Y’all ready to break some delicious rules today? Because we’re about to turn your kitchen into a flavor paradise with this Creamy Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese Bake! This epic dish takes the classic comfort food combo of mac and cheese and kicks it up a notch with the bold, tangy flavors of buffalo chicken. Get ready for an explosion of cheesy, spicy, creamy goodness in every bite. This recipe is absolutely INSANE – and I’m not even sorry about it!
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese Bake
This Creamy Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese Bake is the ultimate comfort food mash-up that will have your taste buds doing a happy dance. The rich, creamy cheese sauce gets an intense flavor boost from the addition of tangy buffalo sauce, and tender shredded chicken takes this dish to the next level of deliciousness. Plus, the crunchy topping of breadcrumbs and more cheese adds an incredible texture contrast. Warning: This dish causes serious food jealousy, so be prepared to share!
Ingredients
This recipe features a mouthwatering lineup of ingredients, including elbow macaroni, shredded chicken, cream cheese, cheddar cheese, buffalo sauce, and more. The end result is an epic, flavor-packed mac and cheese that’s sure to satisfy your wildest comfort food cravings.
- 8 oz – Elbow macaroni
- 2 cups – Shredded cooked chicken
- 8 oz – Cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups – Shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup – Buffalo sauce
Ingredient Substitutions
- Shredded Chicken: Cooked ground beef or turkey (same bold flavors)
- Cheddar Cheese: Pepper jack cheese (for extra spice)
How to Make Creamy Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese Bake
We’re about to make some legendary food magic in the kitchen, y’all! Get ready for a step-by-step guide to creating this epic Creamy Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese Bake.
Step 1: Prep Work
Preheat your oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Cook the macaroni according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside. In a large bowl, mix together the cooked chicken, cream cheese, 1 1/2 cups of the cheddar cheese, buffalo sauce, salt, and pepper.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Add the cooked macaroni to the buffalo chicken mixture and stir until everything is well combined. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Top the mac and cheese with the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and a sprinkle of breadcrumbs.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
Bake the Creamy Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Let it cool for a few minutes, then serve and enjoy this epic, flavor-packed dish!
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Extra Creamy: Swap out some of the cheddar cheese for pepper jack or Monterey Jack for an even creamier texture.
- Kick Up the Heat: Add a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce to the buffalo chicken mixture for an extra spicy kick.
- Loaded Up: Top the mac and cheese with crumbled blue cheese, diced celery, or crispy bacon for even more flavor and texture.
- Veggie Version: Omit the chicken and use sautéed mushrooms or roasted chickpeas as a plant-based protein instead.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: A fresh green salad, garlic bread, or crispy chicken wings for the ultimate comfort food feast.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Just reheat in the oven or microwave when you’re ready to enjoy this epic comfort food masterpiece again.
Make-Ahead: You can assemble the entire dish, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time to account for the chilled temperature.
Nutrition Information
This Creamy Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese Bake is a deliciously indulgent dish, with each serving packing a serious punch of protein, carbs, and healthy fats. Of course, as with any comfort food, it’s best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. But trust me, every bite of this insanely good mac and cheese is worth it!
- Serving Size: 1/8 of the recipe
- Calories: 560 kcal
- Protein: 31 g
- Carbs: 37 g
- Fat: 33 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this Creamy Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese Bake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the entire dish, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time to account for the chilled temperature.
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking the chicken myself?
Definitely! Using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken is a super convenient shortcut that will save you time and effort. Just shred or chop the chicken and add it to the recipe as directed.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can easily make this Creamy Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese Bake gluten-free by using gluten-free elbow macaroni and substituting the breadcrumb topping with crushed gluten-free crackers or crushed gluten-free cereal.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make this a vegetarian dish, simply omit the chicken and use a plant-based protein, like sautéed mushrooms or roasted chickpeas, instead. You can also try using a dairy-free cheese or cream cheese alternative to keep it completely meat-free.
How spicy is this Creamy Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese Bake?
The level of spice in this dish really depends on the brand and heat level of the buffalo sauce you use. If you’re sensitive to heat, you can start with a milder buffalo sauce and gradually increase the amount until you reach your desired level of spiciness. You can also balance out the heat by adding more cream cheese or cheddar cheese to the mixture.
Try These Next
- Creamy Mac N Cheese Pumpkin Bake
- Crispy Buffalo Chicken Mac N Cheese Bombs
- Creamy Mac And Cheese With Smoky Bacon Swirls
Creamy Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese Bake
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: 🧀 MAC ATTACK
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A deliciously creamy and spicy mac and cheese dish, packed with shredded chicken and topped with a crunchy breadcrumb layer, perfect for a comforting meal or gathering.
Ingredients
8 ounces elbow macaroni
2 cups cooked shredded chicken
1 cup buffalo sauce
1 cup cream cheese, softened
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons butter, melted
2 tablespoons chopped green onions (for garnish)
Instructions
1.
2. 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
3. 2. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
4. 3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, cream cheese, cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until everything is evenly combined.
5. 4. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish and spread it out evenly.
6. 5. In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs with melted butter. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the mac and cheese.
7. 6. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
8. 7. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.
9.
Notes
– Adjust the level of buffalo sauce to your taste; you can use more or less depending on how spicy you like it.
– This dish can be made ahead of time and refrigerated before baking. Just adjust the baking time if baking from cold.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: mac and cheese, buffalo chicken, comfort food