significantly to the indulgent, comforting depth of flavor. While whole milk is highly recommended for the best results, 1% or 2% milk can be used if preferred, though the sauce might be slightly less decadent. Ensuring your milk is at room temperature before adding it to the roux helps create a smoother, lump-free sauce.
Buffalo Sauce: This is where the signature “buffalo” flavor comes in! The beauty of this ingredient is its versatility. You can tailor the spice level to your liking – opt for a mild buffalo sauce for a gentle tang, or crank up the heat with a medium or hot variety if you’re a spice enthusiast. There are many fantastic brands available, each offering a slightly different profile of vinegar, cayenne pepper, and butter notes. Feel free to experiment with your favorite to achieve the perfect balance of heat and flavor for your comforting mac and cheese.
Shredded Chicken: Tender, juicy shredded chicken is essential for this hearty dish. You have several convenient options for preparing it. You can follow this easy method, which is quick and effective. Alternatively, a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken works wonderfully for a time-saving shortcut. You can also cook chicken breasts or thighs in an Instant Pot, slow cooker, or on the stovetop, then shred them with two forks or a hand mixer. A great tip is to prep a large batch of shredded chicken in advance and freeze it in portions; it’s a lifesaver for future recipes like tacos, salads, and more!
Cheddar and Mozzarella Cheese: This dynamic duo forms the backbone of our creamy cheese sauce. Sharp cheddar brings a robust, savory, and slightly tangy flavor, while mozzarella contributes an unparalleled stretchiness and a milder, milky creaminess. Together, they melt into a beautifully smooth and cohesive sauce that perfectly clings to the pasta. Always shred your own cheese from blocks rather than using pre-shredded varieties, as the latter often contain anti-caking agents that can hinder smooth melting. Ensure cheeses are at room temperature for optimal melting.
Elbow Pasta: The classic choice for macaroni and cheese, elbow pasta’s tubular shape and ridges are perfect for capturing and holding onto that rich, creamy sauce. Cooking it al dente (firm to the bite) is crucial, as it will continue to cook slightly when baked, preventing a mushy texture. Other short pasta shapes like cavatappi, shells, or rotini would also work wonderfully, offering similar sauce-trapping capabilities.

Chef’s Tips for Success

Even the simplest recipes can benefit from a few expert insights. Follow these tips to ensure your Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese turns out perfectly every time:

Achieving a Golden Brown Top: If, after the initial bake time, your Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese isn’t as golden and bubbly on top as you’d like, simply switch your oven to a high broil setting. Keep a very close eye on it, leaving it in for only a minute or two. Broilers work quickly, and it can go from perfectly browned to burnt in seconds! This step adds a delightful crust and enhances the overall presentation.
Customize Your Cheese Blend: While the combination of mozzarella and cheddar is a winning pair for its balanced flavor and melt factor, don’t hesitate to experiment with other cheeses. Monterey Jack can add extra creaminess and a mild, slightly buttery note. If you love a bolder cheese flavor, an all-cheddar sauce can be incredibly satisfying. For a richer, nuttier profile, consider adding a touch of Gruyère or Fontina. Just ensure your chosen cheeses melt well for that smooth sauce.
Elevate with Toppings: The finished dish is a canvas for your creativity! A final drizzle of extra buffalo sauce can intensify the flavor for spice lovers. For a cooling contrast, a swirl of ranch or blue cheese dressing offers a delicious counterpoint to the heat. Consider a sprinkle of fresh chopped chives or parsley for color and a fresh note. Crumbled bacon, thinly sliced green onions, or even a dash of hot sauce can also add fantastic layers of flavor and texture.
Room Temperature Ingredients: For the smoothest cheese sauce, ensure your milk and shredded cheeses are at room temperature. Cold ingredients can cause the sauce to seize or become lumpy. Taking them out of the refrigerator 20-30 minutes before you start cooking can make a significant difference.
Don’t Overcook the Pasta: When cooking your elbow pasta, aim for al dente. Remember it will continue to cook and absorb moisture while baking in the oven. Slightly undercooked pasta will prevent it from turning mushy and help it maintain a pleasant bite in the final dish.
Season to Taste: While the buffalo sauce provides a lot of flavor, always taste your cheese sauce before mixing everything together. Adjust seasonings with salt and black pepper as needed to ensure the flavors are perfectly balanced.

Overhead view of buffalo chicken mac and cheese in a casserole dish with a spoon on a dark background, ready to be served. — A delicious overhead shot of our baked Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese, showcasing the golden, bubbly crust and creamy interior.

