Hey fellow food lovers! Nyla here from Grill Drip, ready to spice up your life – and your dinner table! Get ready for a flavor adventure because today, we’re diving headfirst into a bowl of pure comfort food bliss: Spicy Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese!
I still remember the night this Spicy Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese came to life. It was late, I was craving something bold and cheesy, and a happy accident turned into my newest obsession. Now, I’m sharing it with you because this Spicy Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese is WAY too good to keep secret!
This isn’t your grandma’s mac and cheese, unless your grandma is seriously cool and loves a kick of heat! We’re talking creamy, cheesy mac taken to the next level with juicy chicken and that signature buffalo sauce tang. Every bite is a party in your mouth, and I’m so excited for you to experience it!
This Spicy Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese turns any meal into something special – from a weeknight dinner to a game day feast. Seriously, prepare for happy dances around the table! So grab your apron, and let’s get cooking! I’m thrilled to share this Spicy Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese with you.
INGREDIENTS You Need
Alright, let’s gather the goods to make this Spicy Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese magic happen! This ingredient list is all about layering those flavors for maximum impact. Don’t worry if you need to make a few swaps – I’ll give you some tips along the way!
- 1 pound elbow macaroni: The classic choice!
- 4 tablespoons butter: For the roux and extra flavor.
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour: Helps thicken the cheese sauce.
- 3 cups milk: I use whole milk for extra creaminess.
- 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar gives the best flavor. You can grab this during your normal shopping trip.
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese: Adds a little extra meltiness.
- 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce: Adds that signature buffalo kick! This Spicy Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese gets its amazing taste from this!
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: For a little extra zing.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Balances out the flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional): I love adding extra cayenne pepper to my Spicy Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese for that extra kick.
- 1 pound cooked chicken, shredded: I usually use rotisserie chicken for a shortcut, but leftover grilled chicken works great too. No worries if you don’t have chicken – I use ground turkey all the time in my Spicy Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese.
- 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese (optional): Adds a tangy bite.
- Green onions, sliced (for garnish): Adds a pop of freshness and color.
Flavor Boosters: This Spicy Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese has a secret ingredient that takes it from good to incredible…a pinch of smoked paprika! It adds a subtle smoky depth that complements the buffalo sauce perfectly.
Ingredient Prep Shortcuts: To save time on busy weeknights, shred your cheese and cook your chicken ahead of time. You can also mix the dry spices together in a small bowl.
Storage Tips: Store any leftover Spicy Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven.
Let’s Make Some!
Okay, fellow food lovers, let’s get down to business! We’re about to embark on a culinary adventure that will result in the most amazing Spicy Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese you’ve ever tasted! Follow these steps, and you’ll be golden!
- Cook the macaroni: Cook the macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside. In my kitchen, this Spicy Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese usually takes around 8-10 minutes to reach that perfect al dente texture.
- Make the roux: In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until smooth. This is where the magic starts happening!
- Add the milk: Gradually whisk in the milk, making sure to smooth out any lumps. Continue whisking until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes. Your Spicy Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese should smell absolutely incredible right now.
- Stir in the cheese and spices: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack cheese until melted and smooth. Stir in the buffalo wing sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper (if using).
- Add the chicken and macaroni: Add the cooked chicken and macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until well combined. Don’t worry if your Spicy Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese looks a little saucy at this point – it will thicken up as it sits.
- Add Blue Cheese (Optional): If you’re a blue cheese fan (I definitely am!), now is the time to gently fold it into your Spicy Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese. This adds another layer of bold flavor!
- Serve and enjoy! Garnish with sliced green onions and crumbled blue cheese (if desired). Serve immediately and prepare for some serious comfort food bliss.
This is my favorite part of making Spicy Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese – watching the magic happen as all the ingredients come together! It’s so satisfying to see those flavors meld into a creamy, cheesy, spicy masterpiece! While your Spicy Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese is doing its thing, get ready for some amazing aromas.
Shortcut Alert: If you’re short on time, you can use a pre-made cheese sauce. Just heat it up, stir in the buffalo sauce, spices, chicken, and macaroni, and you’re good to go!
Looking for more buffalo chicken deliciousness? Check out this buffalo chicken dip mac recipe that I know you’ll love!
How to Serve Up This!
Okay, so you’ve made this amazing Spicy Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese – now what? Let’s talk serving suggestions! People literally do happy dances when this Spicy Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese hits the table!
I love to serve this Spicy Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese with a side of crispy celery sticks and carrot sticks with ranch or blue cheese dressing. The cool, crunchy veggies provide a refreshing contrast to the rich, spicy mac.
This Spicy Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese is perfect for those weeknight dinners that need to be special, game day gatherings, potlucks, or even a cozy night in with a movie. It’s always a crowd-pleaser!
Presentation Ideas:
- Serve in individual bowls for a more elegant presentation.
