The Ultimate Creamy & Spicy Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe

Prepare for a flavor explosion with this incredible Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese! This isn’t just any macaroni and cheese; it’s a perfectly balanced blend of tender pasta, a rich, velvety cheese sauce, spicy buffalo chicken, and the cool, tangy counterpoint of blue cheese dressing. It’s the ultimate comfort food, elevated with a zesty, fiery kick that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more.

If you’re a fan of classic macaroni and cheese with a twist, or you simply adore buffalo chicken flavors, this recipe is guaranteed to become a new favorite in your kitchen. It’s hearty, satisfying, and surprisingly straightforward to make, especially when you leverage a few smart shortcuts.

For those who love exploring unique mac and cheese creations, you might also enjoy my lobster mac and cheese or the deeply rich 4 cheese mac and cheese.

Why You’ll Absolutely Love This Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese

This isn’t just another mac and cheese recipe; it’s a culinary experience designed for maximum flavor and minimal fuss. Here’s why this dish is poised to become a staple in your meal rotation:

• Effortless Preparation with Smart Shortcuts

  We all love homemade goodness, but sometimes time is of the essence. This recipe shines by utilizing convenient store-bought ingredients like a rotisserie chicken, pre-made buffalo sauce, and quality blue cheese dressing. This means you skip most of the time-consuming prep work, allowing you to focus on the fun parts: cooking the pasta and crafting the rich, cheesy béchamel sauce. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress without the stress.

• Irresistibly Cheesy, Creamy, and Flavorful

  Every spoonful of this buffalo chicken mac and cheese is a journey into decadent creaminess. We’re talking about a luscious cheese sauce made with a trio of complementary cheeses that melt into a velvety dream. The sharpness of cheddar, the meltiness of mozzarella, and the unique kick of caramelized onion pepper jack create a complex flavor profile that perfectly coats every piece of pasta. This dish isn’t just cheesy; it’s an explosion of creamy, savory, and spicy notes.

• Feeds a Crowd, Perfect for Any Occasion

  With a recipe designed to serve a large crowd, this mac and cheese is your go-to dish for potlucks, family gatherings, game day parties, or holiday feasts. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that provides ample portions, ensuring everyone gets to enjoy this irresistible creation. Plus, it’s comforting and hearty enough to stand alone as a main course.

• Delicious Leftovers (If There Are Any!)

  One of the true tests of a great dish is how well it holds up as leftovers. This buffalo chicken mac and cheese often tastes even better the next day, as the flavors have more time to meld and deepen. Simply store any remaining portions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days, and reheat gently for another satisfying meal. It’s a gift that keeps on giving!

Essential Ingredients for Your Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese

Crafting the perfect buffalo chicken mac and cheese starts with understanding the role of each ingredient. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and some helpful notes:

• Pasta: The Foundation of Mac and Cheese

  I opted for cavatappi pasta in this recipe, which is a fantastic choice due to its spiral shape and ridges that capture and hold onto the creamy cheese sauce beautifully. However, feel free to use any short-shaped pasta that you love. Elbow macaroni, shells, rotini, or even penne are excellent alternatives that will deliver a similar satisfying texture. The key is to cook it al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly when baked with the sauce.

• Chicken: The Star Protein

  For ultimate convenience, store-bought rotisserie chicken is a game-changer – it’s already cooked and seasoned, saving you significant time. Simply shred the meat and you’re good to go! If you prefer to cook your own, you can easily boil chicken breasts, bake them, or even cook a whole chicken in an air fryer for extra flavor. Just make sure you have about 2 cups of cooked, shredded chicken for the recipe. Remember to discard the chicken skin and excess fat, as they can become soggy in the cheese sauce.

• Cheese: The Heart of the Dish

  The cheese blend is crucial for achieving that rich, gooey, and flavorful sauce. This recipe calls for a fantastic combination: sharp cheddar cheese for its classic mac and cheese flavor, mozzarella cheese for its incredible melt and stretch, and caramelized onion pepper jack cheese for a unique savory depth and a subtle spicy kick. If caramelized onion pepper jack is hard to find, don’t worry! You can substitute it with gouda or a regular Monterey Jack cheese for a milder profile, or even a spicier pepper jack if you want to dial up the heat. Always grate your cheese fresh from the block; pre-shredded cheeses often contain anti-caking agents that can make your sauce gritty.

