Buffalo Chicken Macaroni and Cheese
Buffalo Chicken Macaroni and Cheese is a medium American recipe that serves 4. 800 calories per serving. Recipe by FOOD on YouTube.
Prep: 15 min | Cook: 45 min | Total: 1 hr 10 min
Cost: $13.60 total, $3.40 per serving
Ingredients
- 8 oz Elbow Macaroni (dry, uncooked)
- 1 lb Chicken Breast (cooked in water, then shredded)
- 4 tbsp Unsalted Butter (divided, melted)
- 3 tbsp All-Purpose Flour (for roux)
- 2 cup Whole Milk (room temperature)
- 0.33 cup Frank's RedHot Sauce (or any preferred buffalo wing sauce)
- 0.5 cup Sour Cream (full‑fat)
- 4 oz Cream Cheese (softened, cut into cubes)
- 1 cup Sharp Cheddar Cheese (shredded)
- 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese (shredded, part‑skim)
- 1 tsp Dry Mustard Powder
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1 tsp Onion Powder
- 1 tsp Salt (adjust to taste)
- 0.5 tsp Black Pepper (freshly ground)
- 0.5 cup Panko Breadcrumbs (for topping)
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil (for toasting panko)
- 2 tbsp Fresh Parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
Preheat Oven
Set the oven to 350°F (177°C) and let it preheat while you prepare the rest of the dish.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: 350°F
Cook Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add the elbow macaroni, and cook until al dente, about 8‑10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
Time: PT10M
Poach Chicken
Place the chicken breasts in a saucepan, cover with water, bring to a gentle boil, then simmer 12 minutes until fully cooked. Remove, let cool slightly, and shred with two forks.
Time: PT12M
Make a Roux
Melt 2 tbsp butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Sprinkle the flour over the butter and whisk continuously for 30‑45 seconds until the mixture turns a light golden color.
Time: PT1M
Add Milk and Thicken
Gradually whisk in the whole milk, a little at a time, until smooth. Continue cooking, whisking, for 3‑4 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
Time: PT4M
Season the Sauce
Stir in dry mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
Time: PT1M
Incorporate Cheeses
Add the cream cheese, sour cream, shredded cheddar, and mozzarella. Reduce heat to low and whisk until all cheeses melt into a smooth, creamy sauce.
Time: PT3M
Add Buffalo Sauce
Pour in the Frank’s RedHot (or your favorite buffalo wing sauce) and stir until fully incorporated. Adjust heat level if needed.
Time: PT1M
Combine Pasta, Chicken, and Sauce
Fold the cooked macaroni and shredded chicken into the cheese‑buffalo sauce until everything is evenly coated.
Time: PT2M
Transfer to Baking Dish
Lightly grease the 8×8‑inch baking dish with butter‑flavored cooking spray, then pour the casserole mixture in, smoothing the top.
Time: PT2M
Prepare Panko Topping
In a small skillet, melt 2 tbsp butter, add the panko breadcrumbs, and toast over medium‑low heat, stirring constantly, until golden brown, about 3‑4 minutes. Sprinkle the toasted panko evenly over the casserole.
Time: PT4M
Bake
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes, or until the top is bubbling and lightly browned.
Time: PT15M
Temperature: 350°F
Garnish and Serve
Remove from oven, let rest 5 minutes, then sprinkle chopped parsley over the top. Serve hot.
Time: PT2M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 800
- Protein
- 32 g
- Carbohydrates
- 58 g
- Fat
- 42 g
- Fiber
- 2 g
Dietary info: Contains meat, High‑protein, Gluten‑containing
Allergens: Dairy, Gluten
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Elbow Macaroni: cavatappi, penne
- Instead of Chicken Breast: cooked rotisserie chicken, cooked turkey breast
- Instead of Unsalted Butter: margarine, olive oil
- Instead of All-Purpose Flour: gluten‑free flour blend
- Instead of Whole Milk: 2% milk, unsweetened almond milk
- Instead of Frank's RedHot Sauce: Tabasco, homemade hot sauce
- Instead of Sour Cream: Greek yogurt, creme fraiche
- Instead of Cream Cheese: neufchatel cheese
- Instead of Sharp Cheddar Cheese: colby jack, pepper jack
- Instead of Mozzarella Cheese: provolone, monterey jack
- Instead of Dry Mustard Powder: ground mustard
- Instead of Garlic Powder: fresh minced garlic (1 clove)
- Instead of Onion Powder: finely minced onion (1 tbsp)
- Instead of Salt: kosher salt
- Instead of Black Pepper: white pepper
- Instead of Panko Breadcrumbs: regular breadcrumbs, crushed cornflakes
- Instead of Olive Oil: melted butter
- Instead of Fresh Parsley: dried parsley
Equipment Needed
- Large Pot
- Saucepan
- Whisk
- Rubber Spatula
- 8×8‑inch Baking Dish
- Oven
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Grater (optional)
- Spray Butter‑Flavored Non‑Stick Cooking Spray (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Preheat the oven to 350°F
- Make a proper roux without over‑browning
- Thicken the sauce to the right consistency
- Melt all cheeses on low heat for a smooth texture
- Toast the panko until golden
- Bake until the topping is crisp and the interior is bubbling
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use sharp cheddar for the best flavor; let the cheese come to room temperature before adding.
