Get ready for the ultimate comfort food mashup that’s about to blow your mind! This Loaded Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese Bake is an epic fusion of two irresistible classics – gooey, cheesy mac and spicy, saucy buffalo chicken. It’s a flavor explosion that’s sure to have your tastebuds doing the happy dance. Prepare to dive into a thrilling, mouth-watering dish that’s about to become a new family favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Loaded Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese Bake
This mind-blowing recipe takes your classic mac and cheese to incredible new heights by adding the bold, addictive flavors of buffalo chicken. The creamy, cheesy base is perfectly balanced with the kick of hot sauce, the tender chunks of juicy chicken, and the crunchy, buttery topping. It’s a sensational combination that’s comforting, satisfying, and absolutely irresistible. Whether you’re craving a cozy, indulgent meal or looking to spice up your weeknight dinner routine, this Loaded Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese Bake is the ultimate game-changer.
Ingredients
Get ready to stock up on all the good stuff – this recipe calls for a delicious array of cheeses, a rich and creamy sauce, tender chicken, and plenty of buffalo flavor. You’ll need elbow macaroni, shredded chicken, cream cheese, shredded cheddar and mozzarella, hot sauce, butter, and a few other simple pantry staples.
- 8 oz – Elbow macaroni
- 2 cups – Shredded cooked chicken
- 8 oz – Cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups – Shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 2 cups – Shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
Ingredient Substitutions
- Pasta Shape: Feel free to use any short, sturdy pasta shape you prefer, like penne, rotini, or cavatappi.
- Chicken: Swap in rotisserie chicken or grilled chicken breasts for a quick shortcut.
How to Make Loaded Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese Bake
Y’all ready to break some delicious rules today? This recipe is about to turn your kitchen into a flavor paradise!
Step 1: Prep Work
Start by cooking the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cream cheese, 1 cup of the cheddar, 1 cup of the mozzarella, and the hot sauce. Mix until fully incorporated.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer half of the cooked macaroni in the bottom of the dish, then top with the buffalo chicken mixture. Spread the remaining macaroni over the top.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
In a small bowl, melt the butter. Add the remaining 1 cup of cheddar and 1 cup of mozzarella, and stir until combined. Sprinkle this cheesy, buttery topping evenly over the mac and cheese.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
Bake the Loaded Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the edges are bubbly. Let it cool for a few minutes, then dive in and enjoy this epic, flavor-packed dish!
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Extra Indulgence: Try adding crumbled blue cheese or a drizzle of ranch dressing on top for an extra creamy, flavor-packed twist.
- Amp Up the Heat: Use a spicier variety of hot sauce to really turn up the heat.
- Make it a Meal: Serve this Loaded Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese Bake with a fresh side salad or steamed broccoli for a complete and satisfying meal.
- Flavor Variations: Experiment with different hot sauce flavors, like barbecue or sriracha, to customize the buffalo chicken mixture.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: a fresh side salad or steamed broccoli.
Storage: Leftover Loaded Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese Bake can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheat: To reheat, simply pop it in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.
Make-Ahead: You can assemble the Loaded Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese Bake up to 2 days in advance and keep it covered in the fridge until you’re ready to bake it.
Nutrition Information
This Loaded Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese Bake is a flavor-packed, satisfying dish that’s sure to leave you feeling completely satisfied. It’s an indulgent treat that’s well worth the occasional splurge.
- Serving Size: 1/8 of the dish
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Protein: 30 g
- Carbs: 35 g
- Fat: 35 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the Loaded Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese Bake up to 2 days in advance and keep it covered in the fridge until you’re ready to bake it. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time to account for it being chilled.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Definitely! While elbow macaroni is the classic choice, you can use any short, sturdy pasta shape you prefer, like penne, rotini, or cavatappi.
How can I make this dish spicier?
For an extra kick, feel free to add more hot sauce to the buffalo chicken mixture, or use a spicier variety of hot sauce. You can also top the baked dish with sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of sriracha.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply omit the chicken and use vegetable broth or milk instead of chicken broth in the sauce. You can also add in some sautéed mushrooms or other veggies for extra flavor and texture.
How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Leftover Loaded Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese Bake can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply pop it in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.
Try These Next
- Fiery Buffalo Chicken Mac And Cheese Bake With Crispy Topping
- Creamy Buffalo Chicken Mac And Cheese Bake
- Fiery Buffalo Chicken Mac And Cheese Casserole For Game Day
Loaded Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese Bake
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Comfort Food Favorites
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Loaded Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese Bake is a creamy, cheesy, and spicy comfort food dish that combines tender chicken, zesty buffalo sauce, and macaroni, all baked to perfection.
Ingredients
8 ounces elbow macaroni
2 cups cooked shredded chicken
1 cup buffalo sauce
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup cream cheese
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup milk
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup chopped green onions
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
3. In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, cream cheese, sour cream, and milk. Mix until smooth.
4. Add the cooked macaroni, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
5. Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish and top with the remaining cheddar cheese.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
7. Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.
Notes
For extra heat, add more buffalo sauce or top with jalapeños.
This dish can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator before baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Buffalo Chicken, Mac and Cheese, Comfort Food