Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese: the decadent comfort food for all occasions
Buffalo chicken mac and cheese is a killer comfort food that doubles as a sure-fire hit for parties. Whether you're hosting a birthday party, headed to a potluck, or a game day gathering, with this recipe, you'll have folks lining up for seconds. Thanks to generous amounts of cheese, it's indulgently creamy, while buffalo hot sauce brings plenty of heat. You can tone it down or ramp it up depending on how much you like spicy foods. The recipe is simple and similar to the more traditional mac and cheese, but with a few extra tricks to take it to the next level. We're breaking it down to basics so you'll have this knock-their-socks-off recipe mastered in no time.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese, Step-by-Step
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish with a small amount of butter, olive oil, or cooking spray. While the oven is heating, prepare the pasta according to the instructions on the packet. When the pasta is ready, drain and set it off to the side.
In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat, then add the flour. Whisk together until lump-free.
Next, pour in the milk and the spices, give everything a stir, then allow the mix to come to a boil. As it starts to boil, lower the heat down and let the mixture simmer. Be sure to stir frequently to help thicken the mix.
Once thickened, turn the heat down to low, then stir in the mozzarella, cheddar, cream cheese, and sour cream. Keep stirring until the cheeses have melted, then mix in the hot sauce.
Add the chicken and pasta to the cheese, making sure to toss well so the sauce coats it evenly, then pour into the greased baking dish.
For the panko crumb topping, melt the butter in a small pot with the olive oil. Pour in the panko crumbs, stir, and cook until lightly toasted.
Dress the mac and cheese with panko, bake for 15 minutes, then serve.
How to store Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese
This is a great recipe to make ahead. It keeps in the fridge for about 3 days, and can be popped into a freezer-safe container and frozen for up to a month.
How to reheat Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese
To reheat, put the mac and cheese into a baking dish, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F for 20 minutes. Remove the foil, and bake for a further 5-10 minutes, depending on your oven. It should be piping hot and completely heated through.
What to serve with Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese
Because buffalo mac and cheese is packed with protein and carbs, you might want to go light when thinking of sides to serve with it. Offset this deliciously rich dish with something light and fresh like a salad or some roasted veggies.
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9x9-inch baking dish with a small amount of butter, olive oil, or cooking spray.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish with a small amount of butter, olive oil, or cooking spray.
- While the oven is heating, prepare the pasta according to the instructions on the packet. When the pasta is ready, drain and set it off to the side.
- In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat, then add the flour. Whisk together until lump-free.
While the oven is heating, prepare the pasta according to the instructions on the packet. When the pasta is ready, drain and set it off to the side.
- Next, pour in the milk and the spices, give everything a stir, then allow the mix to come to a boil. As it starts to boil, lower the heat down and let the mixture simmer. Be sure to stir frequently to help thicken the mix.
- Once thickened, turn the heat down to low, then stir in the mozzarella, cheddar, cream cheese, and sour cream. Keep stirring until the cheeses have melted, then mix in the hot sauce.
- Add the chicken and pasta to the cheese, making sure to toss well so the sauce coats it evenly.
In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat, then add the flour. Whisk together until lump-free.
- Pour into the greased baking dish.
- For the panko crumb topping, melt the butter in a small pot with the olive oil. Pour in the panko crumbs, stir, and cook until lightly toasted.
- Dress the mac and cheese with panko, bake for 15 minutes, then serve.
