Irresistible Buffalo-Chicken Macaroni and Cheese Recipe

Published: September 8, 2025

by deliciouscorner

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Buffalo-Chicken Macaroni and Cheese is incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights
Its bold flavor profile combines spicy buffalo sauce with rich cheese for a delightful kick
Visually appealing, this dish features vibrant colors that will impress your guests at any gathering
Versatile enough to adapt to your pantry staples, you can easily swap ingredients without sacrificing taste

When I served this dish at a potluck, my friends couldn’t stop raving about how delicious it was. Their empty plates said it all.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but you can adjust based on your crowd size.
Buffalo Sauce: Choose your favorite brand or homemade version for that extra kick of flavor.
Pasta (Elbow Macaroni): Cook until al dente; we want some bite in our macaroni. For more inspiration, check out this Green Chile Macaroni Delight recipe.
Heavy Cream: This adds richness and creaminess every bite craves.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Use sharp cheddar for a bold cheese flavor that pairs well with buffalo sauce.
Breadcrumbs: Toasted breadcrumbs add a satisfying crunch on top.
Green Onions: Chopped for garnish; they add freshness and color to the dish.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Cook the Pasta: Start by boiling water in a large pot. Add a pinch of salt before tossing in 8 ounces of elbow macaroni. Cook until al dente, about 7-8 minutes, then drain and set aside.

Sauté the Chicken: In a skillet over medium heat, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once hot, add diced chicken breasts seasoned with salt and pepper. Cook until golden brown and cooked through, roughly 6-8 minutes.

Add Buffalo Sauce and Cream: Pour in 1 cup of buffalo sauce along with 1 cup of heavy cream into the skillet with chicken. Stir well until combined, letting the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes to meld flavors.

Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked macaroni directly into the skillet with the buffalo-chicken mixture. Gently fold everything together until each piece of pasta is coated in that cheesy goodness.

Bake to Perfection: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the macaroni mix into a greased baking dish. Top it off with shredded cheddar cheese and breadcrumbs for added texture before baking for 20-25 minutes until bubbly.

Strong flavors meet comforting textures in this Buffalo-Chicken Macaroni and Cheese recipe! You are officially ready to serve up smiles! Savory Ground Turkey and Peppers.

You Must Know

Buffalo-Chicken Macaroni and Cheese is a delightful twist on classic comfort food
The spicy kick of buffalo sauce pairs perfectly with creamy cheese, making it an unforgettable dish
This recipe is versatile and perfect for gatherings or cozy nights in

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by cooking the pasta al dente while you prepare the buffalo chicken. This sequence saves time and ensures everything is hot when served.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out the chicken for shredded rotisserie chicken or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Add extra toppings like green onions or crumbled blue cheese for flair.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the microwave, adding a splash of milk to restore creaminess.

Chef's Helpful Tips

When making Buffalo-Chicken Macaroni and Cheese, always taste your sauce before mixing it in
Adjust the spice level with more or less buffalo sauce based on your preferences
For extra creaminess, consider adding cream cheese along with shredded cheese

Sharing this dish with friends led to a memorable potluck where everyone begged for seconds, calling it “the ultimate comfort food.” Giant Pizza Bagels.

FAQ

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! Any pasta shape you love will work well in this recipe.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, just use gluten-free pasta and ensure all sauces are gluten-free.

How can I make this dish spicier?

Add more buffalo sauce or include diced jalapeños for an extra kick!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

Buffalo-Chicken Macaroni and Cheese

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Author: deleciouscorner
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: Serves 6

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Description

Indulge your taste buds with Buffalo-Chicken Macaroni and Cheese, where creamy cheese meets tender spicy chicken. This dish is topped with a crunchy breadcrumb layer, making it the perfect centerpiece for family dinners or game day gatherings. Quick to prepare and bursting with flavor, this mac and cheese will leave everyone craving more!

Ingredients

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Instructions

Cook the elbow macaroni in boiling salted water until al dente (7-8 minutes), then drain and set aside.
In a skillet over medium heat, sauté diced chicken in olive oil until golden and cooked through (6-8 minutes).
Stir in buffalo sauce and heavy cream, simmering for about 5 minutes.
Combine the cooked macaroni with the buffalo-chicken mixture until evenly coated.
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C), transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish, top with cheddar cheese and breadcrumbs, then bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
Calories: 550
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 850mg
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 16g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 47g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 32g
Cholesterol: 95mg

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