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Easy Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese is loaded with cheese, buffalo sauce, noodles and chicken. It is the perfect weeknight meal and is easy to make.

A spoonful of creamy Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese is held above a bowl. The pasta is coated in a rich, orange buffalo sauce with visible chunks of chicken, topped with a drizzle of white sauce and garnished with fresh parsley.
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Easy mac and cheese buffalo chicken recipe is loaded with flavor. The perfect meal to use your leftover chicken and your cooked noodles in. All the ingredients are combined and cooked together on the stovetop then baked to perfection.

Quick and easy buffalo chicken mac and cheese is perfect for any occasion. You can serve as a side dish or as a main meal. The cream cheese and two cheeses melt perfectly with the other ingredients to create an amazing dish. Try these other mac and cheese recipes, Fried Mac and Cheese Balls Recipe, Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe, Taco Mac and Cheese, Sausage Mac and Cheese Recipe, Easy Macaroni and Cheese Recipe and Tiktok Mac and Cheese.

Why We Love This Mac and Cheese

This recipe is tangy, savory and the perfect amount of spice to be enjoyed by all. Add a side salad or some roasted vegetables to make this a complete meal.

This recipe is completely customizable to what you prefer. If you love buffalo sauce and mac and cheese then this is the recipe to make. If you have made our Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Dip then you are going to love this recipe.

Ingredients

On a light countertop, you'll find everything you need for a mouth-watering Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese: macaroni, shredded cheese, cooked chicken, milk, butter, flour, spices, hot sauce for that perfect kick, and cream for ultimate smoothness.
  • Salted Butter, Flour, and Milk – Ingredients to make the Roux for the mac and cheese
  • Garlic Powder – You can also use minced garlic or The Best Garlic Powder Substitute if you are out
  • Onion Powder – Minced Onion is a great substitute
  • Cream Cheese – We recommend the cream cheese to be softened
  • Mild Cheddar Cheese or Mozzarella Cheese – We recommend shred cheese from bulk cheese
  • Macaroni Noodles – Any type of pasta will work
  • Buffalo Sauce – Use store bought buffalo sauce or make Homemade Buffalo Wing Sauce Recipe
  • Shredded Chicken – Use any type of cooked chicken or make Air Fryer Chicken Breast or Slow Cooker Chicken Breasts

Scroll to the bottom for the full recipe in the recipe card.

Substitutions and Additions

  • Chicken Breast – I like to use precooked, frozen grilled chicken; however, you can also use fresh grilled chicken, chicken tenders or shredded chicken. You can also use rotisserie chicken.
  • Add Spice – If you want to really up the spice level of this dish, add an extra drizzle of buffalo sauce to the top of the dish when serving. You can also add a few drops of tobacco sauce or hot sauce to the cheese sauce when you add the milk. We have even added in ½ teaspoon of paprika for even more flavor.
  • Change the Noodles – We like the elbow macaroni noodles but you use what you have. We think a bowtie pasta would be good to use.
  • Change the Cheese – We used cheddar cheese and mozzarella cheese but you can easily use pepper jack cheese or Colby Monterrey cheese for added flavor. You can also melt cream cheese for added creaminess.
  • Add your favorite toppings – We like to top with diced green onions but sour cream would also be delicious. We love the added creamy texture it gives.
  • Dressing – Feel free to add blue cheese dressing for a hint of ranch flavor to the mac and cheese.

How to Make Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese

  • Step 1 – Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and spray a 9X13 baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. 
A pot of boiling liquid with pasta inside, poised to become a delicious Easy Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese, sits on the stove. A wooden spoon rests on the pot's edge, ready for action. Beside it, a white dish towel with blue checks adds a homey touch to the light-colored counter.

Step 2 – Cook the pasta to al dente based on the package instructions. 

A white pot on a light surface contains melted butter and flour being whisked together, setting the perfect base for an easy Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese. Nearby, a blue and white checkered towel adds a touch of classic charm.

Step 3 – Melt butter in a large pot over medium high heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 2 minutes to create a roux. 

On a white surface, a large pot holds a creamy mixture reminiscent of Easy Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese, sprinkled with black pepper and spices. A whisk rests inside the pot while a white and blue checkered cloth is draped beside it.

Step 4 – Slowly whisk in the milk and the ½ teaspoon salt, pepper, and other simple spices. Heat and bring the mixture to a low boil. Heat for a few minutes until the mixture thickens.

A cooking pot on a white surface holds Easy Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese, a creamy mixture topped with shredded cheddar and mozzarella. A wooden spoon rests inside the pot, while a checkered kitchen towel peeks out from the side.

Step 5 – Remove from heat and immediately stir in the cream cheese and shredded cheeses.  Stir until the cheese is melted and smooth. 

A pot filled with creamy orange sauce and shredded chicken, resembling an Easy Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese delight, with a wooden spoon inside. A blue and white checkered cloth is partially visible to the side on a white surface.

Step 6 – Stir in the buffalo sauce. Stir in the shredded chicken and pasta until well coated. 

A baking dish brimming with Easy Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese rests on a light marble surface. The casserole boasts a golden, creamy appearance, teasing the senses. Beside it lies a white dish towel with blue checks for an added touch of charm.

