Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese

This Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese is the ultimate fusion of creamy mac and cheese with a spicy kick! Made with shredded rotisserie chicken, buffalo sauce, and a rich cheese sauce, it’s a flavor-packed dish that’s perfect for dinner or a crowd-pleasing party treat. Cavatappi pasta is coated in a velvety cheese sauce made with cheddar and mozzarella, then baked to golden perfection. If you love buffalo chicken recipes or crave a twist on classic mac and cheese, this recipe is for you. It’s easy to make, customizable with your favorite toppings like blue cheese crumbles or ranch dressing, and sure to satisfy your comfort food cravings. Ideal for game day, family meals, or casual dinners, this mac and cheese is a must-try!

Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

• 1 ½ cups shredded rotisserie chicken (about ¾ pound)
• ¼ cup buffalo sauce
• 2 tablespoons ranch dressing (or blue cheese dressing)

For the Pasta:

• 16 cups water
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 pound uncooked cavatappi (or pasta of choice)

For the Cheese Sauce:

• ½ cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
• ½ cup all-purpose flour (see Notes)
• 1 ½ cups whole milk (room temperature)
• 2 ½ cups half-and-half (room temperature)
• ½ tablespoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper (adjust to taste)
• 3 cups shredded fresh cheddar cheese (room temperature, divided)
• 3 cups shredded fresh mozzarella (room temperature, divided)

Serving Suggestions (Optional):

• Ranch dressing (or blue cheese dressing)
• Buffalo sauce
• Blue cheese crumbles
• Chopped fresh parsley

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Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Dish:
   • Preheat your oven to 325°F. Grease a casserole dish with cooking spray or butter, ensuring the bottom and sides are well-coated. Set aside.
2. Prepare the Chicken:
   • In a small mixing bowl, combine the shredded rotisserie chicken, buffalo sauce, and ranch dressing. Stir until the chicken is evenly coated in the sauce mixture. Set aside.
3. Cook the Pasta:
   • In a large pot, bring 16 cups of water to a boil over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of salt once the water is boiling, and stir.
   • Add the uncooked cavatappi to the boiling water, and cook according to the package instructions, reducing the cooking time by 1 minute to keep the pasta al dente.
   • Drain the pasta and transfer it to a large mixing bowl. Set aside.
4. Make the Cheese Sauce:
   • In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the flour and whisk vigorously until the mixture resembles wet sand. Cook for about 1 minute, whisking frequently, until the mixture is lightly golden.
   • Remove the saucepan from the heat and let it cool slightly. Gradually add the half-and-half in small increments, whisking after each addition until smooth. Once all the half-and-half is added, repeat the process with the whole milk.
   • Return the saucepan to medium heat and simmer the mixture, whisking frequently, until it thickens to the consistency of slightly thinned condensed soup.
   • Remove from heat, and stir in salt, pepper, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella until the cheeses are melted and the sauce is smooth.
5. Combine Pasta and Cheese Sauce:
   • Pour the cheese sauce over the cooked pasta and stir until the pasta is evenly coated. Add the buffalo chicken mixture to the pasta and gently fold it in.
6. Assemble the Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese:
   • Transfer half of the pasta mixture to the prepared casserole dish, spreading it evenly. Top with 1 cup of shredded cheddar and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese.
   • Add the remaining pasta mixture on top, then sprinkle with the remaining 1 cup each of cheddar and mozzarella cheese.
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown on top.
7. Serve:
   • Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 3-5 minutes. If desired, top with a drizzle of ranch dressing or buffalo sauce, blue cheese crumbles, and chopped parsley. Serve warm and enjoy!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food with a spicy twist. The creamy cheese sauce, tender chicken, and flavorful buffalo sauce combine to create a satisfying, indulgent dish that’s sure to please any crowd. Whether you’re a fan of classic mac and cheese or crave a bit of heat, this recipe delivers both in one dish. The gooey cheese, spicy buffalo sauce, and tangy ranch dressing make every bite irresistible.

Tips

• For extra creamy sauce: Use full-fat milk and half-and-half for the creamiest texture.
• Spicy variation: Adjust the amount of buffalo sauce to your liking if you prefer more or less heat.
• Thicken the sauce: If you want the cheese sauce to be thicker, let it simmer a little longer before adding the milk and half-and-half.
• Rest the casserole: Allow the mac and cheese to rest for a few minutes after baking to let the sauce thicken up and settle.

Variations and Substitutions

• Different pasta shapes: You can use any short pasta shape, such as elbow macaroni, penne, or rotini, in place of cavatappi.
• Dairy-free version: Use a plant-based milk, such as almond milk, and dairy-free cheese to make this dish dairy-free.
• Add veggies: Include sautéed spinach, bell peppers, or even broccoli for extra color and nutrition.
• Blue cheese lovers: Replace the ranch dressing with blue cheese dressing or add more blue cheese crumbles for a stronger flavor.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, shredded rotisserie chicken is perfect for this recipe, but you can also use any cooked chicken or leftover chicken.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish up to the point of baking, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, add an extra 5-10 minutes to the cooking time.

Can I freeze Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese?
Yes, you can freeze this dish before or after baking. Make sure to let it cool completely before storing it in an airtight container. When ready to enjoy, bake from frozen or thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then bake as directed.

Serving Suggestions

This Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese is a hearty main dish on its own, but you can serve it with a side of crunchy garlic bread, a green salad, or crispy onion rings. Pair it with a refreshing cold drink like soda, iced tea, or a light beer to balance the spicy heat. Top each serving with a drizzle of ranch dressing, a dash of extra buffalo sauce, or a sprinkle of chopped parsley for added flavor.