Storage and Reheating Tips

This Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese is just as delicious the next day! Follow these tips to store and reheat your leftovers:

Storage: Allow the mac and cheese to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2-3 months. Thaw frozen portions in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating in the Oven: For best results, reheat in the oven. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Cover the dish loosely with foil to prevent drying out and bake for 20-30 minutes, or until heated through and bubbly. You might want to add a splash of milk or chicken broth before reheating to restore some of its original creaminess.
Reheating on the Stovetop: For smaller portions, you can reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat. Add a tablespoon or two of milk and stir frequently until heated through. This method is excellent for re-hydrating the sauce.
Reheating in the Microwave: While not ideal for texture, the microwave is the quickest option for individual servings. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until warmed through. Add a little milk if it seems too dry.

Perfect Pairings and Serving Suggestions

This robust and flavorful Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese can easily be a meal on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes that complement its rich and spicy profile:

Crisp Green Salad: A fresh, crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the richness of the mac and cheese. It adds a much-needed crunch and balances the flavors.
Celery Sticks and Ranch/Blue Cheese Dressing: Embrace the classic buffalo chicken pairing! Serve with fresh, crunchy celery sticks and a side of cooling ranch or tangy blue cheese dressing for dipping.
Roasted Vegetables: Simple roasted broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts can add a healthy and flavorful element to your meal. Their slight char and natural sweetness work well with the spicy main dish.
Garlic Bread or Biscuits: For the ultimate comfort food experience, serve with warm, buttery garlic bread or flaky biscuits perfect for soaking up any extra sauce.
Coleslaw: A creamy or tangy coleslaw provides another layer of texture and a refreshing, crunchy counterpoint to the rich mac and cheese.

More Cheesy Recipes You’ll Love

If you’re a fan of cheesy, comforting dishes, be sure to explore these other fantastic recipes from our collection:

Cream Cheese Fat Bombs
Keto Grilled Cheese
Cream Cheese Sausage Balls
Creamy Chicken Enchiladas
Keto Cheese Sauce
Whipped Cottage Cheese (Sweet or Savory)

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5 from 4 votes

Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese

Prep: 10 minutes

Cook: 30 minutes

Total: 40 minutes

This buffalo chicken mac and cheese is as simple as it is delicious! A quick and easy homemade cheese sauce with added buffalo chicken is perfectly spicy and flavorful. Enjoy this irresistibly cheesy and comforting meal the next time you’re craving something quick and cozy.

Cheryl Malik

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8 servings

Ingredients

▢ 1 pound elbow pasta uncooked
▢ 3 tablespoons butter
▢ 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
▢ 2 cups whole milk at room temperature
▢ 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese at room temperature
▢ 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese at room temperature
▢ ½ cup buffalo sauce
▢ 2 cups chicken fully cooked and shredded
▢ 3 celery stalks chopped
▢ ½ cup crumbled blue cheese optional

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Equipment

Medium Pot (for pasta)
Large Pot or Saucepan (for cheese sauce)
9×13 inch Baking Dish
Whisk

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350° Fahrenheit (175°C). In a medium pot or saucepan, cook the elbow pasta according to package instructions until it is al dente. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the all-purpose flour and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes to create a smooth roux. This will form the base of your rich cheese sauce.
Remove the pot from the heat. Gradually pour in the room-temperature whole milk, whisking constantly to prevent any lumps from forming. Return the pot to medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Continue to simmer, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has visibly thickened to a creamy consistency, usually about 5-7 minutes.
Remove the pot from the heat once again. Stir in the shredded mozzarella cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, and buffalo sauce until fully combined. Return the pot to very low heat and continue to whisk gently until all the cheese has completely melted into a smooth, homogeneous sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
Remove the cheese sauce from the heat. Gently fold in the fully cooked shredded chicken, the drained cooked pasta, and the chopped celery. Stir until all ingredients are evenly coated in the rich buffalo cheese sauce. Transfer this delightful mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
If using, sprinkle the crumbled blue cheese evenly over the top of the mac and cheese. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the top is lightly browned, the sauce is bubbly, and the dish is heated through. Serve warm and enjoy this ultimate comfort food experience!

Notes

Make it Gluten-Free: To adapt this recipe for a gluten-free diet, simply replace the all-purpose flour with an equal amount of rice flour or cassava flour for the roux. Additionally, use one pound of your favorite gluten-free pasta (such as gluten-free elbow macaroni) and follow package instructions for cooking.
Adjusting Spice Levels: If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of buffalo sauce to ¼ cup, or use a very mild brand. For extra heat, increase the buffalo sauce to ¾ cup or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cheese sauce.
Adding Vegetables: Beyond celery, feel free to add other vegetables like diced bell peppers, sautéed onions, or even some spinach for added nutrition and flavor.

Nutrition Information

Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.

Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.

To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.