Introduction

Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese is a spicy twist on a classic comfort dish, combining creamy cheese sauce with the bold flavors of buffalo chicken. This hearty meal is perfect for game day or any time you’re craving something warm and flavorful.

The image shows a close-up of a white bowl filled with creamy macaroni and cheese mixed with small pieces of cooked chicken. The macaroni is well coated with a smooth, bright orange cheese sauce, creating a thick and rich texture. Bits of green herbs are sprinkled on top, adding a touch of color. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with a folded beige cloth partially visible beside it. The lighting highlights the creamy texture and warmth of the dish, making it look fresh and delicious. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

12 oz rotini pasta
2 cups cooked, diced boneless skinless chicken breast
1/2 cup buffalo sauce
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
4 oz cream cheese
2 tbsp butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups milk
1 cup panko breadcrumbs (for topping)
2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute to form a roux.
Step 3: Gradually whisk in the milk, cooking until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes.
Step 4: Reduce heat to low and stir in the cream cheese and sharp cheddar until melted and smooth.
Step 5: Toss the cooked chicken with buffalo sauce, then fold it into the cheese sauce along with the cooked pasta, mixing well.
Step 6: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Pour the mixture into a baking dish and sprinkle the panko breadcrumbs evenly on top.
Step 7: Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the breadcrumbs are golden and crispy.
Step 8: Garnish with sliced green onions before serving for a fresh, bright finish.

Tips & Variations

For extra heat, add a few dashes of hot sauce to the cheese sauce before mixing everything.
Use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar for a spicier kick.
Swap rotini for elbow macaroni or shells depending on your preference.
To make this recipe lighter, use low-fat cream cheese and reduced-fat milk.

Storage

Store leftover Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through, adding a splash of milk if the sauce thickens too much.

How to Serve

A close-up shot of a white round plate filled with creamy macaroni and cheese mixed with small pieces of cooked chicken. The top layer is bright golden yellow melted cheese with a slightly bubbly and crispy texture, sprinkled with small green herb bits. The elbow macaroni underneath is coated in rich, glossy cheese sauce, creating a smooth, soft texture. Chicken pieces are evenly spread across the dish, adding a firmer texture and light brown color contrast inside the creamy pasta. The plate sits on a white marbled surface with a beige cloth partially visible on the left side. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use homemade buffalo sauce for this recipe?

Yes, homemade buffalo sauce works great and allows you to control the spice level to suit your taste.

Is this dish freezer-friendly?

You can freeze the cooked mac and cheese before baking. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed, adding extra baking time if needed.

Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 487 reviews

This Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese combines creamy, cheesy pasta with spicy buffalo chicken for a deliciously comforting twist on a classic favorite. Perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner, it features rotini pasta smothered in a rich cheese sauce, tender chicken tossed in buffalo sauce, and a crispy breadcrumb topping for added texture.

Author: Isabella
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

12 oz rotini pasta
2 cups cooked, diced boneless skinless chicken breast
1/2 cup buffalo sauce
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
4 oz cream cheese
2 tbsp butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups milk
1 cup panko breadcrumbs (for topping)
2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the Chicken: In a medium bowl, toss the cooked, diced chicken breast with buffalo sauce until well coated. Set aside.
Make the Cheese Sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for about 1-2 minutes to make a roux, stirring constantly until golden and bubbly. Gradually whisk in milk, continuing to stir until the sauce thickens and is smooth, about 5 minutes.
Add Cheeses: Reduce heat to low, then add the cream cheese and shredded sharp cheddar cheese to the sauce. Stir until all cheeses melt and the sauce is creamy and homogenous.
Combine Pasta and Chicken: Add the cooked pasta and buffalo chicken mixture to the cheese sauce. Stir gently to combine all ingredients evenly, ensuring the pasta is well-coated with the sauce and buffalo flavor.
Prepare the Topping: In a small pan, toast the panko breadcrumbs over medium heat until golden brown and crisp. This step adds crunch and improves flavor.
Assemble and Serve: Transfer the buffalo chicken mac and cheese to serving bowls or a baking dish if desired. Sprinkle the toasted panko breadcrumbs on top and garnish with sliced green onions for a fresh, vibrant finish. Serve immediately while hot.

Notes

For extra heat, add more buffalo sauce or sprinkle with cayenne pepper.
Use rotisserie chicken for a quick shortcut.
To make it gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs.
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated covered in the oven or microwave.
For a creamier texture, add a splash of milk when reheating.

Keywords: Buffalo Chicken, Mac and Cheese, Buffalo Sauce, Comfort Food, Cheesy Pasta, Spicy Chicken