Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe
If you’re craving a dish that combines creamy comfort with a spicy kick, you’ve got to try this Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese. It’s the kind of recipe that hugs you from the inside out, packed with tender popcorn chicken, gooey cheese, and just the right amount of buffalo sauce heat. Every bite bursts with flavor and texture, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or game day festivities. Whether you’re a mac and cheese lover or a buffalo chicken fanatic, this dish brings the best of both worlds together in a warm, cheesy pan of happiness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but play a crucial role in crafting the layers of flavor and texture that make this Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese so irresistible. Each component contributes to a harmony of creamy richness, spicy tang, and satisfying crunch.
- 1 lb frozen popcorn chicken: Quick to cook and perfectly crispy, these bite-sized chicken pieces add that beloved buffalo chicken vibe without extra fuss.
- 4 cups water: The base liquid for cooking the macaroni ensures the noodles soften evenly and absorb the cheese sauce later on.
- 2 cups heavy cream (35%MF): This is what makes the sauce luxuriously smooth and rich, creating that signature creamy mac and cheese texture.
- 1 lb macaroni noodles: Classic elbow macaroni holds the cheese sauce beautifully with its little curves and hollows.
- 10.5 oz condensed cheddar cheese soup: Adds depth and a homey, cheddar flavor that melds perfectly with the cheese blend.
- 1 1/2 tablespoon garlic powder: Gives the dish a subtle savory backbone that complements the sharpness of cheddar and heat of buffalo sauce.
- 1 1/2 tablespoon onion powder: Enhances the overall savory profile without overpowering the dish.
- 1 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the flavors and brings out the cheesiness in the sauce.
- 1 1/2 teaspoon pepper: Adds just a bit of warming spice for complexity.
- 4 cups shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese blend: The ooey-gooey heart of the dish, combining creamy mozzarella stretch with sharp cheddar bite.
- 1 cup Buffalo sauce: Packs the signature heat and tang that makes this mac and cheese delightfully spicy and bold.
- 1/3 cup ranch dressing: Brings a cool, creamy contrast on top that tames the buffalo heat perfectly.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese
Step 1: Cook the Popcorn Chicken
Start by cooking the frozen popcorn chicken exactly as instructed on the package. This ensures you get that crispy, tender chicken that’s essential for the dish’s texture and buffalo flavor.
Step 2: Prepare to Cook Macaroni
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Meanwhile, pour the water and heavy cream into a large pot and bring the mixture to a rolling boil. This creamy liquid base is going to soften your macaroni noodles while adding richness.
Step 3: Cook the Macaroni Noodles
Once the liquid boils, add the macaroni noodles, making sure they’re fully submerged. Cover with a lid and turn the heat to medium-low. Let the noodles cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally so nothing sticks—this gentle cooking method yields perfectly tender pasta.
Step 4: Mix in the Cheese Sauce Base
Remove the lid and give the noodles a good stir. Now add the condensed cheddar cheese soup, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything until it’s well combined—the sauce starts to thicken and coat every macaroni piece with creamy goodness.
Step 5: Add Half of the Cheese Blend
Stir in 2 cups of your shredded mozzarella and cheddar blend. The cheese will begin melting into the sauce, making it irresistibly gooey and flavorful. This step makes sure the cheese is evenly distributed throughout the dish.
Step 6: Assemble the Dish
Grease a 9 x 13 inch baking dish lightly and pour the mac and cheese mixture in. Next, sprinkle the cooked popcorn chicken evenly on top. Dollop the buffalo sauce over the chicken, spreading it gently for that spicy kick with every bite.
Step 7: Add Ranch and Top Cheese
Drizzle the ranch dressing over the buffalo sauce—this creamy layer balances the heat beautifully. Finally, sprinkle the remaining 2 cups of shredded cheese on top for that golden, bubbly finish after baking.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Pop the baking dish into your preheated oven and bake for 16 to 18 minutes, or until the cheese on top melts completely and starts to turn golden brown around the edges. Once baked, let it sit for a few minutes before serving to set slightly.
How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese
Garnishes
Topping your Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or green onions adds a pop of color and a fresh note to counterbalance the rich, creamy layers beneath. A little extra drizzle of ranch dressing or blue cheese crumbles can elevate the buffalo flavor if you want to dial it up even more.
Side Dishes
Since this mac and cheese is hearty and packed with bold flavors, it pairs beautifully with something light and crisp. A fresh green salad with a zesty vinaigrette or some steamed broccoli cuts through the richness and adds a refreshing crunch to the meal. For something more indulgent, crispy sweet potato fries are a fantastic match.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving this Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese in individual ramekins or mini cast iron skillets for personal portions. You can also layer it into a casserole with some crushed tortilla chips on top for an added crispy texture. It’s a versatile dish that’s perfect for sharing or keeping all to yourself!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese tastes just as good the next day. After your meal, let the dish cool completely, then cover and store it in the refrigerator. It will last up to 3 to 4 days, making it a perfect make-ahead comfort food for busy weeknights.
