Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese is creamy, spicy, and full of cheesy goodness that brings comfort food to a whole new level. It's the perfect combo of your favorite game day dip and classic mac and cheese all in one dish.
This easy baked pasta dish is always a hit at game day parties or weeknight dinners when you want something satisfying without a lot of fuss. If you like this combo of heat and cheese, you'll also enjoy my Buffalo Chicken Casserole or Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad!
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Why You'll Love Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese
Bold cheesy flavor: a mix of cheddar and buffalo sauce gives this dish serious flavor.
Simple pantry ingredients: uses canned chicken, dry pasta, and fridge staples.
Perfect for gatherings: feeds a crowd and can be made ahead and baked later.
Key Ingredients
- Elbow macaroni: holds onto the sauce and bakes up tender.
- Butter & Flour: creates a quick roux to thicken the cheese sauce.
- Milk: forms the base of the creamy sauce.
- Red hot sauce: adds heat and signature flavor to the dish.
- Canned chicken: a quick protein option that works perfectly in baked dishes.
- Cheddar cheese: melts smoothly for a rich, gooey texture.
- Blue cheese crumbles: optional, but adds that classic tangy contrast to buffalo.
- Seasoned bread crumbs: toast on top for a crisp finish.
Ingredient Substitutions
- Use rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken in place of canned.
- Try pepper jack cheese for a spicier version.
- Substitute crushed buttery crackers in place of the bread crumb topping.
Recipe Variations
- Low carb: use cauliflower florets instead of pasta.
- Veggie boost: stir in cooked broccoli or spinach before baking.
- Extra crispy topping: mix breadcrumbs with melted butter before sprinkling on top.
Top Tips
- Use cold milk when making the roux to avoid lumps.
- Shred cheese from a block for the best melt.
- Let the casserole rest after baking. This helps everything set up.
How to Store & Reheat
Refrigerate leftovers in airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave with a splash of milk, or warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through.
Serve With...
Serve this cheesy casserole with a light crunchy side like Air Fryer Zucchini Fries. For a full game-day meal pair it with Jalapeno Skillet Cornbread and a sweet finish like Pecan Tassies.
More Buffalo Style Recipes To Make
When you make this recipe, please comment below and let me know what you think. I'd love it if you tag me on Instagram @grumpyshoneybunch or #grumpyshoneybunch so I can see your photos!
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📖 Recipe
Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Bake
Equipment
- Large pot , for boiling pasta
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Ingredients
- 2 cups elbow macaroni , cooked according to package
- ½ cup chopped onion
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups cold milk
- ½ cup buffalo sauce
- 12.5 ounces canned chicken chunks , drained
- 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup blue cheese crumbles , optional
- ¼ cup seasoned bread crumbs
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the onion and cook for 3 minutes, or until onion is translucent and butter has browned.
- Add the flour, salt, and pepper to the onion mixture and whisk, cooking for 2-3 minutes.
- Gradually pour the milk and hot sauce into the flour mixture, whisking constantly. Cook and stir over medium heat until slightly thick and bubbly. Stir in the chicken and cheese until melted.
- Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir to coat.
- Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture to a 2-quart casserole and sprinkle with bread crumbs and blue cheese crumbles (if using).
- Bake, uncovered, for 30 minutes or until cheese sauce is bubbly and heated through. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.
Michele says
Did I miss where in the recipe it says when to add the buffalo sauce?
Shelby Law Ruttan says
Hi Michele, the hot sauce is added with the milk.