🍽️

Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese

Name: Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: american
Ingredients: 1 pound elbow macaroni; 2 cups cooked chicken; 0.3333333333333333 cup buffalo sauce; 4 tablespoons butter; 0.25 cup all-purpose flour; 3 cups milk; 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese; 1 cup mozzarella cheese; 4 ounces cream cheese; 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder; 0.5 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon salt; 0.5 teaspoon black pepper; 0.5 cup panko breadcrumbs; 2 stalks green onions

Creamy macaroni and cheese loaded with spicy buffalo chicken and topped with crispy breadcrumbs. This family-friendly comfort food combines two favorites into one satisfying, kid-approved lunch.

Total Time

30min

Servings

Difficulty

Easy

Time Breakdown

Prep:15min

Cook:15min

Cuisine:

American

Meal Type:

Lunch

Tags:

Kid Friendly Comfort Food Buffalo Chicken Mac And Cheese One Pot Family Lunch

Ingredients (6 servings)

1 poundelbow macaroni
2 cupscooked chicken
shredded (rotisserie works great)
1/3 cupbuffalo sauce
mild for kids
4 tablespoonsbutter
1/4 cupall-purpose flour
3 cupsmilk
whole milk
2 cupssharp cheddar cheese
shredded
1 cupmozzarella cheese
shredded
4 ouncescream cheese
cubed
1/2 teaspoongarlic powder
1/2 teaspoononion powder
1 teaspoonsalt
1/2 teaspoonblack pepper
1/2 cuppanko breadcrumbs
2 stalksgreen onions
sliced, for garnish

Instructions

1
Cook macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
8min
2
In a small bowl, toss shredded chicken with buffalo sauce until well coated. Set aside.
2min
3
In the same large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute to make a roux.
2min
4
Gradually whisk in milk, cooking and whisking constantly until mixture thickens, about 3-4 minutes.
4min
5
Remove from heat. Add cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth.
2min
6
Add cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, stirring until melted and smooth.
2min
7
Fold in cooked macaroni and buffalo chicken mixture until well combined.
2min
8
Top with panko breadcrumbs and broil for 2-3 minutes until golden brown. Garnish with green onions.
3min
9
Let cool for 5 minutes before serving to allow sauce to thicken slightly.
5min

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about making Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese

How long does it take to make Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese?

This Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese recipe takes approximately 30 minutes total, with 15 minutes of prep time and 15 minutes of cooking time.

How many servings does this Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese recipe make?

This recipe serves 6 people. You can easily scale the ingredients up or down to serve more or fewer people.

Is this Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese recipe beginner-friendly?

Yes! This Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese recipe is rated as easy and perfect for beginners. The instructions are straightforward and don't require advanced cooking techniques.

What makes this Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese authentic american?

This Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese recipe uses traditional american ingredients and cooking methods to deliver authentic flavors that represent the essence of american cuisine.

Can I make Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese ahead of time?

Yes, Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese can be prepared ahead of time. You can prep ingredients in advance or make the full recipe and store it in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Reheat gently before serving.

How should I store leftover Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese?

Store leftover Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze portions for up to 3 months. Always reheat thoroughly before serving.

Can I substitute ingredients in this Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese recipe?

Yes, many ingredients in Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese can be substituted based on dietary preferences or what you have on hand. Common substitutions work well, but may slightly alter the final taste and texture.

What kitchen equipment do I need to make Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese?

To make Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese, you'll need basic kitchen equipment like mixing bowls, measuring cups, and standard cookware. No special equipment is required unless specified in the recipe instructions.

More American Recipes

Discover more delicious recipes perfect for your meal planning

🍽️

Easy

Loaded Baked Potato Soup

Transform simple russet potatoes, cooked bacon, and yellow onion into a family-favorite american lunch. The american approach to russet potatoes, cooked bacon, and yellow onion brings out flavors you'll crave again. This family-favorite dish becomes a family favorite after just one bite.

Pulled Pork

Master the art of american cooking with this tender lunch featuring pork shoulder, hamburger buns, and brown sugar. The aromatic blend of pork shoulder, hamburger buns, and brown sugar fills your kitchen with enticing scents. The kind of dish that brings impressive presentation and smiles to your table.

Quick Chicken Caesar Salad

Bring balanced nutrition and taste to your table with this aromatic combination of boneless chicken breasts, romaine lettuce, and Parmesan cheese. Each bite delivers balanced nutrition and taste with perfectly balanced seasonings. Sometimes the best recipes are the ones that deliver big flavor simply.

Reuben

Master the art of american cooking with this hearty lunch featuring rye bread, corned beef, and Swiss cheese. Traditional american spices enhance the natural flavors beautifully. Ideal for meal prep, this dish consistently impresses.

Chicken Caesar Salad

Indulge in crispy boneless chicken breasts, romaine lettuce, and caesar dressing paired with aromatic american seasonings. The american approach to boneless chicken breasts, romaine lettuce, and caesar dressing brings out flavors you'll crave again. A go-to recipe you'll return to time and again for its reliability.

Classic Club Sandwich Wraps

Create magic in the kitchen with large flour tortillas, sliced turkey, and cooked bacon prepared american-style. Ready in just 15 minutes, this easy recipe works great for special gatherings. The kind of dish that brings authentic culinary tradition and smiles to your table.

15min

American

View All Recipes