Buffalo Chicken Macaroni and Cheese
Buffalo Chicken Macaroni and Cheese is a cheesy, addicting dish that combines the classic comfort of macaroni and cheese with a spicy buffalo chicken twist. Perfect for gatherings, weeknight dinners, or game day, this recipe stands out with its rich flavors and creamy texture. Whether you’re serving it for a family meal or entertaining guests, this dish is sure to impress!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of buffalo sauce and ranch dressing adds a zesty kick that elevates traditional macaroni and cheese.
- Easy to Prepare: With just a few simple steps, you can create this crowd-pleaser in under 30 minutes.
- Versatile Dish: This recipe can easily be customized with different cheeses or pasta shapes to suit your taste.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a cozy dinner at home or a party, this dish fits right in.
- Comfort Food Classic: Combine the nostalgic flavors of macaroni and cheese with the boldness of buffalo chicken for a winning meal.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the cooking process, gather your tools. Having everything on hand will make the preparation smoother and faster.
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Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot
- Baking dish
- Whisk
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Spoon for mixing
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot: Essential for boiling the cavatappi noodles efficiently.
- Baking dish: Helps achieve that perfect baked exterior while keeping the inside creamy.
- Whisk: Necessary for creating a smooth cheese sauce without lumps.
Ingredients
Buffalo Chicken Macaroni and Cheese is a cheesy, addicting dish with a buffalo chicken kick!
For the Chicken Mixture
- 1 cup (140 g) shredded cooked rotisserie chicken
- 2 tablespoons buffalo sauce
- 2 tablespoons ranch dressing
For the Pasta
- 8 ounces cavatappi noodles (cooked al dente and drained)
For the Cheese Sauce
- ¼ cup (½ stick / 57 g) unsalted butter
- ¼ cup (31 g) all-purpose flour
- 2 cups (490 mL) whole milk (warmed)
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground mustard powder
- ⅛ teaspoon garlic powder
- ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- ½ cup (56.5 g) sharp cheddar cheese (freshly grated)
- ¼ cup (28 g) mozzarella cheese (freshly grated)
For Topping
- ¼ cup (28 g) mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup (28 g) cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon buffalo sauce
- 1 tablespoon ranch dressing
- Parsley (chopped for garnish)
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Macaroni and Cheese
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F. This ensures that your dish bakes evenly.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add cavatappi noodles and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce
- In the same pot, melt unsalted butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in all-purpose flour until smooth.
- Gradually add warmed whole milk, whisking constantly until thickened.
- Stir in kosher salt, ground mustard powder, garlic powder, and optional cayenne pepper.
- Remove from heat and mix in freshly grated sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until melted.
Step 4: Combine Everything
- In a large bowl, combine cooked noodles, shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, salt, and pepper.
- Pour in the cheese sauce and mix well until everything is coated.
Step 5: Bake
Transfer the mixture into a baking dish. Top with remaining mozzarella and cheddar cheeses. Bake in preheated oven for about 15 minutes or until bubbly.
Step 6: Serve
Remove from oven, drizzle with extra buffalo sauce and ranch dressing. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Enjoy your delicious Buffalo Chicken Macaroni and Cheese!
How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Macaroni and Cheese
Buffalo Chicken Macaroni and Cheese is a delightful dish that brings together the comforting flavors of creamy cheese and spicy buffalo chicken. Serving it right can enhance your dining experience.
For a Cozy Family Dinner
- Pair with a simple green salad to balance the richness.
- Serve with warm, crusty bread to soak up the cheesy sauce.
As Game Day Comfort Food
- Accompany with celery sticks and carrot sticks for a crunchy contrast.
- Provide extra buffalo sauce on the side for those who like more heat.
For a Potluck Gathering
- Offer in small bowls or cups for easy serving and sharing.
- Garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh touch.
As a Quick Weeknight Meal
- Serve alongside steamed broccoli for added nutrition.
- Top with additional shredded cheese before baking for extra cheesiness.
How to Perfect Buffalo Chicken Macaroni and Cheese
To make your Buffalo Chicken Macaroni and Cheese truly stand out, consider these helpful tips.
- Use quality chicken: Freshly cooked rotisserie chicken adds flavor without extra effort.
- Balance the sauces: Adjust buffalo sauce and ranch dressing to suit your desired spiciness.
