Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese

Last Updated on May 15, 2025 by Bintu. 1 Comment

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The pasta will continue to cook, so cook the pasta to al dente to avoid mushy pasta.

Reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water. If the cheese sauce is too thick once you add the macaroni, you can thin it by adding a little bit of the pasta water at a time until it reaches the desired consistency.

There is no need to heat the chicken before adding it to the pan. It will heat through while the cheese melts.

Taste for seasoning before adding the salt. Sometimes the butter and cheese add enough saltiness, and additional salt may not be needed.

This dish has a mild to medium spice level. To increase the spice, add more buffalo sauce (up to a ⅓ cup more), sprinkle in crushed red pepper, or top with sliced jalapenos. Using a pepper jack cheese can also kick up the heat level.

For a loaded mac and cheese, add bacon, sliced green onions, and jalapenos.

Drizzle each bowl with a bit of ranch or blue cheese dressing. You can also sprinkle with blue cheese crumbles.

Sprinkle the top of the buffalo mac with crunched-up potato chips, Ritz cracker crumbs, or some panko bread crumbs.

Make it EXTRA Spicy by using pepper jack cheese, top with jalapenos, and an extra drizzle of buffalo sauce.

Stir in a bit of sour cream or cream cheese for a creamier cheese sauce
Store – Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for 2-3 days. Reheat in the microwave. Add a bit of water if the sauce has become dry.

Nutrition

Classic homemade mac and cheese is given a modern update when macaroni is mixed with tender chicken, spicy buffalo hot sauce, and two kinds of cheese for a creamy, savory Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese.

Suitable for Gluten Free diets with included modifications.

A bowl of buffalo chicken mac and cheese with a fork removing a bite.

You are going to love how easy it is to make this spicy Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese with leftover chicken or canned chicken. This whole meal is cooked right on your stovetop. No oven needed!

If you’re craving comfort food and you want an inexpensive meal that packs a punch, this recipe is for you! Plus, it is a great weeknight dinner that can be made ahead. No one in my household complains when this is served for dinner.

If you love buffalo chicken, then you’ve got to try these Buffalo Chicken Fries and Buffalo Crockpot Dip, and delicious Buffalo Chicken Meatballs.

Top down view of a serving of chicken mac and cheese inside a ceramic bowl.

Table of Contents

Why Make This Recipe

No Oven Needed – Prepare this entire dish right on your stovetop.
Budget-Friendly – Give regular mac and cheese a spicy upgrade without going over budget.
Comforting Meal – This is delicious comfort food in a bowl that any child will devour.

Ingredient Notes

This is a pantry staple type of recipe and I use it when I have no idea what to cook but know everyone will eat it.

Macaroni – Elbow Macaroni Noodles are inexpensive and shelf-stable. Other great options include corkscrew pasta, small shells, and cavatappi. You can substitute gluten-free pasta if preferred. You will also need to use gluten-free flour.
Butter, flour, and milk – These common pantry ingredients help to thicken the cheese sauce. Use whole milk for a creamier sauce.
Chicken – Use leftover shredded chicken or buy a rotisserie chicken, or canned chicken, or cook and shred chicken breasts.
Buffalo Sauce – Look for buffalo sauce, such as Frank’s Hot Sauce, rather than just hot sauce. It is thicker than regular hot sauce.
Cheese – You can’t have mac and cheese without cheese! We’re using mozzarella cheese and cheddar cheese. Use your favorite melting cheese. Shred block cheese as it will melt better than shredded cheese.

The ingredients needed for making this mac and cheese recipe.

How To Make This

Get the full ingredients list and instructions from the recipe card below.

Cook macaroni according to the package, drain, and set aside.
Melt butter in a pan and add the flour. Whisk and let it cook for 2 minutes before stirring in the milk.
Cook the sauce for 4 minutes to allow it to thicken slightly, then stir in the chicken and buffalo sauce.
Stir in the cheeses, then season with salt and pepper.
When the cheese has fully melted (about 2 minutes), add the macaroni, stir to combine, and then serve.

Image collage showing the first few steps for making mac and cheese.

Get full ingredients list and instructions from the recipe card below.

Image collage showing the final steps for making mac and cheese.

Bintu’s Tips And Variations

I love sharing all the tips I have picked up, and if you like some spice, view my recommendations to spice it up.

The pasta will continue to cook, so cook the pasta to al dente to avoid mushy pasta.
Reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water. If the cheese sauce is too thick once you add the macaroni, you can thin it by adding a little bit of the pasta water at a time until it reaches the desired consistency.
There is no need to heat the chicken before adding it to the pan. It will heat through while the cheese melts.
Taste for seasoning before adding the salt. Sometimes the butter and cheese add enough saltiness, and additional salt may not be needed.
This dish has a mild to medium spice level. To increase the spice, add more buffalo sauce (up to a ⅓ cup more), sprinkle in crushed red pepper, or top with sliced jalapenos. Using a pepper jack cheese can also kick up the heat level.
For a loaded mac and cheese, add bacon, sliced green onions, and jalapenos.
Drizzle each bowl with a bit of ranch or blue cheese dressing. You can also sprinkle with blue cheese crumbles.
Sprinkle the top of the buffalo mac with crunched-up potato chips, Ritz cracker crumbs, or some panko bread crumbs.
Make it EXTRA Spicy by using pepper jack cheese, top with jalapenos, and an extra drizzle of buffalo sauce.
Stir in a bit of sour cream or cream cheese for a creamier cheese sauce.

Top down view of the finished mac and cheese recipe with buffalo chicken.

Storage

Prep Ahead – Cook the noodles up to 24 hours in advance and store them in the fridge. Mix in a tablespoon or two of oil or butter to keep them from sticking together.
Refrigerate – Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for 2-3 days. Reheat in the microwave. Add a bit of water if the sauce has become dry.
Freeze – Follow the handy tips below for how to freeze these. Freeze in a large container or in single-serving portions. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheat – In the microwave or bake at 350 degrees F / 176 degrees C for 20-30 minutes or until heated through.

A bowl of chicken mac and cheese with a fork removing one bite.

More Recipes You May Like

Top down view of a ceramic bowl filled with the completed chicken mac and cheese.

Serving Suggestions

This mac and cheese can be served with a crunchy salad, some freshly baked bread, or roasted veggies.

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