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Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese
Caroline

Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese

This Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food — creamy, cheesy pasta tossed with spicy buffalo sauce, tender chicken, and topped with crunchy breadcrumbs. Perfect for weeknight dinners or game day gatherings.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 520

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz rotini pasta
  • 2 cups cooked, diced chicken breast
  • 0.5 cup buffalo sauce
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 4 oz cream cheese
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 0.25 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups milk
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 green onions, sliced

Equipment

  • large pot for pasta
  • skillet for chicken
  • saucepan for cheese sauce
  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • whisk and spatula

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add rotini pasta and cook until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a skillet, cook diced chicken with salt and pepper until golden and fully cooked (about 5–7 minutes). Set aside.
  3. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour to form a roux. Slowly add milk, whisking until smooth. Stir in cream cheese until melted. Add cheddar cheese and buffalo sauce, mixing until creamy.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, toss cooked pasta, chicken, and cheese sauce until well coated.
  5. Transfer mixture into a greased baking dish. Sprinkle panko breadcrumbs evenly over the top.
  6. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 20–25 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown.
  7. Garnish with sliced green onions and serve hot.

Notes

  • For extra crunch, mix melted butter with breadcrumbs before topping.
  • Blue cheese crumbles make a great addition if you love bold flavors.
  • This recipe can be doubled for large gatherings or meal prep.