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Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe

Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe
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★★★★★

4.9 from 21 reviews

Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese is a flavorful twist on a classic comfort dish, combining tender rotini pasta, spicy buffalo chicken, and a creamy cheddar cheese sauce, all baked to perfection with a crispy panko topping. This crowd-pleasing recipe is perfect for a cozy family dinner with a kick of heat.

Ingredients

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Pasta and Chicken

  • 12 oz rotini pasta
  • 2 cups cooked, diced boneless skinless chicken breast
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Cheese Sauce

  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups milk
  • 4 oz cream cheese
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1/2 cup buffalo sauce

Topping and Garnish

  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 green onions, sliced

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain well and set aside.
  2. Prepare the Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Season the diced chicken breast with salt and pepper. Sauté the chicken until it is golden brown and cooked through, around 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat.
  3. Create Cheese Sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour to form a roux and cook for about 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. Gradually whisk in the milk, continuing to whisk until the mixture is smooth and begins to thicken. Add the cream cheese and stir until fully melted and combined. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and buffalo sauce until the sauce is creamy and well mixed.
  4. Combine Everything: In a large mixing bowl or the skillet, combine the cooked pasta, sautéed chicken, and cheese sauce. Stir thoroughly so that the pasta and chicken are evenly coated with the sauce.
  5. Add Toppings: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the mac and cheese mixture to a greased baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the panko breadcrumbs over the top to create a crispy crust when baked.
  6. Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the mixture is bubbly. Remove from oven and let it cool slightly.
  7. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle sliced green onions over the top before serving to add a fresh, mild onion flavor and color contrast.

Notes

  • You can adjust the amount of buffalo sauce to match your preferred spice level.
  • Using freshly shredded cheddar cheese melts better than pre-shredded cheese.
  • For a crispier topping, you can toss the panko breadcrumbs with a tablespoon of melted butter before sprinkling.
  • This dish can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before baking.
  • Use gluten-free pasta and flour to make this recipe gluten-free.

Nutrition

Keywords: Buffalo chicken, mac and cheese, baked mac and cheese, spicy pasta dish, comfort food

Find it online: https://foodbylina.com/buffalo-chicken-mac-and-cheese-recipe/