Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food dish that combines the creamy richness of macaroni and cheese with the spicy kick of Buffalo chicken. This recipe is not only satisfying but also a crowd-pleaser, making it perfect for family dinners, game day gatherings, or potluck parties.
Ingredients
Scale:
8 ounces elbow macaroni
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups milk
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup cooked chicken, shredded or diced
1/2 cup Buffalo sauce
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons melted butter
1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese (optional)
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour, stirring constantly for about 2 minutes to form a roux.
Gradually pour in the milk, whisking continuously until the mixture thickens and is smooth, about 5-7 minutes.
Remove the pot from heat and stir in the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until fully melted and creamy. Adjust seasoning with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
In a separate bowl, combine the cooked chicken and Buffalo sauce. Mix until the chicken is evenly coated.
Add the cooked macaroni and Buffalo chicken to the cheese sauce, stirring until well combined.
Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with melted butter. Sprinkle over the macaroni and cheese.
Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbling.
If using, sprinkle the crumbled blue cheese on top during the last 5 minutes of baking.
