Ingredients
Scale
For the Buffalo Chicken:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie chicken works well)
- ½ cup buffalo sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
For the Mac and Cheese:
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Topping (Optional):
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Prepare the Buffalo Chicken:
- In a medium skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat until melted.
- Add the cooked chicken and buffalo sauce to the skillet. Stir to coat the chicken evenly. Cook for about 5 minutes, or until heated through and the sauce is slightly thickened. Set aside.
Cook the Macaroni:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Make the Cheese Sauce:
- In a large saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute, or until the mixture is bubbling and slightly golden.
- Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream, continuing to cook and whisk until the mixture is smooth and thickened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Reduce heat to low and stir in the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until melted and smooth.
- Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Assemble and Bake:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked macaroni and cheese sauce. Gently fold in the buffalo chicken.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish or a similar-sized ovenproof dish.
- If using, mix the panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and Parmesan cheese, then sprinkle evenly over the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and the cheese is bubbling.
Serve:
- Serve the Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese hot, with a side of celery sticks and your favorite ranch or blue cheese dressing.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Fat: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Protein: 28g