Description
Buffalo Chicken Macaroni and Cheese is a cheesy, comforting dish with a spicy buffalo chicken kick. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or game-day meal.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (140 g) shredded cooked rotisserie chicken
- 2 tablespoons buffalo sauce
- 2 tablespoons ranch dressing
- 8 ounces cavatappi noodles, cooked al dente and drained
- 1/4 cup (57 g) unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup (31 g) all-purpose flour
- 2 cups (490 ml) whole milk, warmed
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground mustard powder
- 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper, optional
- 1/2 cup (56.5 g) sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
- 1/4 cup (28 g) mozzarella cheese, freshly grated
- 1/4 cup (28 g) mozzarella cheese for topping
- 1/4 cup (28 g) cheddar cheese for topping
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon buffalo sauce for topping
- 1 tablespoon ranch dressing for topping
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a medium bowl, mix the shredded chicken with buffalo sauce and ranch dressing. Set aside.
- In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the flour and whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes until light brown.
- Remove from heat and gradually pour in the warm milk, whisking constantly.
- Return skillet to heat and whisk for 3-5 minutes until thickened.
- Add salt, garlic powder, ground mustard, and cayenne pepper. Stir to combine.
- Add the sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and prepared buffalo chicken. Stir until the cheese melts.
- Add cooked cavatappi noodles and stir to combine.
- Transfer to a baking dish and top with remaining mozzarella and cheddar cheese.
- Bake, uncovered, for 5 minutes until the cheese topping is melted.
- Season with salt and pepper, drizzle with ranch and buffalo sauce, and garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for convenience, or cook your own chicken breasts.
- Cavatappi noodles can be substituted with elbow macaroni or other pasta shapes.
- Adjust the amount of buffalo sauce to control the spiciness.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking, Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: Approx. 550
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