- Grate your own cheese: Freshly grated cheese melts better than pre-shredded varieties, giving you a creamier texture.
- Don’t skip the salt: Proper seasoning enhances all the flavors in this dish.
- Bake until bubbly: Ensure you bake long enough for that golden top while keeping the inside creamy.
Best Side Dishes for Buffalo Chicken Macaroni and Cheese
Pairing side dishes can elevate your meal. Here are some great options that complement Buffalo Chicken Macaroni and Cheese perfectly.
- Garlic Bread: A classic favorite that pairs well with any cheesy pasta dish.
- Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce topped with parmesan and croutons adds freshness.
- Roasted Vegetables: Colorful veggies roasted to perfection bring nutrition and flavor.
- Coleslaw: A tangy slaw offers crunch and balances the rich macaroni.
- Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn provides a delightful contrast to spicy flavors.
- Baked Beans: Hearty beans add protein and sweetness, making them a comforting side option.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Buffalo Chicken Macaroni and Cheese, it’s easy to overlook some key steps. Here are common mistakes to avoid for the best results.
- Skipping the cheese grating – Pre-packaged shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect melting. Always grate your cheese fresh for a smoother texture.
- Overcooking the pasta – Cooking the cavatappi noodles too long can lead to mushy macaroni. Aim for al dente, as it will continue cooking in the oven.
- Not adjusting spice levels – If you prefer milder flavors, use less buffalo sauce or opt for a milder variety. Taste and adjust before baking.
- Ignoring the resting time – Letting the dish sit for a few minutes after baking allows flavors to meld and makes serving easier. Don’t rush this step!
- Using cold milk – Warm your milk before adding it to the sauce. Cold milk can cause the sauce to clump rather than become creamy.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Allow it to cool completely before sealing to prevent condensation.
Freezing Buffalo Chicken Macaroni and Cheese
- Freeze in a sealed container or freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
- Label with the date to keep track of storage time.
Reheating Buffalo Chicken Macaroni and Cheese
- Oven – Preheat to 350°F, cover with foil, and bake for about 20 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave – Heat in short intervals, stirring in between, until warm throughout.
- Stovetop – Reheat on low heat in a skillet, adding a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have questions about Buffalo Chicken Macaroni and Cheese, you’re not alone! Here are some common inquiries.
Can I make Buffalo Chicken Macaroni and Cheese ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare it up to a day in advance, store it in the fridge, and bake when ready.
What types of chicken can I use?
Shredded rotisserie chicken works best, but you can also use grilled or baked chicken breasts.
How spicy is Buffalo Chicken Macaroni and Cheese?
The spice level depends on how much buffalo sauce you add. Start with less if you’re sensitive to heat!
Can I customize this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like broccoli or swap out cheeses based on your preference.
What should I serve with Buffalo Chicken Macaroni and Cheese?
This dish pairs well with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Final Thoughts
Buffalo Chicken Macaroni and Cheese is a delightful dish perfect for any occasion. Its cheesy goodness combined with spicy buffalo flavor creates an irresistible comfort food experience. Feel free to customize it by adding your favorite ingredients or using different cheeses. Give this recipe a try; it’s sure to become a family favorite!
Buffalo Chicken Macaroni and Cheese
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Buffalo Chicken Macaroni and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food that combines creamy, cheesy goodness with a spicy buffalo chicken kick. This dish features al dente cavatappi noodles enveloped in a rich cheese sauce made with sharp cheddar and mozzarella, all topped with a zesty buffalo-chicken mixture. Perfect for game day, family dinners, or potlucks, this recipe is not just quick to prepare—ready in under 30 minutes—but it’s also easily customizable to suit your taste preferences. Serve it hot from the oven for a delightful meal that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Ingredients
- 1 cup shredded cooked rotisserie chicken
- 8 ounces cavatappi noodles
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups whole milk
- ½ cup sharp cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons buffalo sauce
- 2 tablespoons ranch dressing
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Cook cavatappi noodles until al dente; drain and set aside.
- In the same pot, melt butter over medium heat, whisk in flour, then gradually add warmed milk until thickened. Stir in seasonings and cheeses until melted.
- Combine cooked noodles, chicken, buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Mix with the cheese sauce until well coated.
- Transfer to a baking dish, top with remaining cheeses, and bake for about 15 minutes until bubbly.
- Drizzle with extra buffalo sauce and ranch dressing before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (250g)
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
