Buckle up, folks, because we’re about to take your taste buds on a wild ride with this Fiery Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Bake! This dish is the ultimate fusion of comfort food and bold, mouthwatering flavors. It’s the kind of recipe that will leave you licking your lips and begging for more. Get ready to dive into a cheesy, spicy, and utterly epic culinary adventure!
Why You’ll Love This Fiery Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Bake with Crispy Topping
This Fiery Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Bake is the ultimate comfort food mashup that will blow your mind. Juicy shredded chicken gets tossed in a tongue-tingling buffalo sauce, then gets nestled in a creamy, cheesy mac and cheese base. But the real game-changer is the crispy, crunchy topping that takes this dish to a whole new level of deliciousness. It’s the kind of recipe that will have your friends and family begging you to make it again and again.
Ingredients
To make this Fiery Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Bake, you’ll need a few key ingredients: elbow macaroni, shredded chicken, cream cheese, cheddar cheese, buffalo sauce, hot sauce, and a handful of spices and seasonings. The crispy topping is made with panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and more spices.
- 8 oz (226g) – Elbow Macaroni
- 2 cups (480g) – Shredded Cooked Chicken
- 8 oz (226g) – Cream Cheese, softened
- 2 cups (226g) – Shredded Cheddar Cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup (120ml) – Buffalo Sauce
- 2 tbsp (30ml) – Hot Sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)
- 1 tsp – Garlic Powder
- 1 tsp – Onion Powder
- Salt and Pepper to taste
- 1 cup (100g) – Panko Breadcrumbs
- 4 tbsp (60g) – Unsalted Butter, melted
- 1 tsp – Garlic Powder
- 1 tsp – Onion Powder
- 1 tsp – Paprika
Ingredient Substitutions
- Buffalo Sauce: You can swap it out for a different hot sauce, like Frank’s RedHot or Sriracha (they all bring the heat and bold flavor).
- Spice Level: If you’re not a fan of too much heat, feel free to use less hot sauce or omit it altogether. You can also experiment with different types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack, to change up the flavor profile.
How to Make Fiery Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Bake with Crispy Topping
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavor-packed, totally crave-worthy dish!
Step 1: Prep Work
Begin by cooking the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside. In a large bowl, mix together the shredded chicken, cream cheese, half of the cheddar cheese, buffalo sauce, hot sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread the cheesy chicken mixture into the dish. Top with the remaining cheddar cheese.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
In a separate bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and a sprinkle of garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Sprinkle the crispy topping evenly over the mac and cheese.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
Bake the Fiery Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Topping Upgrades: Want to take this dish to the next level? Try adding some crumbled blue cheese or chopped green onions on top.
- Pasta Swaps: You can experiment with different types of pasta, like penne or fusilli, to change up the texture.
- Spice It Up: If you really want to amp up the heat, feel free to add a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce to the chicken mixture.
- Vegetarian Version: Omit the chicken and use a plant-based protein, like sautéed mushrooms or crumbled tofu, instead. You can also try using a dairy-free cheese alternative to make this dish vegan-friendly.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: Crisp, fresh veggies, a simple green salad, or some crusty garlic bread.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat: To reheat, simply pop it in the oven or microwave until heated through.
Make-Ahead: You can assemble the mac and cheese bake up to 2 days in advance, cover it, and keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake it. Just remember to add the crispy topping right before popping it in the oven.
Nutrition Information
This Fiery Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Bake is a hearty and satisfying dish, but it’s also pretty darn indulgent. One serving (1/8 of the recipe) contains approximately 500 calories, 30g of fat, 35g of carbs, and 30g of protein. It’s the kind of meal that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or treating yourself to a comforting and delicious feast.
- Serving Size: 1/8 of the recipe
- Calories: 500 kcal
- Protein: 30 g
- Carbs: 35 g
- Fat: 30 g
- Sodium: 1000 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the mac and cheese bake up to 2 days in advance, cover it, and keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake it. Just remember to add the crispy topping right before popping it in the oven.
Can I use pre-cooked chicken instead of shredding my own?
Definitely! Using pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken is a great time-saving shortcut. Just be sure to shred or chop it up before adding it to the recipe.
How spicy is this dish, really?
The level of heat in this Fiery Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Bake can be adjusted to your liking. If you’re not a fan of too much spice, start with a smaller amount of hot sauce and add more to taste. And remember, the crispy topping can help balance out the heat.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply omit the chicken and use a plant-based protein, like sautéed mushrooms or crumbled tofu, instead. You can also try using a dairy-free cheese alternative to make this dish vegan-friendly.
What should I serve with this Fiery Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Bake?
This dish is a meal all on its own, but you can certainly pair it with some crisp, fresh veggies, a simple green salad, or some crusty garlic bread to round out the meal. And don’t forget the cold beverages to help tame the heat!
Try These Next
- Creamy Garlic Herb Mac And Cheese With Crispy Topping
- Fiery Buffalo Chicken Mac And Cheese Casserole For Game Day
- Creamy Pumpkin Spice Mac And Cheese With Crispy Sage Topping
Fiery Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Bake with Crispy Topping
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: 🔥 FIRE ZONE
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Fiery Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Bake combines the rich, creamy goodness of mac and cheese with the spicy kick of buffalo chicken, all topped with a crispy breadcrumb layer. Perfect for a game day feast or a cozy family dinner!
Ingredients
2 cups elbow macaroni
2 cups cooked shredded chicken
1 cup buffalo sauce
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup milk
3 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
1.
2. 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
3. 2. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
4. 3. In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper; cook for about 1 minute.
5. 4. Gradually whisk in milk, and cook until the mixture thickens (about 3-5 minutes).
6. 5. Remove from heat and stir in cheddar cheese and mozzarella until melted and smooth.
7. 6. Add the cooked macaroni and shredded chicken to the cheese sauce, then stir in buffalo sauce until well combined.
8. 7. Transfer the mac and cheese mixture to a greased baking dish.
9. 8. In a separate bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle over the mac and cheese.
10. 9. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and crispy.
11. 10. Let cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
12.
Notes
– Adjust the level of buffalo sauce to your taste for more or less heat.
– For a creamier texture, add an extra cup of cheese or a dollop of sour cream.
– This dish can be prepared ahead of time; just store it in the fridge before baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 500 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Buffalo Chicken, Mac and Cheese, Bake