Make this Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese for a spicy, comforting meal. You control the cheese melt for perfect creaminess.
Author:Eleanor Langley
Prep Time:15 minutes
Cook Time:25 minutes
Total Time:40 minutes
Yield:6 servings
Category:Main Dish
Method:Stovetop
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
1 pound elbow macaroni
1 pound cooked chicken, shredded
1 cup Buffalo sauce
1 cup heavy cream
8 ounces cream cheese, cubed
4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1/2 cup reserved pasta water
1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Cook macaroni according to package directions. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining.
In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour to make a roux. Cook for one minute.
Gradually whisk in the heavy cream until smooth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Reduce heat to low. Add the cream cheese, stirring until completely melted and smooth. You control the heat here for a smooth melt.
Stir in the Buffalo sauce and mix well.
Add the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese, stirring slowly until the cheese sauce is fully incorporated and creamy. Do not let it boil once the cheese is added.
Fold in the cooked, shredded chicken.
Add the drained macaroni to the cheese sauce. Toss to coat everything evenly.
If the sauce seems too thick, add the reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
Season with salt and pepper as needed. Serve immediately.
Notes
Shredding your own chicken often gives a better texture than pre-shredded.
Taste the Buffalo sauce first; adjust heat by adding more sauce or a dash of cayenne pepper.
For an extra crisp top, bake the finished mac and cheese at 375 degrees F for 10 minutes after mixing.