If you love comfort food that packs a flavorful punch, then this Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese is your new best friend. Creamy, cheesy pasta meets tender buffalo-spiced chicken in a dish that’s adventurous yet comforting. Every bite bursts with that perfect balance of spicy heat and cheesy indulgence, making it ideal for cozy dinners or game-day celebrations. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or craving a satisfying solo treat, this recipe hits all the right notes in both taste and texture.

Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese recipe is delightfully straightforward with ingredients that work together to create layers of flavor and texture. Each component plays an essential role, from the creamy cheeses and rich buffalo sauce to the crunchy breadcrumb topping that adds the perfect finishing touch.

12 oz rotini pasta: The spiral shape helps hold onto the luscious cheese sauce, making each bite cheesy and satisfying.
2 cups cooked, diced boneless skinless chicken breast: Tender chicken, seasoned and cooked just right, brings hearty protein and a mild base for the buffalo sauce.
1/2 cup buffalo sauce: This is the fiery star that infuses the dish with that iconic tangy heat everyone craves.
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded: Sharp cheddar adds a bold, cheesy depth that complements the buffalo spice perfectly.
4 oz cream cheese: Cream cheese melts into the sauce, bringing smoothness and creaminess that makes the mac and cheese irresistibly rich.
2 tbsp butter: Essential for a silky roux and provides a subtle richness to the sauce.
1/4 cup all-purpose flour: Used to thicken the cheese sauce, giving it that velvety texture.
2 cups milk: The backbone of the sauce, creating creaminess while balancing the flavors.
1 cup panko breadcrumbs (for topping): Adds a golden, crispy topping that contrasts beautifully with the creamy pasta underneath.
2 green onions, sliced (for garnish): Fresh green onions give a mild, oniony crunch and a pop of color to finish the dish beautifully.

How to Make Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rotini pasta until it reaches al dente—firm to the bite but cooked through. This ensures the pasta will hold its shape and texture after baking. Drain the pasta and set it aside for combining later.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

While your pasta is cooking, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced, cooked chicken breast seasoned with a touch of salt and pepper. Sauté for about 5 to 7 minutes until the chicken pieces turn golden brown and develop a little crispness. This step deepens flavor and adds a lovely texture contrast.

Step 3: Create the Cheese Sauce

In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk constantly to form a smooth roux, cooking it for a minute or two until it’s fragrant but not browned. Slowly pour in the milk while whisking to avoid lumps, cooking until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth. Stir in the cream cheese until melted, then add the sharp cheddar cheese and buffalo sauce. Keep stirring until everything melts together, creating a silky, spicy cheese sauce that will coat every pasta spiral perfectly.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Return the cooked pasta to a large bowl and pour the cheese sauce over it. Toss in the sautéed buffalo chicken and mix until every bit of pasta and chicken is generously coated in that creamy, cheesy buffalo goodness.

Step 5: Add Toppings and Bake

Transfer the mac and cheese mixture into a greased baking dish. Sprinkle the panko breadcrumbs evenly over the top to add that irresistible crunch. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese bubbles and the topping turns a gorgeous golden brown.

How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese

Garnishes

Finish off your Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese with a scattering of freshly sliced green onions. Not only do they add a vibrant color contrast, but they also bring a subtle sharpness that brightens up each bite. For an extra kick, drizzle a little more buffalo sauce or a dollop of cool ranch or blue cheese dressing on top.

Side Dishes

This hearty dish pairs wonderfully with crunchy celery sticks or a simple crisp green salad to balance the richness. If you want to keep the flavor theme going, consider roasted vegetables tossed in a light drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of smoked paprika or black pepper.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese in individual ramekins or mini cast iron skillets for personalized portions. Garnish with extra chopped chives or a pinch of smoked paprika for color and depth. This presentation is sure to impress guests and make the dish feel even more special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese tastes fantastic as leftovers. Store any uneaten portion in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors even deepen overnight, making it a perfect make-ahead meal for busy days.

Freezing

If you want to freeze this dish, prepare it through the baking step but hold off on baking. Cover the unbaked dish tightly with cling wrap and foil before freezing for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, bake from frozen, adding extra time as needed until it’s hot and bubbly.

Reheating

To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave in short intervals, stirring in between to avoid dryness. Alternatively, cover with foil and bake in a preheated 350°F oven until warmed through and the topping is crisp again. Adding a splash of milk can help revive the creamy sauce if it feels a bit thick after refrigeration.

FAQs

Can I use another type of pasta for Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese?

Absolutely! While rotini is perfect for holding onto sauce with its twists, other pasta shapes like elbow macaroni, shells, or penne will also work wonderfully. Choose what you have on hand or your personal favorite.

How spicy is this dish?

The heat level largely depends on the buffalo sauce you use. Most buffalo sauces offer a medium spice level, but you can always adjust by choosing a milder or hotter sauce or by reducing the amount mixed into the cheese sauce.

Can I make this dish without chicken?

Yes! For a vegetarian twist, simply omit the chicken and perhaps add roasted cauliflower or crispy tofu tossed in buffalo sauce for a similar flavor profile and texture contrast.

Is it necessary to bake the mac and cheese at the end?

While you could technically skip the baking step and serve it right away, baking creates that irresistible golden breadcrumb topping and melds the flavors beautifully. It also gives the dish a satisfying crunch that’s hard to resist.

Can this dish be made dairy-free?

It would take some creative substitutions like using dairy-free cream cheese, plant-based milk, and vegan cheese alternatives. The texture and flavor might change a bit, but it’s definitely possible to create a delicious version tailored to dairy-free diets.

Final Thoughts

Baking up a batch of Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese is pure comfort food joy at its finest. This recipe is a winner whether you’re craving something indulgent on a chilly evening or impressing friends at a casual gathering. Dive into those creamy, spicy, cheesy layers and enjoy every spoonful—you’re going to want to keep this one in your go-to recipe collection for sure!

Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 28 reviews

Author: Ella
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Low Lactose

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Description

A spicy and creamy twist on classic mac and cheese, Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese combines tender rotini pasta with juicy buffalo-sauced chicken and a rich cheese sauce, all topped with crispy panko breadcrumbs and baked to golden perfection.

Instructions

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 thoroughly and set aside.
Prepare the Chicken: Season diced boneless, skinless chicken breast with salt and pepper. Heat a skillet over medium heat and sauté the chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat.
Create Cheese Sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour to form a roux and cook for about 1-2 minutes until slightly golden. Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring the mixture stays smooth. Add cream cheese, stirring until completely melted and creamy. Stir in shredded sharp cheddar cheese and buffalo sauce until well combined and smooth.
Combine Everything: In a large mixing bowl or pot, combine the cooked pasta, cheesy buffalo sauce, and sautéed chicken. Mix well to ensure the pasta and chicken are thoroughly coated with the sauce.
Add Toppings: Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the panko breadcrumbs over the top for a crunchy topping.
Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the casserole for 20-25 minutes until the topping is golden brown and the sauce is bubbly throughout.
Garnish and Serve: Once baked, remove from the oven and garnish with sliced green onions. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy the spicy, cheesy goodness.

Notes

You can adjust the spiciness by varying the amount of buffalo sauce or choosing a mild/medium/hot variety.
For a creamier texture, add a little more cream cheese or milk to the cheese sauce.
To make it gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour and panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives.
Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
For added flavor, consider mixing some blue cheese crumbles into the cheese sauce or as a topping.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Boiling, Sautéing, Baking
Cuisine: American