Print

Creamy Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese

buffalo chicken mac and cheese - featured image

A creamy, spicy mac and cheese dish combining tender chicken with tangy buffalo sauce and melted cheddar cheese, perfect for quick weeknight dinners or comforting gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces elbow macaroni
  • 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
  • 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • Optional: green onions or chives for garnish

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions (8-10 minutes) until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet or saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add softened cream cheese in chunks and stir constantly until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.
  3. Gradually pour in whole milk, stirring continuously to combine. Keep heat medium-low to avoid curdling. Let mixture thicken for 3-4 minutes.
  4. Lower heat and stir in shredded cheddar cheese a handful at a time, allowing each addition to melt fully before adding more.
  5. Stir in buffalo sauce and shredded cooked chicken until evenly coated.
  6. Add drained macaroni to the skillet and fold gently to combine all ingredients well.
  7. Optional: Transfer mixture to a greased 9×9-inch baking dish and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes until bubbly and lightly golden on top.
  8. Garnish with chopped green onions or chives if desired. Serve hot.

Notes

Do not overcook pasta to avoid mushiness. Melt cheeses slowly over low to medium heat to prevent clumping. Adjust buffalo sauce amount to control spice level. Adding a splash of milk can loosen thick sauce. Leftovers reheat well with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.

Nutrition

Keywords: buffalo chicken, mac and cheese, creamy, spicy, easy dinner, comfort food, quick recipe