Easy Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese Recipe!

Ingredients

• 8 oz Elbow Macaroni (dry)
• 2 tablespoon Unsalted Butter
• 2 tablespoon All-Purpose Flour
• 2 cup Whole Milk (prefer whole milk for richness)
• 1 teaspoon Salt (kosher or table salt)
• 0.5 teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly ground)
• 0.5 teaspoon Garlic Powder
• 0.5 teaspoon Onion Powder
• 4 oz Cream Cheese (softened)
• 1 cup Mild Cheddar Cheese (shredded)
• 1.5 cup Mozzarella Cheese (shredded)
• 0.5 cup Buffalo Sauce (your favorite brand)
• 2 cup Cooked Shredded Chicken (cooked and shredded; rotisserie chicken works well)
• 2 tablespoon Ranch Dressing (for serving (optional))

Instructions

1. Cook Pasta Al Dente

   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add the macaroni and cook 1–2 minutes less than the package directions (about 7‑8 minutes). Drain and set aside.

   Time: PT10M

   Temperature: boiling

2. Prepare Roux

   In the same large pot over medium‑high heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and cook, stirring constantly, for 2 minutes without letting it brown.

   Time: PT5M

   Temperature: medium-high

3. Create Cheese Sauce Base

   Slowly whisk in the milk until smooth. Add salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Continue cooking, whisking, for 3‑4 minutes until the mixture thickens.

   Time: PT5M

   Temperature: medium

4. Add Cream Cheese and Shredded Cheeses

   Remove the pot from heat. Stir in the softened cream cheese until fully melted, then add the shredded cheddar and mozzarella, stirring until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth.

   Time: PT4M

5. Flavor with Buffalo Sauce

   Stir in the buffalo sauce until evenly distributed throughout the cheese sauce.

   Time: PT1M

6. Mix Chicken and Pasta

   Fold the shredded chicken and the cooked pasta into the sauce, making sure everything is well coated.

   Time: PT3M

7. Transfer to Baking Dish

   Grease a 9x13‑inch baking dish and pour the mixture in, smoothing the top with a spatula.

   Time: PT2M

8. Bake Casserole

   Preheat the oven to 350°F. Bake the casserole for 15 minutes, or until the edges are bubbling and the top is lightly golden.

   Time: PT15M

   Temperature: 350°F

9. Serve

   Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Drizzle with ranch dressing or extra buffalo sauce if desired, then serve.

   Time: PT5M

Nutrition Facts

Calories

550

Protein

30g

Carbohydrates

45g

Fat

25g

Fiber

2g