Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese (for Ashley)

I’ve included some videos I found relevant and helpful. 😍

Ashley, this one’s for you! Your dedication to your husband’s office potlucks warms my heart. I know those untouched dishes can be tough, but you’re about to become the talk of the office. This Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese recipe was made just for you.

You’ll wow everyone with this creamy, spicy, and cheesy dish. It’s a perfect blend of comfort food and pub grub that’s sure to disappear fast. Get ready to see empty plates and hear requests for the recipe. You’ve got this, Ashley!

Exact Ingredients List

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this tasty Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese:

For the pasta:

• 8 oz dry macaroni noodles (Cellentani works great)

For the cheese sauce:

• 3 Tbsp butter
• 3 Tbsp flour
• 2 cups milk
• 4 oz cream cheese
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1/3 cup sour cream

Seasonings:

• 1/2 tsp each: salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, ground mustard

Buffalo chicken mix-ins:

• 1/2 cup buffalo hot sauce
• 1 1/2 cups shredded chicken

For the crunchy topping:

• 1 Tbsp butter
• 1/2 Tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 cup seasoned panko crumbs

Grab these simple ingredients and you’ll be ready to make a crowd-pleasing dish! The mix of cheeses and buffalo sauce creates an amazing flavor combo.

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a baking dish. Cook the pasta until it’s al dente.

Melt butter in a pot over medium heat. Add flour and stir until smooth. Pour in milk and spices, stirring well.

Add cream cheese, mozzarella, and cheddar. Stir until the cheese melts. Mix in sour cream and buffalo sauce.

Fold in the cooked pasta and shredded chicken. Pour the mixture into your greased dish.

For the topping, melt butter with olive oil in a pan. Add panko crumbs and cook until golden.

Sprinkle the topping over your mac and cheese. Bake for 15-20 minutes until it’s bubbly and golden.

Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your creamy, spicy Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese!

Possible Substitutes List & Recipe Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are some tasty substitutes and variations for your Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese:

Pasta Options:

• Penne
• Rotini
• Shells
• Elbow macaroni

Cheese Swaps:

• Monterey Jack instead of mozzarella
• Pepper Jack for extra kick
• Colby Jack as a milder option

Try using blue cheese crumbles instead of cheddar for a tangy twist. You can also mix in some crumbled bacon or diced jalapeños for added flavor and crunch.

For a healthier version, use whole wheat pasta and low-fat cheese. You can also add veggies like diced bell peppers or broccoli florets.

Don’t have buffalo sauce? Mix hot sauce with melted butter for a similar taste. For a milder dish, use BBQ sauce instead of buffalo sauce.

Vegetarian? Replace the chicken with roasted cauliflower or tempeh. You can also use plant-based cheese alternatives to make it vegan-friendly.

Want it spicier? Add a dash of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the sauce. For a smoky flavor, try adding a bit of smoked paprika.

Tips, Tricks & Storing

Cook your pasta al dente. It will continue cooking in the oven, so you don’t want it too soft.

Use room temperature cream cheese. It’ll melt more smoothly into the sauce.

Grate your own cheese. Pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking agents that can make your sauce grainy.

For extra flavor, add some crumbled blue cheese to the sauce.

Don’t overmix the chicken. Fold it in gently to keep it chunky.

Make it spicier by adding more hot sauce or a dash of cayenne pepper.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

To reheat, add a splash of milk and microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring between each.

You can freeze portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

For a crispy top, broil for 1-2 minutes after baking. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.