Irresistible Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Bake

Let me tell you, there are some nights when you just want to make something everyone will be excited about – no complaints, no leftovers, just happy faces at the table. That’s the perfect time to bring out this Buffalo chicken mac and cheese. It’s cozy, full of bold flavor, and feels like a fun little twist on two classics we already love.

I started making this on weekends when we had friends over to watch a game or just hang out, and it quickly turned into a family favorite. The best part? You don’t need anything fancy – just some simple ingredients and about an hour in the kitchen.

In this post, I’ll walk you through everything: how to make it from scratch, how to adjust it for busy days (yes, there’s a slow cooker version), and little tips to make it your own. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or planning ahead for the week, this one’s worth bookmarking. Let’s get into it!

Why You’ll Love This Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese

There’s something downright comforting about a big pan of Buffalo chicken mac and cheese coming out of the oven. This recipe brings together tender pasta, juicy chicken, and a rich, cheesy Buffalo sauce that hugs every bite. It’s family-friendly, easy to prepare, and just the right mix of creamy and bold. Whether you’re craving a casual dinner, a game day favorite, or a crowd-pleasing potluck dish, this one checks all the boxes.

• Quick to make with simple ingredients you already love
• Customizable heat so everyone gets their perfect level of spice
• Perfect for any occasion, from busy weeknights to weekend gatherings
• Great leftovers that reheat beautifully without losing flavor
• Pairs easily with a fresh salad, celery sticks, or crusty bread

This Buffalo chicken mac and cheese is pure comfort in every forkful – let’s dive into the ingredients next!

What You’ll Need to Make Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese

Alright, let’s gather everything you’ll need to bring this Buffalo chicken mac and cheese to life. Nothing fancy – just simple, flavorful ingredients that come together to create a dish that’s comforting, creamy, and full of personality. I’ll also share a few optional extras if you’re feeling adventurous or want to make it your own.

Basic Ingredients

• 1 lb cooked shredded chicken – The hearty foundation of the dish. Use rotisserie, leftovers, or freshly cooked chicken – whatever you have on hand.
• 12 oz elbow macaroni – Classic pasta that holds the creamy sauce perfectly. Cavatappi or shells work too.
• 1 cup Buffalo wing sauce – The star of the show. It adds that bold, tangy kick. Choose your favorite brand based on how spicy you like it.
• 4 oz cream cheese (softened) – Makes the sauce smooth, velvety, and rich.
• 2 cups milk – Helps loosen the cheese sauce and make it silky. Whole or 2% both work well.
• 2 Tbsp butter – Starts the roux and adds richness.
• 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour – Helps create a thick, creamy sauce that wraps around every bite of pasta and chicken.
• 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar – Brings bold cheesy flavor and that melty goodness.
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack – Adds a creamy, mellow balance to the cheddar.
• 1 tsp garlic powder – A little savory depth in every bite.
• ½ tsp paprika – Brings a hint of warmth and color.
• Salt & pepper to taste – You’re the boss of seasoning here. Add a little, taste, then adjust.

Optional Add-Ins

• ¼ cup blue cheese crumbles – For that classic Buffalo wing combo.
• ½ cup diced celery – Adds fresh crunch after baking.
• ¼ cup sliced green onions – Brightens the final dish and adds a pop of color.

Pro Tip: Want to give this a twist? Try adding taco seasoning to the chicken and swapping cheddar for a blend of pepper jack and Colby for a Tex-Mex spin. Or use a BBQ-style Buffalo sauce and top with crispy onions for a Southern-style variation.

Now that we’ve got everything ready to go, let’s head to the fun part – making it all come together in one seriously tasty bake.

How to Make Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese from Scratch

Let’s get this dish from pantry to plate with zero stress. It’s a simple process, and once you’ve done it once, you’ll feel like a pro. Follow these steps, and don’t forget to enjoy all the amazing smells filling your kitchen.

1. Boil the pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook it about 1 minute less than the package says – just until it’s almost tender. Drain and set it aside. (It’ll finish cooking in the oven, soaking up all that cheesy sauce.)

2. Make the roux

Return the pot to the stove and add the butter, letting it melt gently over medium heat. Sprinkle in the flour and stir it constantly for about a minute, until it turns golden and smells just a bit nutty. This is what thickens your sauce – don’t rush it.

3. Build the cheese sauce

Gradually add the milk while whisking, blending it in smoothly to keep the sauce lump-free. Keep whisking until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon – this takes about 3–4 minutes. Then stir in the softened cream cheese until it melts and smooths out the sauce.