- For extra heat, add a dash of cayenne pepper with the buffalo sauce.
- Allow the casserole to rest 5 minutes after baking; this makes serving cleaner.
Troubleshooting
Sauce is too thick.
Thin it with a splash of milk, whisking until the desired consistency is reached.
Sauce is too runny.
Continue simmering over low heat, stirring constantly, until it reduces and thickens.
Panko topping is soggy.
Toast the panko longer or add a little more butter before sprinkling; bake uncovered for the full 15 minutes.
Storage
Refrigerator: Cool to room temperature, then cover and store for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Portion into airtight containers; freeze up to 2 months. Reheat in oven covered with foil.
Room temperature: Do not store at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the cheese‑buffalo sauce up to step 8, let it cool, then refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Reheat gently before mixing with pasta and chicken.
- Cook the pasta and chicken a day ahead; store separately in airtight containers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese in American comfort food cuisine?
Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese blends two iconic American favorites—buffalo‑style hot sauce from the Buffalo, New York wing tradition and classic cheesy macaroni. It emerged as a modern comfort‑food mash‑up, popularized in sports bars and home kitchens as a hearty, crowd‑pleasing dish for game days and family gatherings.
What are the traditional regional variations of buffalo‑flavored mac and cheese within United States cuisine?
In the Northeast, cooks often add crumbled blue cheese for extra tang, while in the South, smoked paprika or Andouille sausage is mixed in for a Cajun twist. Some West Coast versions swap the hot sauce for a chipotle‑adobo blend, giving a smoky heat.
How is Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese traditionally served in American households and sports‑bar settings?
It is typically served hot from the oven, topped with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or green onions, and accompanied by celery sticks and extra buffalo sauce for dipping. In sports bars, it often appears in a large casserole dish for sharing, sometimes paired with a side of coleslaw.
What occasions or celebrations is Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese traditionally associated with in American culture?
The dish is a staple for Super Bowl parties, casual game‑day gatherings, and family movie nights. Its bold flavor also makes it a popular choice for birthday pot‑luck spreads and informal holiday meals.
How does Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese fit into the broader American comfort‑food tradition?
It exemplifies the American love for indulgent, cheese‑laden casseroles that combine protein, carbs, and bold seasoning in one dish. The use of buffalo sauce adds a regional flavor twist while keeping the comforting, gooey texture that defines classic mac and cheese.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese versus acceptable substitutes?
Authentic ingredients include elbow macaroni, cooked chicken breast, Frank’s RedHot buffalo sauce, sharp cheddar, mozzarella, cream cheese, sour cream, and panko breadcrumbs. Substitutes can be rotisserie chicken, other hot sauces, cheddar alternatives, gluten‑free pasta, or crushed cornflakes for the topping.
What other American dishes pair well with Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese?
Pairs nicely with crisp salads (e.g., Caesar or coleslaw), roasted vegetables, or a simple green bean almondine. For a full spread, serve alongside buffalo wings, garlic bread, or a chilled cucumber‑mint yogurt dip.
What makes Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese special or unique in American cuisine?
The dish uniquely marries the tangy, spicy profile of buffalo wing sauce with the creamy, cheesy comfort of mac and cheese, creating a flavor contrast that is both familiar and exciting. The toasted panko topping adds a satisfying crunch that sets it apart from traditional baked mac and cheese.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese at home?
Common errors include over‑browning the roux, which gives a bitter taste; over‑cooking the pasta, leading to mushy texture; and adding too much hot sauce, which can overwhelm the cheese. Also, failing to toast the panko results in a soggy topping.
Why does this Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese recipe use a butter‑flour roux instead of cornstarch as a thickener?
A roux provides a richer, silkier mouthfeel and helps the cheese melt uniformly, whereas cornstarch can create a glossy but slightly gummy texture. The butter‑flour base also adds a subtle nutty flavor that complements the buffalo heat.
Can I make Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese ahead of time and how should I store it before baking?
Yes. Assemble the casserole up to the topping stage, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready, add the toasted panko, then bake as directed. For longer storage, freeze the unbaked casserole and bake from frozen, adding extra baking time.
What does the YouTube channel FOOD specialize in?
The YouTube channel FOOD focuses on simple, approachable home‑cooking tutorials that break down classic comfort foods and modern twists into easy‑to‑follow steps, often highlighting quick techniques and ingredient swaps for busy cooks.
How does the YouTube channel FOOD's approach to American comfort‑food cooking differ from other cooking channels?
FOOD emphasizes minimal equipment, clear visual cues, and a conversational style that encourages viewers to experiment with flavor variations, whereas many other channels may use more elaborate setups or focus on gourmet plating. FOOD keeps the recipes accessible for everyday home cooks.
Last updated: September 1, 2026
