Buffalo Chicken Mac Cheese
Buffalo Chicken Mac Cheese
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts
| Calories | 650 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 35g |
| Fiber | 0g |
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Fancy a bit of alright comfort food with a kick? Have you ever thought about combining the best of both worlds? I'm talking about buffalo chicken mac and cheese .
It is a seriously delicious mac and cheese recipe with that spicy buffalo chicken flavour you crave!
Brief Overview
This twist on classic mac and cheese is proper American, originating from the States, but it is now a British family staple.
It's proper easy, perfect for a quick supper. Get ready to serve about 6 people with this game day recipe .
Main Benefits
Buffalo chicken mac and cheese is the easy weeknight meal you need when craving something satisfying. This recipe is a bit of indulgence, but it can be boosted with chicken breasts for protein.
It's a crowd-pleaser that's both spicy mac and cheese and wonderfully comforting.
Let's Talk Ingredients
So, what do you need to knock up this amazing buffalo mac ? The star, of course, is the cheese sauce , made with proper cheddar cheese .
You also need elbow macaroni , chicken, and a cracking buffalo wing sauce . Don't forget the sour cream and green onions for that extra bit of zing!
Essential Ingredients
Right, here's what you need for the cheesy buffalo chicken pasta : Chicken, macaroni, butter, flour, milk, salt, pepper, paprika, cheddar cheese, sour cream, green onions, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, and buffalo wing sauce .
Told you it was simple!
Alternatives
Fancy a gluten-free mac and cheese ? Just swap out the macaroni for a gluten-free version and use gluten-free flour. This recipe is adaptable.
Equipment
A baking dish is handy if you want to bake it, but not essential. You'll need a big pot, a skillet, and a cheese grater.
Alright, mate! Let's talk about what you'll need to whip up this amazing buffalo chicken mac and cheese . Trust me, it's easier than navigating the London Underground during rush hour.
It's the ultimate comfort food , seriously!
Gear Up: Your Kitchen Arsenal
You really don't need fancy gadgets. Just the basics. A large pot for the pasta, a big skillet for the chicken, and a 9x13 inch baking dish if you want that baked mac and cheese vibe.
A cheese grater is essential and a whisk for the cheese sauce , innit?
Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese: The Ingredients Breakdown
This buffalo chicken mac and cheese recipe is all about quality ingredients. Nothing too fussy! I reckon preheating your oven to 350° F ( 175° C) is a good shout if you're planning to bake it.
Main Ingredients
- Chicken Breasts: 1.5 lbs (680g) . Fresh is best. Look for plump, pink chicken breasts with no discoloration.
- Elbow Macaroni: 1 lb (454g) . Elbows are classic, but any short pasta works, even gluten-free macaroni.
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese: 4 cups (400g) shredded. Seriously, buy a block and grate it yourself. Trust me, it melts better.
- Buffalo Wing Sauce: 1/2 cup (120ml) . Frank's RedHot is the OG, but use your fave.
- Butter: 6 tbsp (85g) unsalted. None of that spread stuff, yeah?
- All-Purpose Flour: 1/4 cup (30g) . For thickening the cheese sauce .
- Whole Milk: 3 cups (710ml) . Makes for a super creamy mac and cheese .
- Sour Cream: 1/2 cup (120ml) . Adds a tang.
Seasoning & Flavour Boosters
Right, so we want flavour, right? I like to add garlic and onion powder. And of course salt, pepper, and paprika for a bit of oomph!
- Essential Spices: Garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, paprika.
- Aromatics: Green onions add a fresh bite. A few chives if you are feeling fancy.
- Spice Level: Control the heat by adjusting the amount of buffalo wing sauce .
Quick Ingredient Swaps
- No sour cream? Greek yogurt works a treat.
- Monterey Jack cheese will mellow out the flavor a bit.
- Rotisserie chicken would be a great time saver.
- No elbow pasta? Penne works perfectly!
This spicy mac and cheese is so versatile, don't stress if you need to make a few swaps! It's a great game day recipe or an easy weeknight meal .
Seriously, this buffalo chicken mac and cheese will be a hit. You'll be hooked like I am, promise!
Get Ready to Rumble: Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Time!
Oh my gosh, you guys! Are you ready for the ultimate comfort food mashup? We're talking about buffalo chicken mac and cheese .
It's a mac and cheese recipe that takes the classic, cheesy goodness you love and gives it a spicy kick with delicious buffalo chicken .
Honestly, it's a game-changer. I personally think is even better as a buffalo mac . I remember the first time I made this.
I had some leftover k_annotated: buffalo chicken from a k_annotated: game day recipe and thought, "Why not?" Best decision ever! This isn't just any k_annotated: homemade mac and cheese ; it's an experience.
Prep Like a Pro: Mise en Place Magic
First things first: let's get organised, yeah ? Gather all your ingredients before you even think about turning on the hob.
It's called mise en place , very posh, eh? We need k_annotated: chicken breasts , k_annotated: elbow macaroni , k_annotated: cheddar cheese , k_annotated: buffalo wing sauce , k_annotated: sour cream , and k_annotated: green onions .
The lot! Grate your k_annotated: cheddar cheese now, as well. Trust me, eh . Pre-shredded cheese doesn't melt as nicely. And for safety? Watch out for that knife when you're chopping the onions.
No one wants a trip to A&E in the middle of cooking.
The Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese Process: Step-by-Step Glory
Right, here's how we're gonna nail this k_annotated: spicy mac and cheese :
Cook the Chicken: Season your k_annotated: chicken breasts and sauté them until they reach an internal temp of 165° F ( 74° C) .
Shred It: Shred that cooked chicken. Two forks are your best friends here.
Buffalo Bliss: Toss the shredded chicken with your favorite k_annotated: buffalo wing sauce and melted butter.
