Irresistibly Creamy & Spicy Stovetop Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese (Ready in Under 30 Minutes!)
Prepare to dive into a bowl of pure comfort with this incredible Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese recipe! It strikes the perfect balance of zesty heat and indulgent creaminess, all brought together in a rich, velvety cheese sauce. Best of all, this hearty dish comes together entirely on your stovetop in under 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or whenever a craving for something satisfyingly spicy and cheesy hits. Forget about complicated steps or turning on the oven – this recipe is designed for maximum flavor with minimal effort, ensuring a delicious meal every time. It’s a true crowd-pleaser that combines classic comfort food with the bold, beloved flavors of buffalo chicken.
Why This Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe Works So Well
This Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese has quickly become a cherished staple in our household, and it’s bound to find a permanent spot in your recipe repertoire too. What makes it so exceptional? Firstly, its sheer simplicity is a game-changer. We’re talking about a one-pan wonder that delivers big on flavor without requiring hours in the kitchen. The secret lies in its perfectly balanced profile: incredibly cheesy, satisfyingly spicy with that signature tang from Frank’s RedHot sauce, and wonderfully easy to prepare. It’s the kind of dish that truly earns all the rave reviews it receives.
At its core, this recipe brilliantly combines two types of luscious cheese with tender, savory chicken and classic elbow macaroni – a trio destined for deliciousness. For those who adore our Buffalo Chicken Dip or crave a heartier, cheese-centric version of our beloved Buffalo Chicken Casserole, this mac and cheese is an absolute dream come true. You might say we have a slight obsession with all things buffalo chicken, and for good reason! This particular iteration stands out not only for its incredible taste but also for its practicality. It’s an ingenious way to utilize leftover cooked chicken or even a store-bought rotisserie chicken, transforming simple ingredients into a gourmet experience. Plus, the convenience of a stovetop-only preparation means no need to heat up your oven, making it perfect for any season. Get ready for a comforting, flavor-packed meal that’s both effortless and utterly satisfying.
Key Ingredients for Your Stovetop Creation
To embark on this culinary adventure, you’ll need a handful of readily available ingredients. Before you begin cooking, it’s always a good practice to gather and prepare all your components – this is often referred to as ‘mise en place’ and ensures a smooth and enjoyable cooking experience. You’ll find a comprehensive list of all exact measurements, specific ingredients, and detailed instructions within the convenient printable recipe card located at the very end of this post, making preparation a breeze.
Ingredient Insight & Clever Substitutions
CHICKEN – The star of our dish, the chicken, offers great flexibility. While you can certainly cook fresh chicken breasts yourself for this recipe, the beauty of this dish shines when you opt for pre-cooked chicken. A store-bought rotisserie chicken is an absolute time-saver, providing tender, seasoned meat that’s ready to be shredded or chopped in minutes. If you choose to cook your own chicken breasts – whether by boiling, poaching, baking, or steaming – remember to season them appropriately beforehand. Boiled or poached chicken, for instance, might be a bit bland on its own, so consider adding salt, pepper, garlic powder, or even a touch of paprika during cooking to infuse flavor. Baked or steamed chicken typically retains seasonings better. Shredding the chicken ensures it integrates perfectly into the creamy sauce, creating a harmonious bite in every spoonful. Approximately 13 ounces of cooked chicken is ideal for this recipe.
NOODLES – When it comes to the pasta, elbow macaroni is the quintessential choice, fitting perfectly with the ‘mac’ in mac and cheese. Its small, curved shape is ideal for trapping that rich, creamy sauce, ensuring every bite is loaded with flavor. However, feel free to personalize this aspect! If you prefer a different pasta shape, go for it. Other excellent options that hold up well and complement a thick cheese sauce include fusilli, cavatappi (a personal favorite for its corkscrew shape), medium shells, or even penne. Just ensure you cook your chosen pasta al dente according to package directions, as it will continue to cook slightly when combined with the hot sauce. This prevents the pasta from becoming mushy and maintains a satisfying texture.
CHEESE – For a mac and cheese recipe, the cheese is undoubtedly the heart and soul, and its quality makes all the difference. We cannot stress this enough: shred your cheese yourself directly from the block. While pre-shredded cheeses offer convenience, they often contain anti-caking agents like cellulose or potato starch. These agents, while preventing clumping in the bag, can unfortunately hinder the cheese from melting smoothly, potentially leading to a grainy or clumpy sauce. Freshly grated cheddar and mozzarella, as used in this recipe, melt into a wonderfully smooth, uniform, and luxurious sauce that truly elevates the dish. The blend of sharp cheddar (7 ounces) and mild, melty mozzarella (3 ounces) provides both depth of flavor and that perfect stretchy consistency we all love, making the extra effort entirely worthwhile.
