Baked Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese with Crispy Topping Recipe

Introduction

Baked Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese is a creamy, spicy twist on classic mac and cheese. Packed with tender Buffalo chicken and topped with a crispy, golden layer, it’s comfort food at its finest. Perfect for cozy dinners or family gatherings, this dish delivers a delicious punch in every bite.

Ingredients

• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk (preferably whole)
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 cups cooked shredded or diced chicken
• ½ cup Buffalo sauce (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (for topping)
• 2 tablespoons melted butter (for topping)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Step 2: In a large pot, boil water and cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. Step 3: In a large saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour, stirring until a paste forms.
4. Step 4: Gradually pour in the milk while whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Stir until the mixture thickens.
5. Step 5: Remove the saucepan from heat. Mix in the cheddar and mozzarella cheese until melted.
6. Step 6: Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and Buffalo sauce. Add the shredded chicken and cooked pasta, mixing well until evenly coated.
7. Step 7: Transfer the cheesy pasta mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
8. Step 8: In a small bowl, combine breadcrumbs and melted butter. Sprinkle evenly over the pasta mixture.
9. Step 9: Bake for 25-30 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown on top.
10. Step 10: Let cool for a few minutes before serving warm. Enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• Use a hotter Buffalo sauce or add sriracha to increase the spice level.
• Choose good-quality, freshly shredded cheese for a creamier texture.
• Mix grated Parmesan or crumbled blue cheese into the breadcrumb topping for extra flavor.
• Try shredded rotisserie chicken for convenience and added flavor.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven until warmed through, or microwave in a microwave-safe dish. For longer storage, freeze portions; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Note that texture may change slightly after freezing.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, any short pasta like penne, shells, or cavatappi works well in this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.

How spicy is this dish?

The spice level depends on the Buffalo sauce you use. You can adjust the amount of sauce or choose a milder or hotter variety to suit your taste.

Baked Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese with Crispy Topping Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 106 reviews

• Author: Julian
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

Baked Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese is a creamy, cheesy comfort food dish with a spicy Buffalo chicken twist and a crispy golden breadcrumb topping. This American classic combines tender elbow macaroni, a rich blend of cheddar and mozzarella cheese, shredded Buffalo chicken, and a zesty Buffalo sauce, all baked to bubbling perfection. Ideal for family dinners or cozy nights in, this recipe delivers a delicious mix of creamy textures and spicy flavors in under an hour.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Pasta

• 2 cups elbow macaroni

For the Cheese Sauce

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 cups cooked shredded or diced chicken (Buffalo chicken preferred)
• ½ cup Buffalo sauce (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Topping

• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons melted butter

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure even baking of the dish.
2. Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook elbow macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. Make the Cheese Sauce: In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Whisk in 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour to form a paste and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly. Gradually pour in 2 cups of whole milk while whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Stir until the mixture thickens to a creamy sauce.
4. Add Cheese & Seasoning: Remove the saucepan from heat and add 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese and 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese. Stir until cheese melts completely. Then add 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, salt, pepper, and ½ cup Buffalo sauce. Mix well.
5. Add Chicken and Pasta: Stir in 2 cups of cooked shredded or diced Buffalo chicken and the drained elbow macaroni. Mix thoroughly to coat all ingredients evenly with the cheese sauce.
6. Prepare for Baking: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and transfer the cheesy pasta mixture into it, spreading it out evenly.
7. Prepare Topping: In a small bowl, combine 1 cup breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons melted butter. Toss together until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated.
8. Apply Topping: Sprinkle the buttery breadcrumb mixture evenly over the mac and cheese in the baking dish to create a crispy crust.
9. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the sauce is bubbly.
10. Serve: Remove from the oven and allow to cool for a few minutes before serving warm. Enjoy the creamy, spicy, and crispy texture combination!

Notes

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Leftovers can be frozen, but texture may slightly change upon reheating.
• For reheating refrigerated leftovers, warm in the oven until heated through or microwave in a microwave-safe dish.
• To reheat frozen leftovers, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then bake or microwave until hot.
• Use high-quality freshly shredded cheeses for better melting and flavor.
• For extra spice, use a hotter Buffalo sauce or add a dash of sriracha.
• Try mixing Parmesan or blue cheese into the breadcrumb topping for a flavor boost.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Buffalo chicken, mac and cheese, baked, creamy, spicy, comfort food, casserole, crispy topping