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Creamy Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese

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A quick and easy 30-minute dinner recipe combining creamy cheese sauce with spicy buffalo chicken for a comforting and flavorful meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces elbow macaroni or small shells
  • 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (about 10 ounces)
  • 1/3 cup buffalo sauce (medium-spicy, e.g., Frank’s RedHot)
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (about 8 ounces)
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (about 4 ounces)
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional garnishes: chopped green onions, blue cheese crumbles, extra buffalo sauce drizzle

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add macaroni and cook for 7-8 minutes until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.
  3. Gradually whisk in milk, simmering for 4-5 minutes until slightly thickened.
  4. Add cream cheese in chunks and stir until melted and smooth.
  5. Lower heat to medium-low and stir in cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until melted. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
  6. Stir in buffalo sauce, then fold in shredded chicken until evenly coated.
  7. Add drained pasta to the cheese sauce and gently fold to coat. Cook over low heat for 2 minutes. Add a splash of milk if sauce is too thick.
  8. Optional: Transfer to a greased 2-quart casserole dish, top with extra cheddar, and bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes until golden and bubbly.
  9. Serve garnished with green onions, blue cheese crumbles, or extra buffalo sauce if desired.

Notes

Keep heat low when melting cheese to prevent graininess. If sauce breaks, whisk in warm milk or cream. Use freshly shredded cheese for best melting. Adjust buffalo sauce amount to control spiciness. Leftovers reheat well with a splash of milk.

Nutrition

Keywords: buffalo chicken, mac and cheese, creamy, quick dinner, comfort food, spicy, easy recipe

Find it online: https://bitematrix.com/creamy-buffalo-chicken-mac-and-cheese-recipe-easy-30-minute-dinner-idea/