Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Casserole

Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese is a popular comfort food that is often served as a main dish for a family dinner or a side dish for parties, potlucks, and gatherings. It is a favorite among those who enjoy classic macaroni and cheese but also like food with a little kick and more flavor.

However instead of making it from a box, this recipe begins with homemade macaroni and cheese. As the noodles are boiling in hot, salted water an easy homemade cheese sauce is made by making a simple roux from flour and butter.

Then milk is poured in the pan along with a few common spices. Once the mixture thickens three different varieties of cheese and sour cream are added to give the sauce that creamy texture.

Once the cheese melts Buffalo sauce is mixed in to give the sauce that iconic flavor. Next the cooked noodles and cooked and shredded chicken are tossed in the creamy sauce until they are well coated.

Although you could stop right there and eat dinner, this recipe takes it one step further! Pour the mac and cheese into a casserole dish and sprinkle crunchy Panko breadcrumbs on top.

Then put it in the oven until the entire casserole is hot and bubbly. Now you have a delicious dinner or side dish recipe that will become the new favorite!

Make Ahead Short Cuts

Many Buffalo chicken mac and cheese recipes start with uncooked chicken breasts or thighs. Then the warm meat is shredded and tossed in Buffalo sauce before it is added to the creamy cheese sauce.

Although you can certainly make this recipe using that method, I prefer to use an easier method to get this delicious dinner on the table. And it all starts with a rotisserie chicken.

1. Rotisserie Chicken

Instead of cooking raw chicken breasts or thighs, use the meat from a rotisserie chicken. Simply shred the meat while the chicken is still warm and store it in the refrigerator.

Then you can use the meat in a variety of recipes throughout the week. It is a great way to get dinner on the table quickly on busy weeknights.

Use the shredded chicken to make Chicken Noodle Casserole, Chicken and Potato Casserole, Chicken and Dumplings and more!

2. Pasta

Although you could cook the pasta at the same time that you make the creamy cheese sauce, you can also make it in advance and store it until you are ready to add it to the recipe.

Do this by cooking the pasta to al’ dente consistency. Then drain the pasta and spread the noodles out on a baking sheet to cool.

Once the noodles are cool drizzle one teaspoon of olive oil over top and toss to coat. The oil will help prevent the noodles from clumping together.

Then store the noodles in a closed container in the refrigerator until ready to use.

3. Measure & Store The Ingredients

If you want to take your meal prep to the next level, you can mix some of the ingredients in advance. Do this by mixing together the spices and storing them in a closed container.

Then measure the Cheddar and Mozzarella cheese and toss to combine. You can even mix in the sour cream and chunks of cream cheese if you prefer.

Then place the cheese in a container and store in the refrigerator until it is time to make dinner. Add the measured shredded chicken, cooked noodles, spices, and cheese in a single Refrigerator Storage Bin so that everything you need is in one single location.

What To Serve With Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese

Although this flavorful dish is hearty and filling on its own, if you want to make it a complete meal you might want to consider pairing it with side dishes that compliment the the flavor and texture.

1. Salad

A crisp green or Caesar salad will contrast the creamy texture of the macaroni and cheese. In addition a tangy vinaigrette dressing can provide a nice contrast to the richness of the mac and cheese.

2. Bread

There is nothing more comforting than a crusty slice of bread or a warm dinner roll. Use the bread to soak up any extra cheese sauce that may be sitting at the bottom of your plate or bowl.

3. Vegetables

Roasted or grilled vegetables will provide a nice balance of texture and flavor. Some of my favorites include grilled corn, asparagus and Brussels sprouts.

However, cold veggies also provide a nice contrast the spicy mac and cheese. Sliced cucumbers, celery and cauliflower would compliment this dish as well.

4. Fruit

A simple fruit salad made with strawberries, grapes and melon is a light and refreshing side dish that compliments the warm and spicy flavors of the Buffalo sauce.

Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Casserole Recipe

*Specific measurements and complete recipe instructions are located in a printable recipe card at the bottom of this article. However, be sure to continue to read the tips and tricks to making this recipe below.

INGREDIENTS

• 8 oz dry elbow noodles
• 3 Tablespoons butter
• 3 Tablespoons flour
• 2 cups milk
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon pepper
• 4 oz cream cheese
• 1 1/2 cup shredded extra sharp Cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded Mozzarella cheese
• 1/3 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup Buffalo hot sauce
• 1 1/2 cups cooked and shredded chicken

Panko Topping Ingredients

• 2 Tablespoons butter, melted
• 1/2 cup Panko breadcrumbs

INSTRUCTIONS

The first step in making Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese is to preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C) and spray a 9 x 11 inch square baking dish with non stick cooking spray. Set aside.

Cook the pasta to al’ dente consistency according to package instructions.

While the pasta cooks melt the butter in a large pot placed over medium heat. Once the butter melts whisk in the flour until smooth.

Add milk, garlic powder, onion powder, ground mustard, salt and pepper and stir until well combined. Then bring the mixture just up to a boil and reduce the heat to a simmer.

Stir frequently to prevent the milk from scorching and continue to simmer until it is slightly thickened.

Reduce the heat to low and stir in chunks of cream cheese, shredded sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded Mozzarella cheese and sour cream. Continue to stir until the cheeses are completely melted and the mixture is smooth and thick.

Then stir in the Buffalo hot sauce until well incorporated. Add the cooked and shredded chicken and cooked pasta noodles and carefully stir until well combined.

Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.

Panko Topping

Before the Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese can go into the oven top it with a Panko breadcrumb mixture.

In a medium bowl add the melted butter and the Panko breadcrumbs. Stir until the breadcrumbs are moist. Spread the breadcrumbs evenly over top of the casserole.

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes or until the sides are bubbly and the breadcrumbs begin to turn golden brown. Serve warm and garnish with fresh chopped parsley, if desired.

Enjoy! Mary

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