HOT SAUCE – The iconic flavor of buffalo chicken comes primarily from the hot sauce. Our recipe calls for Frank’s RedHot Original (½ cup), a classic choice known for its cayenne pepper base and balanced tanginess, which is crucial for that authentic buffalo flavor. If you prefer, you can certainly substitute with a bottled buffalo sauce, which is typically Frank’s mixed with butter and other seasonings, offering a slightly milder, richer profile. Adjust the amount to your personal heat preference – you can add a little extra for more kick or slightly less for a milder experience. For a smoky depth, a dash of chipotle hot sauce could also be an interesting addition.
HALF AND HALF – Achieving that signature rich and creamy texture is largely due to the use of half and half (4 ½ cups). This dairy product, a blend of half milk and half heavy cream, provides a higher fat content than milk alone, which is essential for a velvety smooth and luxurious cheese sauce. Its richness prevents the sauce from becoming thin or watery and helps emulsify the cheese beautifully. We strongly advise against substituting half and half with regular milk in this recipe, as it will significantly compromise the creaminess and overall richness of the final dish. The higher fat content is what gives this mac and cheese its decadent mouthfeel.
Optional Flavor Enhancements – Consider adding a dash of garlic powder, onion powder, or a pinch of smoked paprika to your cheese sauce for extra depth of flavor. A tablespoon of cream cheese can also be stirred in at the end for an even richer, tangier sauce. For a touch of fresh brightness, a squeeze of lemon juice stirred in just before serving can cut through the richness beautifully. Don’t underestimate the power of these small additions to customize your mac and cheese experience!
How to Make Stovetop Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese (Step-by-Step)
Crafting this delicious Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese is a straightforward process, designed to be enjoyable for cooks of all skill levels. To guide you every step of the way, we’ve included helpful step-by-step photos that illustrate each stage of preparation, ensuring you can visualize exactly how to achieve that perfect creamy sauce. For those who prefer a concise, printable reference, you can easily Jump to the full Recipe Card at the bottom of this post, where you’ll find all measurements and instructions clearly laid out. Let’s get cooking!
- The foundation of any great cheese sauce is a classic roux. Begin by melting the unsalted butter (6 Tablespoons) in a large, deep-sided skillet over medium-high heat. Allow it to melt completely and become slightly foamy, indicating it’s ready for the next step.
- Next, whisk in the all-purpose flour (¼ cup). Cook for about one minute, stirring constantly, to create a smooth paste – this helps to cook out the raw flour taste. Then, gradually whisk in the half and half (4 ½ cups). Continue whisking as you bring the mixture to a gentle boil, ensuring no lumps form. The sauce will begin to thicken as it heats, creating a velvety base for our cheese.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low and it’s time for the star ingredients! Add both the freshly shredded cheddar cheese (7 ounces) and mozzarella cheese (3 ounces) to the skillet. Stir continuously until the cheeses are fully melted and incorporated, creating a beautifully smooth and glossy cheese sauce. Ensure the heat isn’t too high to prevent the cheese from seizing.
- Now, introduce the iconic buffalo flavor. Whisk in the Frank’s RedHot sauce (½ cup). Continue to simmer the sauce over medium-low heat for another 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to reach its ideal creamy, thickened consistency, infused with that characteristic spicy tang.
- Finally, fold in your perfectly cooked al dente elbow macaroni noodles (8 ounces) and the shredded or chopped cooked chicken (13 ounces). Stir gently until everything is thoroughly combined and heated through. Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary, adding more hot sauce for extra kick, or a pinch of salt if needed. Serve immediately and enjoy this comforting, flavor-packed meal!
Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips for Success
Our Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese offers a delightful kick, striking a wonderful balance that’s flavorful without being overwhelming. We’d describe its spice level as a notch above mild, providing a pleasant warmth that enhances the dish without scorching your palate. If you prefer less heat, you can slightly reduce the amount of hot sauce, or for an extra fiery experience, feel free to add a bit more or even a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of ghost pepper hot sauce for the adventurous!
Proper storage is key to enjoying your delicious leftovers. Once the buffalo chicken mac and cheese has cooled completely, transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When reheating, it’s best to do so in a skillet over medium-low heat. Mac and cheese can sometimes thicken considerably in the fridge, so don’t hesitate to add a splash of half and half, milk, or even a bit of chicken broth while reheating. This extra liquid will help loosen the sauce and restore its creamy texture, ensuring your leftovers are just as delightful as the fresh batch.