Mac Attack: Cook the k_annotated: elbow macaroni until al dente.
Cheese Sauce Time: Make a k_annotated: cheese sauce using butter, flour, milk, and tons of k_annotated: cheddar cheese . Stir in k_annotated: sour cream at the end for extra creaminess.
Mix & Bake (Optional): Combine everything in a k_annotated: baking dish and bake at 350° F ( 175° C) for 20 minutes until bubbly.
Or, skip the baking and just serve it straight away!
Pro Tips for Mac & Cheese Mastery
- Don't overcook the pasta. Mushy mac is a crime.
- Adjust the spice. More k_annotated: buffalo wing sauce for more heat!
- You can make the k_annotated: cheese sauce ahead of time. Just reheat it gently before mixing it with the pasta and chicken. Honestly, this k_annotated: buffalo chicken mac and cheese is such an k_annotated: easy weeknight meal . The k_annotated: cheesy buffalo chicken pasta is so tasty! Plus, if you're feeling fancy, try adding some blue cheese crumbles on top before baking. It's like a party in your mouth!
Recipe Notes for the Best Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Ever!
Right, so you're about to dive into making some seriously good buffalo chicken mac and cheese . Here are a few extra bits to help you nail it.
These are the things I wish someone told me the first time I tried this, you know?
Serving Suggestions: Make It Look Like You Know What You're Doing
Honestly, even a quick mac and cheese recipe like this can look fancy. For plating, try serving it in individual bowls and top with a sprinkle of fresh green onions .
If you're feeling extra posh, a drizzle of extra buffalo wing sauce never hurt anyone.
As for sides, this buffalo chicken comfort food goes great with celery sticks and ranch dressing to cool down the spice.
I like a simple side salad with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the cheese sauce . Don't forget a nice cold beer to wash it all down.
It's a game day recipe , after all!
Storage Tips: Keep That Goodness Fresh
Let's be real, leftovers of this spicy mac and cheese are rare. But if you do have any, here's the lowdown.
For refrigeration, store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. When you want to reheat, add a splash of milk to keep it creamy mac and cheese then microwave until heated through or bake in the oven.
Freezing? Yeah, you could freeze it, but honestly, it's never quite the same. The cheese sauce can get a bit grainy.
But if you must, let it cool completely, then wrap it up tight and freeze for up to a month.
Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as above. I'd recommend a fresh batch.
Variations: Make It Your Own
This recipe is really versatile. If you want a gluten-free mac and cheese , just use gluten-free elbow macaroni and a gluten-free flour blend for the roux. Easy peasy!
Want to mix it up? Some blue cheese crumbles sprinkled on top before baking give it an extra kick. Try some diced jalapenos for a jalapeno buffalo mac , or use leftover rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken breasts.
Nutrition Basics: The Important Bits (Kind Of)
Okay, so this buffalo chicken mac and cheese isn't exactly a salad, is it? But hey, it's got protein from the chicken breasts and calcium from the cheddar cheese ! Each serving is around 650 calories.
It's packed with protein and carbs. The key health benefit? Pure, unadulterated happiness.
Honestly, though, it's all about balance, innit? Enjoy this cheesy buffalo chicken pasta in moderation. Everything in moderation, including moderation, as they say.
Give this baked mac and cheese a go. Have fun, don't worry if it's not perfect the first time, and enjoy every single bite! You’ve got this!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make buffalo chicken mac and cheese ahead of time? I'm a bit of a Mary Berry, and I like to prep in advance!
Absolutely! You can prepare the buffalo chicken and the mac and cheese separately a day or two in advance. Store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator. When you're ready to serve, simply combine them, and bake (if desired) or heat gently on the stovetop until warmed through.
Just be aware that the pasta may absorb some of the sauce, so you might need to add a splash of milk to loosen it up.
How do I adjust the spice level in this buffalo chicken mac and cheese recipe? My family are real wimps about spice!
Spice is a personal thing! To reduce the heat, start with a milder buffalo wing sauce or use less of it. You can also mix the buffalo sauce with a little melted butter to mellow it out. For those who like a kick, add a dash of cayenne pepper to the cheese sauce or sprinkle some red pepper flakes on top before serving.
A dollop of sour cream can also help cool things down.
What kind of cheese works best for buffalo chicken mac and cheese? I want it to be truly scrumptious!
Sharp cheddar is a classic choice that provides a wonderful flavour to the mac and cheese. You can use a blend of cheeses, though! Monterey Jack will give it a creamy texture or Pepper Jack adds a little extra kick.
Always shred your own cheese from a block for the best melting results – pre-shredded cheese sometimes contains additives that prevent it from melting smoothly.
I've got leftovers! How should I store and reheat my buffalo chicken mac and cheese? I hate soggy leftovers.
Store leftover buffalo chicken mac and cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can microwave it in short intervals, stirring occasionally, or bake it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
Add a splash of milk or cream when reheating to restore the creamy consistency and prevent it from drying out. Adding a little more cheese never hurts either.
Can I bake my buffalo chicken mac and cheese? I'm looking for that crispy top layer!
Baking it adds a delightful texture! Simply transfer the combined mac and cheese and buffalo chicken to a greased baking dish. You can sprinkle some extra cheese or breadcrumbs on top for an even crispier crust. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown. Keep a close eye on it to prevent over-browning.
I'm trying to be a bit healthier, are there any ways to lighten up this buffalo chicken mac and cheese?
You can certainly make some adjustments! Use whole wheat pasta for added fibre. Try using reduced-fat cheese and milk, or replace some of the cheddar with cauliflower puree for creaminess. You could even use grilled chicken instead of sautéed. Serve with a large side salad to balance out the richness of the dish. Remember to always practice balance!