4. Season and melt the cheese

Add garlic powder, paprika, a pinch of salt, and a few grinds of black pepper. Stir to combine. Now add the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack, a handful at a time, stirring until it all melts into a creamy, dreamy sauce.

5. Add the Buffalo kick

Pour in the Buffalo sauce and stir until everything’s blended. You should see that familiar orange color and start to catch that tangy smell – it’s a good sign!

6. Fold in the chicken and pasta

Toss the cooked macaroni and shredded chicken into the pot. Use a large spoon to gently fold everything together until it’s evenly coated with sauce.

7. Transfer and bake

Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Feel free to add a handful of extra cheese over the top for an even cheesier finish. Bake uncovered at 375°F (190°C) for about 20–25 minutes, until it’s bubbling around the edges and golden on top.

8. Let it rest

Once baked, let it rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. This helps everything set a bit so it scoops beautifully without falling apart.

Troubleshooting Tip:
If the sauce feels too thick at any point, stir in a splash of warm milk to loosen it. If it’s too thin, give it a few more minutes on the stove to simmer and reduce slightly before adding the pasta.

There’s something special about pulling a hot, cheesy dish like this out of the oven – it feels like comfort in casserole form. Now that the baking’s done, let’s talk about fun ways to serve it up for different occasions!

Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Tips and Tasty Variations

Let’s talk tips! Once you’ve made this Buffalo chicken mac and cheese once, you’ll start finding little ways to make it your own. These are my favorite tricks, swaps, and small adjustments that can take the dish from good to absolutely can’t-stop-eating-it great.

Helpful Tips to Keep in Mind:

• Undercook the pasta slightly
  Since it finishes cooking in the oven, boil the noodles 1 minute less than the package suggests. This keeps them perfectly tender, not mushy.
• Shred your own cheese
  Freshly shredded cheese melts more smoothly into the sauce than the pre-packaged kind. It’s a small step that makes a big difference in creaminess.
• Warm your milk before adding
  Pouring cold milk into the roux can cool things down too fast. Gently warm it in the microwave to help the sauce thicken evenly.
• Add sauce gradually
  Start with ¾ cup of Buffalo sauce, stir, and taste. Then add more if you like it bolder. This lets you find your perfect balance of flavor and heat.

Fun Ways to Mix It Up:

• Crockpot version: For an easy buffalo chicken mac and cheese crockpot meal, mix all sauce ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low for 2 hours. Add the cooked pasta at the end and give it a good stir before serving.
• Instant Pot shortcut: Want buffalo chicken mac and cheese instant pot style? Pressure cook chicken, pasta, milk, and spices together for 5 minutes, then stir in cheeses and Buffalo sauce once done.
• Spice variations: Want more of a barbecue twist? Swap Buffalo sauce for your favorite BBQ sauce and add a pinch of smoked paprika.
• Toppings that crunch: Add a crushed cracker or panko breadcrumb topping during the last 5 minutes of baking for a golden, crispy finish.
• Vegetable boost: Stir in steamed broccoli, corn, or bell peppers before baking. It’s a great way to stretch the dish and add more color and texture.

When it comes to comfort food, a little creativity goes a long way. Now that your mac and cheese is bubbling and golden, let’s make it shine when it hits the table.

Serving Ideas for Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese

This Buffalo chicken mac and cheese is just as versatile as it is delicious. Whether you’re feeding the family on a weeknight or showing up to a party with something special, here are a few ideas to make it fit the moment perfectly.

• Weeknight dinner: Pair it with a crisp green salad or roasted veggies to balance the richness. A side of cornbread or garlic toast never hurts either.
• Game day favorite: Serve it straight from a big casserole dish alongside celery sticks and ranch dressing for those classic Buffalo vibes.
• Party sliders: Spoon it into mini slider buns and top with a little blue cheese or shredded lettuce for a fun, handheld option.
• Potluck ready: Transport it in an insulated carrier and reheat gently at your host’s house. It holds up well and stays creamy, even after sitting out for a bit.
• Movie night comfort: Dish it into deep bowls or big mugs, grab some napkins, and dig in on the couch.
• Backyard cookout: Serve next to grilled chicken skewers or burgers as a cheesy side that steals the spotlight.

No matter how you serve it, this dish brings the kind of comfort and joy that makes people go back for seconds. Speaking of seconds… let’s talk about saving those leftovers the right way.

