Creamy Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese

Name: Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 16 oz elbow macaroni; 6 tablespoons salted butter; 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 3 cups whole milk; ¾ cup buffalo sauce (hot sauce); 1 packet dry ranch seasoning; 3 cups cheddar cheese (shredded); 1 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded); 1 celery stalk (diced); 2 green onions (sliced)

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Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese is a delicious twist on two comforting classic recipes. The perfect combination of creamy, cheesy pasta and the fiery zing of buffalo sauce and tender chicken. Make this recipe as a quick and easy weeknight dinner or a side dish for the holidays or Super Bowl.

buffalo chicken mac and cheese in a pot with chopped green onions on top, and some being picked up by a serving spoon.

Table of Contents

This easy recipe is what happens when you combine baked mac & cheese with popular and much loved buffalo style chicken wings. It’s a must-try for anyone who craves the ultimate comfort food with a kick.

Buffalo chicken flavor is like a mad force, am I right? While popular as an appetizer, I sometimes eat our Best Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe as a meal. The taste has inspired other unique recipes such as Buffalo Chicken Soup and more.

The nest step is to combine the flavor with the nostalgia-inducing dish that is mac and cheese. It’s dishes like this one that keep me going in the kitchen, twists on tried and trues.

Our easy buffalo chicken mac and cheese recipe is made with two kinds of cheese, shredded chicken, buffalo hot sauce for heat, and some veggie toppings for bulk, and to replicate iconic sides for buffalo chicken wings.

This Buffalo ranch mac and cheese recipe without cream cheese is rich, hearty, and made in just 30 minutes. It’s cheesy, creamy, a little spicy, and so hearty!

How spicy is buffalo chicken mac and cheese?

Well, the spice level all depends on the buffalo sauce used, and how much of it. One of the great things about this recipe is that you can adjust the amount of buffalo sauce according to preference, making it as mild or as spicy as you’d like.

buffalo chicken mac and cheese in a pot with chopped green onions on top.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Comfort Food Reimagined – A tasty marriage of two much loved dishes.
Quick and Easy – This is a delicious one-pot meal made entirely on the stovetop. This means that not only is it convenient, but also makes clean up easier.
Versatile – Ability to adjust the spice/heat to suit preferences.
Crowd-Pleasing – Whether this is for a casual dinner or game day feast, this recipe fits effortlessly into any occasion.

Total Time: 30 Minutes

Serves: 6

Ingredients and Notes

As always, the full ingredients and recipe is on the printable recipe card at the end of this post.

ingredients on a table to make buffalo chicken mac and cheese.

Pasta – Elbow macaroni pasta is the traditional choice for mac and cheese because the shape holds the cheese sauce beautifully. There are pasta swap options which I’ve detailed below.
Chicken – Use any cooked shredded chicken such as rotisserie chicken for convenience, or grilled chicken breast. You can even try crispy chicken tenders for a different texture experience.
Buffalo Sauce – Use any brand or variety preferred, yet I use Frank’s Red Hot Wings Buffalo Sauce. You can liven up our Air Fryer Chicken Bites with this sauce too.
Cheese – I use both sharp cheddar cheese and mozzarella cheese for this recipe.
Dairy – Whole milk and butter are needed to make the rich, smooth cheese sauce. For a lighter version, low-fat milk can be used, though the texture might lose some silkiness.

Recipe Variations

Pasta – Instead of elbow macaroni, here are some good alternatives: shells, rotini, fusilli, or farfalle. Same with making our Baked Jalapeno Popper Mac and Cheese Recipe.
Cheese – Feel free to incorporate pepper jack for an extra layer of heat or swap with gouda for a smokier depth. If you’re feeling adventurous, adding a bit of blue cheese crumbles can echo the buffalo wing tradition.
Add a crunchy topping – Toss breadcrumbs or Panko with a little melted butter and toast them in the oven or a skillet until golden-brown and fragrant. Sprinkle on top just before baking.

Tips for Success

Cook the pasta just until al dente, to prevent the dish from becoming mushy. If you need to reheat the leftovers, this is especially important.
Use Shredded Rotisserie Chicken or leftover chicken for convenience and flavor, eliminating the need to cook chicken from scratch.
For the creamiest cheese sauce, start by cooking the flour and butter first to make a roux before adding milk. This technique ensures a smooth, velvety texture that clings perfectly to the pasta without becoming grainy or watery.
Add buffalo sauce gradually and taste as you go, to tailor the kick exactly to your liking. You can always add a drizzle of extra sauce while serving for those who like it hotter.
Pre-grated cheese often contains anti-caking agents which can affect melting quality. Grate your own cheese for a smoother, creamier sauce.