Freezing
If you want to keep this delightful dish even longer, you can freeze it. Assemble everything but hold off on baking. Cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, bake from frozen and add a few extra minutes to the baking time until it’s bubbling and golden.
Reheating
Reheat leftover Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit, covered with foil to keep it moist, for 15 to 20 minutes. For a quicker option, microwave individual portions, stirring occasionally for even heating. Your cheesy, spicy comfort will be ready in no time.
FAQs
Can I use fresh chicken instead of frozen popcorn chicken?
Absolutely! You can cook fresh chicken pieces seasoned with buffalo sauce or hot sauce and add them after cooking. The popcorn chicken is just a convenient shortcut that adds a crispy texture.
Is this recipe very spicy?
This Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese has a moderate level of heat thanks to the buffalo sauce. If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the buffalo sauce or swap it for a milder wing sauce.
Can I substitute the heavy cream with milk?
Using milk instead of heavy cream will make the sauce less rich and creamy, but it will still be tasty. For a similar texture, consider half-and-half or adding a bit of butter for extra creaminess.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make it vegetarian, skip the chicken entirely or use a plant-based chicken substitute. You can also add roasted veggies like cauliflower or mushrooms for a hearty, meatless twist.
What cheese blend works best for Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese?
A mix of mozzarella and sharp cheddar is ideal because mozzarella gives a beautiful stretchiness while cheddar adds that classic sharp flavor. Feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a little extra kick.
Final Thoughts
Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese is one of those dishes that hits every craving spot — creamy, cheesy, spicy, and satisfying all at once. Whether it’s family dinner or a get-together with friends, this recipe will bring smiles, seconds, and maybe even thirds to the table. So go ahead, give it a try and savor every spectacular bite!
Print
Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Halal
Description
A comforting and flavorful Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese featuring crispy popcorn chicken, creamy cheddar cheese sauce, and a spicy buffalo kick, baked to golden perfection with a drizzle of ranch dressing.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 lb frozen popcorn chicken
Pasta & Sauce
- 4 cups water
- 2 cups heavy cream (35% MF)
- 1 lb macaroni noodles
- 10.5 oz condensed cheddar cheese soup
- 1 1/2 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 1/2 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 4 cups shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese blend
- 1 cup Buffalo sauce
- 1/3 cup ranch dressing
Instructions
- Cook Popcorn Chicken: Prepare the popcorn chicken according to the package instructions until fully cooked and crispy.
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (204°C) to prepare for baking later.
- Combine Liquids: Pour 4 cups of water and 2 cups of heavy cream into a large pot and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Add Pasta: Once boiling, add 1 lb macaroni noodles, stirring to ensure all noodles are submerged.
- Simmer Pasta: Cover the pot with a lid, reduce heat to medium-low, and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Season and Mix: Remove the lid, stir well, then add 10.5 oz condensed cheddar cheese soup, 1 1/2 tablespoons garlic powder, 1 1/2 tablespoons onion powder, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, and 1 1/2 teaspoons pepper. Mix thoroughly.
- Add Cheese: Stir in 2 cups of the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese blend until fully melted and integrated.
- Assemble Dish: Transfer the cheesy macaroni into a greased 9 x 13 inch baking dish, spreading evenly.
- Layer Popcorn Chicken: Evenly distribute the cooked popcorn chicken over the macaroni.
- Add Buffalo Sauce: Pour 1 cup of Buffalo sauce evenly over the popcorn chicken layer.
- Drizzle Ranch: Drizzle 1/3 cup ranch dressing atop the Buffalo sauce to add creaminess and balance.
- Top with Remaining Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining 2 cups of shredded cheese evenly over the assembled layers.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 16-18 minutes until the cheese is melted and beginning to brown around the edges.
- Rest and Serve: Remove from oven and let sit for a few minutes to set before scooping and serving.
- Enjoy: Serve warm and enjoy your rich and spicy Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese!
Notes
- Use gluten-free pasta if needed to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Adjust the amount of Buffalo sauce based on your preferred spice level.
- You can substitute ranch dressing with blue cheese dressing for an alternative flavor pairing.
- For a lighter version, use reduced-fat cheese and replace heavy cream with whole milk.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat thoroughly before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Boiling, Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
Keywords: Buffalo chicken, mac and cheese, comfort food, baked pasta, spicy chicken, cheesy pasta
