Description
This High-Protein Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese is a flavorful twist on the classic comfort dish, combining tender shredded chicken, creamy cheeses, and spicy buffalo sauce for a satisfying meal rich in protein. Ready in 30 minutes, it’s perfect for a quick dinner that packs a punch with bold flavors and wholesome ingredients.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
Chicken
- 1 – 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken or baked chicken breast
Sauce
- 2 Tbsp butter
- 2 Tbsp flour
- 1 ½ cups milk (whole, 2%, or skim)
- Kosher salt (to taste)
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- ½ cup buffalo hot sauce (+ more for serving)
For Serving
- Ranch sauce
- Green onion (for garnish)
- Blue cheese crumbles (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook pasta: Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package directions, making sure to salt the water well for enhanced flavor. Once cooked, drain the pasta thoroughly and set aside.
- Prep chicken: Shred or cut the rotisserie or baked chicken breast into bite-sized pieces and place them into a large mixing bowl to be combined later.
- Blend cottage cheese: Using a small food processor or an immersion blender, blend the cottage cheese until it reaches a completely smooth and creamy consistency. This helps create a silky texture in the cheese sauce.
- Start the roux: In a medium-sized pot over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for 30 to 60 seconds, stirring constantly to make a smooth roux that will thicken the sauce.
- Add milk: Gradually pour in the milk while whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Add a pinch of kosher salt and continue whisking until the mixture gently simmers and thickens, about 2 minutes.
- Make it cheesy: Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the smooth cottage cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, and buffalo hot sauce. Whisk continuously until the cheeses are melted and the sauce is creamy and smooth.
- Combine: Remove the pot from the heat. Add the cooked macaroni and shredded chicken into the cheese sauce, stirring well until every piece is evenly coated with the buffalo cheese sauce.
- Serve: Dish the buffalo chicken mac and cheese onto plates or bowls. Garnish with chopped green onions, a drizzle of ranch sauce, extra buffalo sauce for added heat, and optionally sprinkle blue cheese crumbles on top for extra tang and texture.
Notes
- Use either rotisserie chicken or baked chicken breast depending on preference or availability.
- Blending the cottage cheese ensures a smooth, creamy sauce without lumps.
- Adjust the amount of buffalo sauce to control the spice level to your liking.
- Blue cheese crumbles add a classic flavor pairing but are optional based on personal taste.
- Salting the pasta water is crucial to properly season the pasta itself for a balanced dish.
- This dish is best served immediately to enjoy the creamy texture but can be reheated gently on the stovetop.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