Step 7 – Pour into the prepared casserole dish and bake for 15 minutes until heated through and bubbly. Serve with your favorite toppings and enjoy!

Expert Tips

  • Cooking Pasta – Make sure to cook pasta al dente or according to package. You can easily prepare this pasta ahead of time if you are planning on making this recipe.
  • Dice Chicken – You can easily dice your chicken ahead of time. This is a great recipe to use for leftover chicken.
  • Melting Butter – Make sure the butter is melted before mixing in the flour.
  • Mixing in the cheese and Milk – Continuing stirring the cheese and the milk into the butter and flour mixture until everything is melted.
  • Stirring in the Macaroni – When you stir in the macaroni, make sure it is completely covered with melted cheese mixture.
  • Shredded Cheese – We recommend shredding your own cheese. It melts and taste better than pre-shredded cheese.

How to Make Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese in Crockpot

Making Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese in the crock pot is easy to do. We like making it in the slow cooker when we a feeding a crowd as it keeps it warm.

You can even make this by starting with uncooked noodles and adding in butter, milk and seasoning to cook the noodles. Then stirring in the cheese and chicken to create and amazing dish.

Check our Crock Pot Mac and Cheese for all the tips.

A baked Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese dish drizzled with white sauce is garnished with chopped parsley. The rectangular casserole dish rests on a white surface with a checkered cloth nearby. A blue plate and cutlery are in the top right corner, ready for serving.

What to Serve with Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese?

Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese makes the side dish to many main dish recipes and for any occasion. These are some of our favorites.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Best Cheese for Buffalo Mac and Cheese?

We love the combination of mild cheddar cheese and mozzarella cheese but sharp cheddar cheese is another great option. We have also used Monterey jack cheese and blue cheese to deepen the flavors.

How to Store Leftover Mac and Cheese

This mac n cheese is good in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to store in an airtight container. We think it taste even better the next day as the ingredients really marinate together.

How to Reheat Buffalo Mac and Cheese

When reheating this buffalo chicken macaroni and cheese dish, I found it best to reheat it on the stovetop with a little extra milk. Simply add 2 tablespoons- ¼ cup of milk to the pasta and stir continuously until heated all the way through.
You can use a microwave, if you prefer but your noodles may get mushy.

A white baking dish brimming with Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese features creamy macaroni topped with shredded chicken, drizzled in tangy sauce, and garnished with parsley. A serving spoon scoops out a tempting portion.

More Buffalo Chicken Recipes

We love to hear from you. If you make Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe, please leave us a comment or a star review.

A close-up of a spoonful of creamy Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese, featuring elbow pasta, shredded chicken, and a drizzle of sauce. Garnished with chopped parsley, this indulgent dish sits invitingly in a white casserole dish.

Easy Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese

5 from 14 votes
Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese is loaded with cheese, buffalo sauce, noodles and chicken. It is the perfect weeknight meal and is easy to make.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings 8
Cuisine American
Course Main Course
Calories 579

Ingredients

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Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and spray a 9X13 baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
  • Cook the pasta to al dente based on the package instructions.
  • Melt the butter in a large pot over medium high heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 2 minutes to create a roux.
  • Slowly whisk in the milk and the seasonings. Heat and bring the mixture to a low boil.
  • Heat for a few minutes until the mixture thickens.
  • Remove from heat and immediately stir in the cream cheese and shredded cheeses.  Stir until the cheese is melted and smooth.
  • Stir in the buffalo sauce.
  • Stir in the shredded chicken and pasta until well coated.
  • Pour into the prepared pan and bake for 15 minutes until heated through and bubbly.
  • Serve with your favorite toppings and enjoy!

Recipe Video

Recipe Notes

Refrigerate the leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days.  
Make sure to use freshly grated cheese to ensure that it melts smoothly and evenly. 
Not all buffalo sauce is the same, choose one based on the spice level that you prefer. 

Nutrition Facts

Calories 579kcal, Carbohydrates 51g, Protein 25g, Fat 30g, Saturated Fat 17g, Polyunsaturated Fat 2g, Monounsaturated Fat 8g, Trans Fat 0.5g, Cholesterol 102mg, Sodium 1009mg, Potassium 326mg, Fiber 2g, Sugar 5g, Vitamin A 926IU, Vitamin C 0.03mg, Calcium 306mg, Iron 1mg

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About the Author

Hi, I’m Carrie. Welcome to Eating on a Dime!

I’m on a mission to help you cook delicious meals without busting your budget. Together we are going to cook real food… for real families!

5 from 14 votes (5 ratings without comment)

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Comments

  1. garrett says:

    5 stars
    So delicious !

  2. Kaylon says:

    5 stars
    Fun twist on mac and cheese! love it

  3. Roger says:

    5 stars
    5 star

  4. Karina says:

    5 stars
    My family and I loved this recipe. Will do it again. <3

  5. Lucy says:

    5 stars
    So good!

  6. Lizzy says:

    5 stars
    Such a great side for family dinner!

  7. Haylee says:

    5 stars
    I love anything with buffalo sauce! This did not disappoint!

  8. Christina says:

    5 stars
    So delicious! My oldest daughter loved buffalo sauce and she loved this easy meal!

  9. Gavin says:

    5 stars
    Really easy to make and also very tasty!