How to Store and Reheat Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Leftovers

One of my favorite things about this Buffalo chicken mac and cheese is how well it holds up. Whether you’re prepping ahead or storing what’s left after dinner, here’s how to keep it tasting great.

Storing:

• In the fridge:
  Once it’s cooled down, scoop it into an airtight container for easy storage. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• In the freezer:
  Scoop into individual portions or pack it in a freezer-safe dish. Seal it well and pop it in the freezer for up to 2 months. Be sure to label it with the date so it doesn’t get lost in the freezer shuffle!

Reheating:

• Oven:
  Place in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and reheat at 350°F for about 15–20 minutes. Add a splash of milk before covering if it looks dry.
• Microwave:
  Reheat individual portions on medium power in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each one. Add a little milk if needed to bring back the creamy texture.
• From frozen:
  Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, or bake from frozen covered in foil – just add extra time and check that it’s heated through the center.

When stored and warmed up with care, this dish is just as comforting the next day – and maybe even more so when you don’t have to cook again!

More Easy Recipes You’ll Want to Make Next

Looking for more comforting, satisfying dishes that are simple to pull together? These reader favorites are great for busy days, casual dinners, or just trying something new in the kitchen:

• Cottage Cheese Egg Bake – A cozy, make-ahead brunch bake with simple ingredients
• Cottage Cheese Pizza Bowl – A fun, layered bowl packed with pizza flavor and no crust to fuss over
• Steak and Potatoes – A one-pan favorite that’s perfect for dinner nights with family
• Easy Sloppy Joe Recipe (3 Ingredients) – A quick, saucy classic that comes together in minutes
• Burger Bowl Recipe – All your burger favorites in one tasty bowl, great for meal prep too
• Sub in a Tub Recipe – A no-bread spin on deli subs, full of bold flavor and crunch

Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Bake

Calista

This Buffalo chicken mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort food mash-up – tender shredded chicken coated in tangy Buffalo sauce, folded into creamy, cheesy macaroni, and baked to golden perfection. It’s bold, cozy, and perfect for feeding hungry families or sharing at gatherings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 8

Calories 680 kcal

Equipment

• Large pot
• Whisk
• Mixing spoon or spatula
• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Oven (or slow cooker / Instant Pot for variations)
• Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients

  

• 1 lb cooked shredded chicken
• 12 oz elbow macaroni uncooked
• 1 cup Buffalo wing sauce
• 4 oz cream cheese softened
• 2 cups milk
• 2 Tbsp butter
• 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp paprika
• Salt & pepper to taste

Optional Ingredients:

• ¼ cup blue cheese crumbles
• ½ cup diced celery
• ¼ cup sliced green onions

Instructions

 

• Boil macaroni 1 minute less than package directions; drain.
• In the same pot, melt butter and stir in flour to create a roux.
• Slowly whisk in milk; simmer until thickened.
• Stir in cream cheese until smooth.
• Add garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
• Mix in shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack until melted.
• Pour in Buffalo sauce and stir well.
• Fold in cooked chicken and pasta until fully coated.
• Transfer to greased baking dish and top with extra cheese if desired.
• Bake at 375°F for 20–25 minutes, until bubbling and golden.
• Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.

Notes

For a smoother sauce, shred your own cheese – it melts better than the pre-packaged kind. And remember, you can easily adjust the heat level with more or less Buffalo sauce.

 

Keyword Buffalo chicken mac and cheese, buffalo chicken mac and cheese crock pot, buffalo chicken mac and cheese instant pot

Key Takeaways

• Buffalo chicken mac and cheese combines bold flavor with creamy, cheesy comfort.
• Easy to make and perfect for weeknights, potlucks, or game day gatherings.
• Bake it, slow cook it, or use the Instant Pot – it’s flexible and fuss-free.
• Simple to customize with toppings, veggies, or spice level.
• Stores and reheats well, making leftovers just as satisfying.

Now that you’ve got the big picture, let’s answer a few common questions to help you make it even better next time!

Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese FAQs: Your Questions Answered

Still have questions? Drop them in the comments when you try the recipe – I’m always happy to help make your cooking experience even better!

Conclusion

There’s just something about a warm, bubbly dish of Buffalo chicken mac and cheese that brings everyone to the table a little faster. It’s bold, comforting, and full of the kind of flavor that gets people asking for seconds. Whether it becomes your new game day favorite or a weeknight go-to, I hope it finds a happy place in your kitchen like it has in mine.

If you gave it a try, I’d truly love to hear what you thought. Leave a review and let me know how it turned out – and of course, how you made it your own.