- Top with extra shredded cheese and broil for a few minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
- Garnish with a drizzle of buffalo sauce and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for an extra pop of color and flavor.
Creative Leftover Transformations:
- Use leftover Spicy Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese as a filling for grilled cheese sandwiches.
- Make Spicy Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese stuffed peppers.
- Mix it with breadcrumbs and form into patties, then bake or fry for Spicy Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese bites.
This Spicy Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese reminds me of another bold flavor favorite – my Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese!
For more weeknight winners that don’t sacrifice on taste, check out my Blackberry Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad recipe!
Fusion Variations:
- Spicy Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Pizza: Use the mac and cheese as a topping for pizza.
- Spicy Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Quesadillas: Fill tortillas with the mac and cheese and grill until golden brown.
- Spicy Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Nachos: Top tortilla chips with the mac and cheese, shredded cheese, and your favorite nacho toppings.
Additional serving ideas for this Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe can also be found online.
FAQs:
Alright, let’s tackle some frequently asked questions about this Spicy Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese! I want you to feel confident and ready to rock this recipe!
Q: Will kitchen newbies succeed with this Spicy Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese?
A: Absolutely! This Spicy Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese recipe is super straightforward and easy to follow. Just take your time, read through the instructions carefully, and don’t be afraid to experiment! You’ve got this!
Q: What if I mess up my Spicy Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese? (Spoiler: it’ll still taste incredible!)
A: Haha! Honestly, it’s hard to mess this up! But even if you do overcook the macaroni or burn the roux (we’ve all been there!), it’ll still taste amazing. Just embrace the happy accident and enjoy!
Q: How can I prep this Spicy Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese for busy weeknights?
A: I love making the cheese sauce ahead of time and storing it in the fridge. Then, when you’re ready to eat, just cook the macaroni, shred the chicken, and combine everything together. Boom! Dinner is served!
Q: Can I use a different type of cheese in this Spicy Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese?
A: Totally! Feel free to experiment with different cheeses. Gruyere, Fontina, or even Pepper Jack would be delicious in this Spicy Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese.
Q: Can I make this Spicy Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese spicier?
A: You know I love that idea! If you want to kick up the heat, add more cayenne pepper to this Spicy Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese or use a hotter buffalo wing sauce. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
Q: Can I freeze this Spicy Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese?
A: While you can freeze this Spicy Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese, the texture might change slightly upon thawing. The cheese sauce can sometimes become a little grainy. But if you’re okay with that, go for it!
Q: What’s the best way to reheat this Spicy Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese?
A: I prefer to reheat this Spicy Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese in the oven. Just add a splash of milk to keep it moist and bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be sure to stir it occasionally to prevent it from drying out.
More tips and tricks can be found at Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese | Don’t Go Bacon My Heart.
CONCLUSION:
Fellow food lovers, I hope you’re as excited about this Spicy Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese as I am! It’s truly a flavor explosion in every bite! This Spicy Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese brings me so much joy because it’s the perfect combination of comfort food and bold flavor.
My Spicy Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Flavor Secrets:
- Don’t skimp on the cheese! Use a good quality cheddar cheese for the best flavor.
- Add a pinch of smoked paprika! It adds a subtle smoky depth that complements the buffalo sauce perfectly.
- Taste as you go! Adjust the amount of buffalo sauce and spices to your liking.
Delicious Spicy Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Variations I’ve Tested:
- Bacon Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese: Add crispy bacon crumbles for a salty, smoky twist. This is perfect for game day!
- Jalapeño Popper Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese: Add diced jalapeños and cream cheese for a spicy, creamy kick.
- BBQ Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese: Use BBQ sauce instead of buffalo sauce for a sweet and smoky variation. This is perfect for a summer cookout!
Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese – Jen Around the World is another great resource for more ideas!
Ultimately, trust your taste buds and get creative! This Spicy Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese is your canvas – feel free to experiment and make it your own! I’m so excited for you to try this Spicy Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese and create your own flavor adventure! Now go forth and make some delicious magic! 🔥🍕💕
Spicy Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese
This Spicy Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese combines creamy, cheesy macaroni with tender buffalo chicken for a flavor-packed comfort food experience. It’s the perfect easy weeknight meal with a spicy kick!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups milk
- 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 pound cooked chicken, shredded
- 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce
- 2 tablespoons blue cheese dressing, plus more for serving (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Cook macaroni according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- While macaroni is cooking, melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour until smooth. Gradually whisk in milk until smooth. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly.
- Reduce heat to low and stir in 3 cups of cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, cheese sauce, shredded chicken, buffalo wing sauce, and blue cheese dressing. Stir well to combine.
- Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Top with remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.
- Let stand for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with green onions and additional blue cheese dressing, if desired.
Notes
For an extra crispy topping, sprinkle breadcrumbs over the cheese before baking. Serve with celery sticks and extra buffalo sauce on the side.