• Milk: For the Creamiest Sauce

  For the richest and most decadent cheese sauce, whole milk is highly recommended. Its higher fat content contributes to a luxuriously creamy texture that skim or low-fat milk simply can’t achieve. If you must use a lighter milk, consider adding a tablespoon of cream cheese or a little extra butter to compensate for the loss of richness.

• Buffalo Sauce & Blue Cheese Dressing: The Signature Flavor Duo

  These two ingredients are what make this dish truly “buffalo chicken.” Use your favorite brand of buffalo sauce; adjust the amount based on your preferred spice level. For the blue cheese dressing, opt for a high-quality brand, preferably from the refrigerated section of your local supermarket. These typically have a fresher, more robust flavor that complements the buffalo sauce perfectly. The dressing adds a creamy tang and helps to balance the heat.

Expert Tips for the Perfect Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese

Achieving mac and cheese perfection is all about paying attention to a few key details. Follow these top tips to ensure your buffalo chicken mac and cheese is absolutely flawless:

• Master the Béchemel: When making your béchamel sauce (the butter, flour, and milk base), it’s crucial to whisk constantly. This prevents lumps and ensures the sauce doesn’t burn and stick to the bottom of the pot. Patience and continuous stirring are your best friends here.
• Cook Out the Flour Taste: After adding the flour to the melted butter, cook this roux mixture for at least 1-2 minutes before pouring in the cold milk. This step is vital to cook out the raw flour taste, which can otherwise leave a pasty, unpleasant flavor in your final sauce.
• Quality Blue Cheese Dressing: Not all blue cheese dressings are created equal. For the best flavor, seek out blue cheese dressing from the refrigerated section of your local supermarket. These often have a richer, tangier, and more authentic blue cheese flavor compared to shelf-stable varieties, making a significant difference in the overall taste of your dish.
• Freshly Grated Cheese is Key: While pre-shredded cheese is convenient, it often contains anti-caking agents that can prevent it from melting smoothly, resulting in a slightly gritty sauce. Take the extra few minutes to grate your cheese fresh from the block for a truly creamy, silky-smooth cheese sauce.
• Remove Chicken Skin and Fat: If using a rotisserie chicken or cooking your own, make sure to discard the skin and any excess fat before shredding the meat. Chicken skin tends to get soggy and unappetizing when mixed into the creamy cheese sauce, detracting from the overall texture.
• Customize Your Spice Level: If you love heat, feel free to crank it up! You can add a pinch of cayenne pepper directly to the cheese sauce or use a spicier variety of buffalo sauce instead of the original. For even more fire, a dash of your favorite hot sauce or some finely diced jalapeños can be incorporated.
• Go Extra Cheesy: For an ultra-luxurious mac and cheese, consider adding some crumbled blue cheese directly into the cheese sauce along with the other cheeses. This will boost the tangy, pungent blue cheese flavor and make the dish even more decadent.
• Add a Crunchy Topping: If you enjoy a textural contrast, sprinkle some crushed Ritz crackers or panko breadcrumbs on top of the mac and cheese before baking. You can toss them with a little melted butter first for an even richer, golden-brown crust. This adds a delightful crunch that complements the creamy interior beautifully.

Can I Use Fried Chicken or Chicken Nuggets Instead of Shredded Chicken?

Absolutely! If you’re looking for a different texture or have leftover fried chicken, it makes a fantastic addition. Simply cut up crispy fried chicken or chicken nuggets into bite-sized pieces. The key is to still combine them with the buffalo sauce and blue cheese dressing before mixing them into the mac and cheese. This ensures every piece of chicken is infused with that signature buffalo flavor and creaminess, preventing any dryness and integrating it perfectly into the dish. The crispy exterior of fried chicken can also add an exciting textural element.

What Goes Well with Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese?

This Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese is a rich, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying meal on its own. However, pairing it with the right side dishes can elevate your dining experience and provide a delightful balance. Given its decadent nature, I highly recommend serving it alongside lighter, fresher options to cut through the richness:

• Crisp Green Salad: A simple mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette is a perfect counterpoint. The fresh, crisp greens and tangy dressing will offer a refreshing contrast to the creamy mac and cheese.
• Cool Coleslaw: The creamy texture and slight crunch of coleslaw, often with a vinegar-based dressing, complement the spicy and cheesy flavors wonderfully.
• Roasted Vegetables: Vegetables like roasted broccoli, asparagus, or green beans are excellent choices. Their slight bitterness and earthy notes can balance the richness of the mac and cheese.
• Grilled Meats: While the dish already contains chicken, if you’re serving it as a side, it pairs exceptionally well with grilled proteins. I personally love serving it with garlic butter steak tips or delicate crab stuffed salmon for a truly luxurious meal.
• Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn can offer a lovely, natural sweetness and a different texture that complements the spicy and savory notes.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

This Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese makes for fantastic leftovers, often tasting even better the next day as the flavors deepen. Here’s how to store and reheat it properly:

• Refrigeration: Allow any leftover mac and cheese to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
• Freezing: While mac and cheese can be frozen, the texture of the sauce can sometimes change upon thawing, becoming a bit grainy. If you do freeze it, ensure it’s in a freezer-safe, airtight container for up to 1-2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating in the Oven: This is often the best method for retaining creaminess. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the mac and cheese in an oven-safe dish, adding a splash of milk (about 1-2 tablespoons per serving) to help rehydrate the sauce. Cover with foil and bake for 20-30 minutes, or until heated through. Remove foil for the last 5-10 minutes if you want to crisp up the topping.
• Reheating on the Stovetop: For individual servings, place the mac and cheese in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Add a splash of milk or chicken broth and stir frequently until heated through and creamy again.
• Reheating in the Microwave: While convenient, the microwave can sometimes dry out mac and cheese. Heat in short intervals (1-2 minutes), stirring in between and adding a splash of milk as needed until warmed through.

Tried this recipe? Please leave a star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating in the recipe card below and/or a review in the comments section further down the page. And consider following me on Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest for more delicious recipes!

Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese

By Julie Maestre

This buffalo chicken mac and cheese is a blend of pasta, cheese, chicken, and sauce. The best macaroni and cheese recipe you’ll ever make!

Prep: 15 mins

Cook: 40 mins

Total: 55 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 1 lb pasta, cavatappi (or other short-shaped pasta)
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 1/2 cups whole milk
• 2 cups cheddar cheese, freshly grated
• 2 cups caramelized onion Jack cheese (or gouda/Monterey Jack), freshly grated
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, freshly grated
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 1/4 cup buffalo sauce (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 cup blue cheese dressing (high quality, refrigerated section)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to packaging instructions until al dente. Drain well.
2. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux and cook out the raw flour taste.
3. Gradually whisk in the cold whole milk. Continue to cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, for 20-30 minutes, or until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon. Be careful not to let it boil vigorously.
4. Once the sauce is thick, remove it from the heat. Stir in the freshly grated cheddar, caramelized onion Jack (or substitute), and mozzarella cheese until melted and smooth. Reserve a small amount of cheese for topping if desired.
5. Taste the cheese sauce and season with salt and pepper as needed. Remember, the buffalo sauce and blue cheese dressing will add saltiness later.
6. In a separate large bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken, buffalo sauce, and blue cheese dressing. Toss well to coat the chicken evenly.
7. Add the chicken mixture and the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce. Mix everything thoroughly until the pasta and chicken are well coated.
8. Pour the mac and cheese mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Top with any reserved cheese, and if desired, sprinkle with crushed Ritz crackers or panko breadcrumbs for a crunchy topping.
9. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the topping (if any) is golden brown.
10. Garnish with fresh chives or chopped scallions, if desired, before serving hot. Enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 686kcal |
Carbohydrates: 53g |
Protein: 38g |
Fat: 35g |
Saturated Fat: 20g |
Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g |
Monounsaturated Fat: 10g |
Trans Fat: 1g |
Cholesterol: 121mg |
Sodium: 806mg |
Potassium: 455mg |
Fiber: 2g |
Sugar: 9g |
Vitamin A: 1007IU |
Vitamin C: 1mg |
Calcium: 665mg |
Iron: 2mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Author: Julie Maestre

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Course: Entree

Cuisine: American

Servings: 8

Calories: 686

Keyword: Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese, Chicken mac and cheese, how to make buffalo chicken mac and cheese

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