Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe

If you’re craving comfort food with a fiery kick, you can’t go wrong with this Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe. It’s everything you love about gooey mac and cheese, but with that irresistibly tangy buffalo sauce and tender chicken mixed right in. I absolutely love how this turns out — creamy, cheesy, and packed with just enough heat to keep things interesting without overwhelming your taste buds. Stick around, because I’m about to share all the tips and tricks that will make your version the star of any meal.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe plays a part in creating that rich, tangy, and cheesy flavor combo. Using sharp cheddar and mozzarella together gives it a fantastic melt and complexity, while the buffalo sauce ties everything together with that signature kick. When shopping, look for freshly shredded cheeses if you can for a smoother melt.

• Macaroni pasta: Classic choice for mac and cheese — it holds onto the sauce nicely.
• Butter: Essential for the roux, it gives the sauce richness and silkiness.
• All-purpose flour: Helps thicken the sauce to the perfect creamy consistency.
• Paprika: Adds a subtle smokiness and depth of flavor.
• Salt: Balances and enhances all the other flavors.
• Black pepper: Provides a little warmth and complexity.
• Whole milk: Yields the creamiest sauce; you can add a bit more if you want it looser.
• Buffalo sauce: Choose mild, medium, or hot depending on your heat tolerance — it’s the heart of the flavor.
• Sharp cheddar cheese: Gives a bold cheesy flavor that stands up to the buffalo sauce.
• Mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully and adds gooey texture.
• Cooked chicken: Shredded or chopped, it soaks up the sauce making every bite hearty and satisfying.

Variations

I love making this Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe my own by tweaking the sauce and cheese combos — it’s such a flexible base! You can swap out cheeses, adjust the heat, or even change up the chicken for variety.

• Mild version: I often tone down the heat using a mild buffalo sauce and adding a little extra cheddar for creaminess when serving to kids or heat-sensitive guests.
• Extra spicy: For those who want a real kick, I add a dash of cayenne pepper or use hot buffalo sauce and even sprinkle some chopped jalapeños on top for an added burn.
• Different proteins: Sometimes I swap cooked chicken for shredded rotisserie turkey or even crispy tofu for a vegetarian twist.
• Gluten-free: Use gluten-free pasta and a gluten-free flour blend to make this safe for gluten-sensitive eaters without losing the creamy texture.

How to Make Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe

Step 1: Cook pasta al dente

Start by boiling a large pot of salted water — salt makes a huge difference for pasta flavor. Cook the macaroni just shy of al dente; I usually go about 2 minutes less than the package says. This way, the pasta finishes perfectly in the cheesy sauce without becoming mushy. Drain and rinse briefly with cool water to stop cooking and keep the noodles from sticking.

Step 2: Make the roux

In a medium pot over medium heat, melt the butter. Once it’s fully melted, whisk in the flour until smooth and combined. Keep whisking as it cooks—the roux will start to turn a light golden color and smell nutty after a minute or so. This is key because it gives the sauce that perfect thickness and richness, so don’t rush it!

Step 3: Add spices and milk

Sprinkle in the paprika, salt, and black pepper, stirring for about 30 seconds to bloom the flavors. Then slowly pour in the whole milk and buffalo sauce while whisking constantly to keep the sauce smooth. Keep whisking and cooking for about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, which is the perfect consistency for a creamy mac and cheese base.

Step 4: Melt in the cheese

Remove the pot from heat and add the shredded cheddar and mozzarella in batches, stirring each batch until fully melted before adding more. Using freshly shredded cheese here makes a noticeable difference—a smoother, creamier sauce with less graininess.

Step 5: Combine pasta and chicken

Stir the cooked chicken and drained pasta into the cheesy buffalo sauce until everything’s well coated. If you want a looser sauce, add a splash of warm milk until it reaches your preferred consistency. Now it’s ready to serve—go ahead and sprinkle blue cheese crumbles or green onions on top if you like!

How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping mine with crumbled blue cheese and sliced green onions — the blue cheese adds that creamy tang and the onions give a fresh bite that cuts the richness. A few chopped celery sticks on the side also add some crunch and balance to the spicy, cheesy flavors.

Side Dishes

My favorite sides to go with this Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese are a crisp garden salad or roasted veggies like broccoli or Brussels sprouts. The freshness and slight bitterness of those sides cut through all the richness beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For game day or get-togethers, I’ve served this mac and cheese in individual ramekins topped with extra cheese and broiled until golden brown and bubbling — it’s always a hit! You can also stuff it into bell peppers or bake it over crispy bread crumbs for a crunchy topping.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and they keep beautifully for about 3 days. Just cover tightly so the pasta doesn’t dry out. When I open the fridge, it’s like having a ready-made comfort meal waiting — perfect for lunches or quick dinners.

Freezing

Freezing works okay, but the texture of the pasta can change a bit after thawing. If you want to freeze, cool completely first and use a freezer-safe container. Then thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. I usually recommend freezing only if you want to meal prep and don’t mind a slightly softer bite.

Reheating

When reheating leftovers, I use the stovetop over low heat or microwave in short bursts. Adding a splash of milk helps loosen it back up and keeps the sauce silky and creamy. Stir frequently so it heats evenly and the cheese doesn’t separate.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

When I first tried this Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe, I was hooked instantly — it’s honestly become one of those go-to comfort meals I make when I want to impress without fuss. It’s creamy, spicy, cheesy, and loaded with chicken, making it hearty enough to satisfy hungry appetites. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll find yourself craving it over and over. So grab those ingredients, get cozy in your kitchen, and give it a go — you won’t regret it!

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