Description
Creamy, cheesy, and packed with the bold flavors of buffalo chicken, this Buffalo Chicken Macaroni and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food with a spicy twist. Perfect for game nights, family dinners, or whenever you crave something amazing, this dish is guaranteed to become a household favorite.
Ingredients
Chicken Mixture:
- 1 cup (140 g) shredded cooked rotisserie chicken
- 2 tablespoons buffalo sauce
- 2 tablespoons ranch dressing
Macaroni and Cheese Base:
- 8 ounces cavatappi noodles
- ¼ cup (57 g) unsalted butter
- ¼ cup (31 g) all-purpose flour
- 2 cups (490 ml) whole milk, warmed
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground mustard powder
- ⅛ teaspoon garlic powder
- ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- ½ cup (56.5 g) sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
- ¼ cup (28 g) mozzarella cheese, freshly grated
Topping:
- ¼ cup (28 g) mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup (28 g) cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon buffalo sauce
- 1 tablespoon ranch dressing
- Chopped parsley (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Your Oven:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the Chicken Mixture:
- In a medium bowl, combine shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, and ranch dressing. Set aside.
- Cook the Noodles:
- Cook cavatappi noodles in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make the Cheese Sauce:
- Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes until golden brown.
- Gradually add warmed milk, whisking continuously to avoid lumps.
- Cook for 3–5 minutes until thickened. Add salt, ground mustard, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper (if using).
- Reduce heat to low and stir in sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until melted and smooth.
- Combine the Components:
- Fold cooked noodles into the cheese sauce. Mix in the chicken mixture until evenly combined.
- Assemble and Bake:
- Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. Top with mozzarella and cheddar cheeses.
- Bake for 5–7 minutes or until the cheese topping is melted and bubbly.
- Add Toppings:
- Drizzle with additional buffalo sauce and ranch dressing. Garnish with chopped parsley.
Notes
- Cheese Tip: Freshly grate your cheese for the creamiest results.
- Spice Adjustment: Control the spice level by adjusting the buffalo sauce and cayenne pepper.
- Pasta Swap: Elbow macaroni or penne can be substituted for cavatappi.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American