Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it combines the creamy, cheesy goodness of traditional mac and cheese with the zesty kick of buffalo chicken. The sauce is ultra-smooth thanks to a blend of cheeses and cream, while the buffalo sauce adds a lively heat that balances perfectly. Plus, the crispy breadcrumb topping adds a nice contrast to the creamy inside. It’s a crowd-pleaser that I can whip up in under an hour.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 8 oz elbow macaroni

• 2 cups cooked shredded chicken

• 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce

• 2 tablespoons butter

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• 2 cups milk

• 1/2 cup heavy cream

• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

• 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese

• 1/4 cup cream cheese

• 1/4 cup ranch dressing

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• Chopped green onions or parsley (for garnish, optional)

Directions

1. I begin by preheating the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly greasing a 9×9-inch baking dish.

2. I cook the elbow macaroni according to the package directions until just al dente, then drain and set it aside.

3. In a large saucepan, I melt butter over medium heat and whisk in the flour, cooking for 1 to 2 minutes to create a roux.

4. Slowly, I whisk in the milk and heavy cream, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth—about 3 to 4 minutes.

5. I add shredded cheddar, mozzarella, cream cheese, ranch dressing, buffalo wing sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, stirring until the cheese melts into a creamy sauce.

6. I fold in the cooked macaroni and shredded chicken until everything is evenly coated.

7. The mixture goes into the prepared baking dish, and I toss the panko breadcrumbs with olive oil and sprinkle them evenly over the top for a crunchy crust.

8. I bake it uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes until the top is bubbly and golden brown.

9. Before serving, I like to garnish with chopped green onions or parsley for a fresh touch.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 6 servings.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Calories per serving: 620 kcal

Variations

• I sometimes swap the buffalo sauce for a milder wing sauce if I want less heat.

• Adding crumbled blue cheese on top before baking gives a tangy, creamy boost.

• For extra veggies, I mix in some chopped celery or roasted red peppers.

• Using gluten-free pasta and flour makes this dish gluten-free-friendly.

• I’ve tried adding cooked bacon bits into the cheese sauce for a smoky twist.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
When reheating, I warm it in the oven at 350°F, covered loosely with foil, until heated through. A quick microwave reheat also works well for single servings, adding a splash of milk if needed to loosen the sauce.

FAQs

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

Yes, I can prepare it up to the baking step and refrigerate it overnight. When ready, I bake it a bit longer to make sure it’s heated through.

How spicy is this dish?

It has a moderate kick from the buffalo sauce, but I can easily adjust the heat by using more or less sauce or choosing a milder version.

What type of cheese works best?

I find a combination of cheddar and mozzarella gives the perfect balance of flavor and meltiness, while cream cheese adds extra creaminess.

Can I use leftover chicken?

Absolutely. Leftover rotisserie or baked chicken shredded into pieces works perfectly for this recipe.

Is there a vegetarian version?

Yes, I swap the chicken for roasted cauliflower or chickpeas and use buffalo sauce for a flavorful vegetarian option.

Conclusion

Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food upgrade with its creamy, cheesy sauce and bold buffalo flavor. It’s easy enough for a weeknight but special enough for game-day or parties. I love how the crispy breadcrumb topping adds texture, making every bite deliciously satisfying. This dish is sure to become a favorite whenever I want something comforting with a spicy kick.