While this mac and cheese is truly best enjoyed fresh off the stovetop, you can prepare certain components in advance to save time. Cook and shred your chicken, grate your cheeses, and even cook your pasta al dente. Store these components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to eat, simply prepare the cheese sauce, then combine everything as directed. This ‘mise en place’ approach will significantly cut down on last-minute preparation time.
Freezing mac and cheese can be a bit tricky, as dairy-based sauces sometimes separate or become grainy upon thawing. However, if you plan to freeze, ensure it’s in an airtight, freezer-safe container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently and adding extra half and half or milk as needed to bring back its creaminess. Be prepared for a slight change in texture compared to freshly made, but it will still be delicious!
Expert Tip: Freshly Grated Cheese is Non-Negotiable: As mentioned in the ingredients section, freshly grating your cheese is paramount. Pre-shredded cheeses contain anti-caking agents that hinder proper melting, often leading to a gritty or clumpy sauce. Taking a few extra minutes to shred your own block cheese will yield a significantly smoother, creamier, and more luxurious result, truly making this mac and cheese shine.
Expert Tip: Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cook your elbow macaroni (or chosen pasta shape) al dente. This means it should be slightly firm to the bite, not mushy. The pasta will continue to cook and absorb some of the rich sauce when combined, so undercooking it slightly initially will prevent it from becoming soggy and maintain a pleasant chewiness in the finished dish.
Delicious Serving Suggestions & Pairings
This Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways, whether as a satisfying main course or a hearty side. For a delightful textural contrast, consider adding a crispy topping. A mixture of panko breadcrumbs tossed with a touch of melted butter, sprinkled generously over the mac and cheese, and then briefly placed under the broiler until golden brown, adds a fantastic crunch and an extra layer of flavor. This creates a wonderful baked mac and cheese experience without the full oven commitment.
Beyond that, this dish is phenomenal served simply as-is, allowing its rich, spicy, and creamy flavors to take center stage. For a truly indulgent meal, pair it with some warm, crusty garlic bread – perfect for soaking up every last bit of that delectable cheese sauce. To balance the richness and add a refreshing element, a fresh, crisp side salad with a light vinaigrette is always an excellent accompaniment. You could also serve it alongside roasted vegetables, steamed broccoli, or a simple coleslaw for a complete and satisfying dinner. Don’t forget fresh garnishes like chopped green onions, a sprinkle of fresh parsley, or a drizzle of ranch or blue cheese dressing to truly elevate the experience and add another layer of classic buffalo flavor!
More Irresistible Buffalo Chicken & Mac and Cheese Recipes
- Buffalo Chicken Pasta
- Buffalo Chicken Tenders
- Crockpot Macaroni and Cheese
- Easy Stovetop Mac and Cheese
- Jalapeno Popper Mac and Cheese
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Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
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Ingredients
- 6 Tablespoons unsalted butter
- ¼ cup all purpose flour
- 4 ½ cups half and half
- 7 ounces cheddar cheese shredded
- 3 ounces mozzarella cheese shredded
- ½ cup Frank’s red hot sauce original
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni noodles cooked al dente
- 13 ounces cooked chicken shredded or chopped
Things You’ll Need
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Large deep sided skillet
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Whisk
Before You Begin
- I highly recommend you shred your cheese yourself straight from the block as opposed to purchasing the pre-shredded stuff. Pre-shredded cheeses contain anti-caking agents which prevent them from melting down as well and may even make your cheese sauce grainy in texture.
- You can cook some chicken breasts yourself for this recipe or use a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken from the grocery store. If you plan to cook some chicken for this dish, you may want to season it first. For example, a piece of boiled or poached chicken will be plain, but baked or steamed chicken will retain the seasoning flavors. If you are using a rotisserie chicken, it is already seasoned.
- The half and half is an important part of why this dish is creamy and rich. I would not recommend substituting with regular milk here.
Instructions
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Melt butter over medium-high heat in a deep sided skillet until foamy.
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Whisk in the flour then the half and half. Bring to a boil.
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Stir in both cheeses.
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Whisk in the hot sauce. Simmer over medium-low heat for 3-4 minutes stirring occasionally until cheese sauce thickens.
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Stir in the cooked elbow macaroni and cooked chicken. Heat through.
Expert Tips & FAQs
- Store cooled leftovers in an air-tight container kept in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat the mac in a skillet over medium-low heat until warmed through, adding a splash of half and half to help break up the sauce if needed.
Nutrition
The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.