How to Make Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese

STEP 1 – Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions, just to el dente. Drain and set aside.

STEP 2 – In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 2-4 minutes until the roux turns golden brown.

melted cheese and milk in a pot to make homemade mac and cheese.

STEP 3 – Slowly whisk in the milk, hot sauce, and ranch seasoning. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 5 minutes.

Shredded chicken and cheese in a melted cheese mixture in a pot.

STEP 4 – Slowly add in and stir the cheddar cheese, shredded chicken, and mozzarella cheese. Cook until the cheese has melted.

buffalo chicken mac and cheese in a pot.

STEP 5 – Mix the cooked mac and cheese with the sauce.

Creamy macaroni and cheese with green onions in a pot.

STEP 6 – Serve this buffalo chicken macaroni and cheese recipe topped with celery and green onions. Enjoy!

Optional Topping Idea

Crispy topping: For an added textural dimension, consider topping your chicken buffalo mac and cheese with a mixture of panko breadcrumbs tossed with a little melted butter. This creates a golden-brown, crunchy crust that contrasts wonderfully with the creamy interior.

Spicy Breadcrumb Topping: Mix panko breadcrumbs with a pinch of cayenne pepper and a drizzle of melted butter before sprinkling over the top. This creates an extra layer of heat and a delightful crunch.

What to Serve with Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese

With the chicken, cheese, and pasta all in one dish, it’s great on its own as the star of the show. You could pairing it with a side salad and a fresh biscuit to soak up the extra cheese sauce.

However, buffalo mac and cheese with chicken makes a great side dish too, and a good one to take to a party to serve alongside:

Vegetables and Dip – Celery and carrot sticks with ranch or blue cheese dip offer a cool and refreshing contrast to the rich and spicy mac and cheese.
Moist Cornbread – The slightly sweet and crumbly texture of cornbread provides a comforting accompaniment, perfect for soaking up any extra sauce.
Sweet Potato Wedges – The natural sweetness offers a contrast to the savory and spicy notes of the mac and cheese, adding another layer of flavor and texture.

buffalo chicken mac and cheese in a bowl with chopped green onions on top, and some being picked up by a fork.

Storage and Reheating

Buffalo Chicken Macaroni and Cheese should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.

To reheat, microwave for 45-60 second intervals, stirring until the desired temperature has been reached.

Recipe FAQ

Can I make buffalo chicken mac and cheese ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it and reheat it when you are ready to serve. To reheat the entire dish, place it in an oven-safe dish and heat it covered in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes.

Can you freeze buffalo chicken mac and cheese?

Yes, as long as the pasta is cooked el dente, you can can store in an airtight container and freeze for up to 2 months. Yet, freezing will adjust the texture when unthawed, the cheese sauce can become grainy.

More Buffalo Chicken Recipes

If you’ve tried this Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe or others on my blog, let me know in the comments below. I love hearing from you. Finally, consider leaving a 🌟 star rating while you’re here. Thanks!

buffalo chicken macaroni and cheese being picked up from a plate by a fork.

Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese

Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese is a delicious twist on two comforting classic recipes. The perfect combination of creamy, cheesy pasta and the fiery zing of buffalo sauce and tender chicken. Make this recipe as a quick and easy weeknight dinner or a side dish for the holidays or Super Bowl.

5 from 1 vote

Print Pin

Prep Time: 15

Cook Time: 15

Total Time: 30

Servings:

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Author: Tammi

Ingredients

16 oz elbow macaroni
6 tablespoons salted butter
6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
3 cups whole milk
¾ cup buffalo sauce (hot sauce)
1 packet dry ranch seasoning
3 cups cheddar cheese (shredded)
1 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded)
1 celery stalk (diced)
2 green onions (sliced)

Instructions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions, just to el dente.
In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 2-4 minutes until the roux turns golden brown.
Slowly whisk in the milk, hot sauce, and ranch seasoning. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 5 minutes.
Stir in the cheddar cheese, shredded chicken, and mozzarella cheese. Cook until the cheese has melted.
Mix the cooked mac and cheese with the sauce.
Serve topped with celery and green onions. Enjoy!

Notes

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, microwave for 45-60 second intervals, stirring until the desired temperature has been reached. Add a splash of milk before reheating if very dry.

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