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Creamy Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese

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A creamy, spicy, and comforting mac and cheese with shredded buffalo chicken, perfect for game day or cozy meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces elbow macaroni (or penne or shells)
  • 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie or homemade)
  • 1/3 cup buffalo sauce (e.g., Frank’s RedHot)
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (about 8 ounces)
  • 1 1/2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
  • 1/2 cup cottage cheese (optional for extra creaminess)
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional garnish: chopped green onions or fresh parsley

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces of elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a medium saucepan, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Whisk in 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour and cook for about 2 minutes until light golden.
  3. Slowly pour in 1 1/2 cups of milk while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Stir until sauce thickens slightly, about 3-5 minutes.
  4. Stir in 4 ounces of softened cream cheese until fully melted and smooth.
  5. Lower heat to medium-low and add 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, 1/2 cup cottage cheese, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until cheese is melted and sauce is creamy.
  6. Add 2 cups shredded cooked chicken and 1/3 cup buffalo sauce. Stir gently to coat chicken evenly.
  7. Fold drained pasta into the cheese and chicken mixture. Stir gently until pasta is fully coated.
  8. Taste and adjust seasoning. Add more buffalo sauce or cayenne for extra heat if desired.
  9. Serve in bowls and garnish with chopped green onions or parsley.

Notes

If sauce is too thick, add a splash of milk to loosen. Avoid overcooking cheese to prevent grainy texture. For baked version, top with breadcrumbs and cheddar, then broil 3-5 minutes until golden. Use softened cream cheese for smooth sauce. Fold chicken gently to avoid mushy texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: buffalo chicken, mac and cheese, game day recipe, creamy, spicy, comfort food

Find it online: https://breezybake.com/creamy-buffalo-chicken-mac-and-cheese-recipe-perfect-for-game-day/