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Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese
Emily

Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese

This Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food — creamy, cheesy pasta mixed with tender chicken and a spicy buffalo kick, baked to golden perfection for an easy family dinner.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 530
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz rotini pasta
  • 2 cups cooked, diced chicken breast
  • 0.5 cup buffalo sauce
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 4 oz cream cheese
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 0.25 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups milk
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 green onions, sliced

Equipment

  • Large pot for pasta
  • skillet for chicken
  • saucepan for cheese sauce
  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • Whisk and spatula

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add rotini and cook until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a skillet, cook diced chicken with salt and pepper until golden and fully cooked (about 5–7 minutes). Set aside.
  3. Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour to form a roux. Slowly add milk, whisking until smooth. Stir in cream cheese until melted, then add cheddar cheese and buffalo sauce. Mix until creamy and smooth.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, toss cooked pasta, chicken, and cheese sauce until well-coated.
  5. Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle panko breadcrumbs evenly over the top.
  6. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20–25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown.
  7. Top with sliced green onions and serve hot.

Notes

Adjust the spice level by using mild or extra-hot buffalo sauce. Double the recipe for large gatherings or family dinner nights. Great for reheating—just add a splash of milk before warming up.