Creamy Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese is a delicious and hearty dish that combines the classic comfort of mac and cheese with the spicy kick of buffalo chicken, all topped with crispy Panko crumbs. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or a cozy night in, this dish is sure to impress.
Creamy Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese
Why This Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Is the Best
- Creamy and Cheesy: The mac and cheese is rich and creamy, coating each piece of pasta perfectly.
- Spicy Buffalo Chicken: The buffalo chicken adds a spicy and tangy kick, enhancing the overall flavor.
- Crispy Panko Topping: The Panko crumbs are toasted to a golden brown, adding a satisfying crunch to each bite.
- Garnished with Fresh Herbs: Topped with fresh parsley, the dish is not only delicious but also visually appealing.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, preparing a weeknight meal, or looking for a comforting and flavorful dinner option, Creamy Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese is the perfect choice. The combination of creamy cheese, spicy chicken, and crispy breadcrumbs makes it a crowd-pleaser that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredient Notes
- Macaroni Noodles: Cellentani noodles are a great choice, holding the creamy sauce well with their corkscrew shape.
- Butter, Flour, and Milk: These create a smooth roux base for the sauce, giving it a creamy, velvety texture.
- Cream Cheese, Mozzarella, and Cheddar: Cream cheese adds a tangy richness, while mozzarella and sharp cheddar contribute a melty, stretchy, cheesy base with depth and sharpness.
- Sour Cream and Buffalo Sauce: Sour cream adds creaminess, while buffalo hot sauce brings the signature spicy kick to the dish.
- Shredded Chicken: Adds protein and heartiness, absorbing the flavors of the sauce.
Panko Topping:
- Butter, Olive Oil, and Seasoned Panko Crumbs: A buttery, crispy topping that adds crunch, contrasting with the creamy mac and cheese base.
Tips for Making the Best Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese
- Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, use fresh, high-quality cheese and chicken.
- Cook Pasta Al Dente: Make sure to cook the pasta just until al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy.
- Toast Panko Breadcrumbs: Toast the Panko breadcrumbs in a bit of butter before adding them to the dish for extra flavor and crunch.
- Garnish Generously: Top the dish with plenty of fresh parsley for added color and freshness.
Serving Suggestions
- With a Side Salad: Pair Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese with a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.
- With Garlic Bread: Serve with garlic bread for an extra touch of flavor.
- With Steamed Vegetables: Add some steamed broccoli or green beans on the side for extra nutrition.
- With Ranch Dressing: Serve with a side of ranch dressing for those who want a cooling contrast to the spicy buffalo chicken.
- With a Slice of Lime: Squeeze a slice of lime over the top for a refreshing and tangy touch.
A Must Try
There’s nothing quite like the taste of homemade Creamy Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese. This dish is the perfect way to treat yourself or your loved ones to something special. Creamy, spicy, and packed with deliciousness, it’s sure to become a favorite in your home.
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Creamy Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese
Creamy Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese is a delicious and hearty dish that combines the classic comfort of mac and cheese with the spicy kick of buffalo chicken, all topped with crispy Panko crumbs. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or a cozy night in, this dish is sure to impress.
Ingredients
- 8 oz 230gr dry macaroni noodles
- 1 ½ cup 170gr shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup 115gr sharp shredded cheddar cheese
- ⅓ cup 80gr sour cream
- ½ cup 120 ml buffalo hot sauce
- 1 ½ cups 200gr shredded chicken
- 3 Tbsps 42gr butter
- 3 Tbsps 24gr flour
- 2 cups 475 ml milk
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp ground mustard
- 4 oz 115 gr cream cheese
For Panko Topping:
- 1 Tbsp 14g butter
- ½ Tbsp olive oil
- ½ cup 30g seasoned panko crumbs
Instructions
- Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and butter a 1.5-quart round or 9x9-inch square baking dish for a light coating.
- Meanwhile, cook the pasta until it’s just tender, following the package directions.
- In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, add the flour, stirring until it’s smooth.
- Pour in the milk and spices, stir thoroughly, and bring the mixture to a boil.
- When the mixture starts to boil, lower the heat to bring it to a gentle simmer, stirring often until it thickens slightly.
- Reduce the heat to low, then add the cream cheese, mozzarella, cheddar, and sour cream.
- Stir until all the cheeses are fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Stir in the hot sauce, then add the shredded chicken and cooked, drained pasta, mixing until everything is well coated in the sauce.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, then get ready to make the Panko topping.
Panko Topping
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the butter and olive oil, stirring occasionally until melted.
- Add the Panko, stirring until it has mostly absorbed the butter and oil. Keep stirring until the Panko is lightly toasted and reaches a golden brown color.
- Use a spoon to sprinkle the toasted Panko evenly over the buffalo chicken mac and cheese.
- Place the dish in the oven and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes.
- Garnish with parsley, if desired, and serve warm.
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Creamy Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese
Karen
I made this for my son and he LOVED it!! He said it is delicious!!:) Thank you!!
Holly Henry
I’m so glad to hear that your son loved it! 😊 That’s the best compliment—thank you for sharing! 🍴💛