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Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 54 reviews

This Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese is a comforting, flavorful twist on classic mac and cheese, featuring crispy popcorn chicken, creamy cheddar cheese sauce, and a spicy buffalo kick topped with ranch dressing. Perfect for cheese lovers and fans of bold, tangy flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 1 lb frozen popcorn chicken

Pasta & Sauce

  • 4 cups water
  • 2 cups heavy cream (35% MF)
  • 1 lb macaroni noodles
  • 10.5 oz condensed cheddar cheese soup
  • 1 1/2 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 1/2 tablespoon onion powder
  • 1 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 1/2 teaspoon pepper

Cheese & Toppings

  • 4 cups shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese blend, divided
  • 1 cup Buffalo sauce
  • 1/3 cup ranch dressing

Instructions

  1. Cook the popcorn chicken: Prepare the frozen popcorn chicken by following the directions on its package until fully cooked and crispy. Set aside.
  2. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F (205°C) to prepare for baking the assembled dish later.
  3. Boil liquids: In a large pot on the stovetop, pour in 4 cups of water and 2 cups of heavy cream. Bring this mixture to a rolling boil over high heat.
  4. Add noodles: Once boiling, add 1 lb of macaroni noodles to the pot. Stir so all noodles are submerged in the liquid.
  5. Simmer pasta: Cover the pot with a lid and reduce heat to medium-low. Let the macaroni cook, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes until tender but not mushy.
  6. Incorporate seasonings and soup: Remove the lid and stir well. Add 10.5 oz condensed cheddar cheese soup, 1 1/2 tablespoons garlic powder, 1 1/2 tablespoons onion powder, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, and 1 1/2 teaspoons pepper. Mix thoroughly until fully combined.
  7. Add cheese: Stir in 2 cups of the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese blend until melted and incorporated into the sauce, creating a creamy cheese mixture.
  8. Assemble in baking dish: Grease a 9 x 13 inch baking dish. Pour the macaroni and cheese mixture evenly into the dish.
  9. Top with chicken and sauces: Evenly distribute the cooked popcorn chicken over the macaroni. Drizzle 1 cup Buffalo sauce over the chicken, followed by 1/3 cup ranch dressing drizzled on top.
  10. Add remaining cheese: Sprinkle the remaining 2 cups of shredded cheese blend uniformly over the top to cover the layers.
  11. Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 16-18 minutes or until the cheese on top is melted completely and just beginning to brown around the edges.
  12. Rest before serving: Remove from the oven and allow to sit for a few minutes to set. Serve warm and enjoy the cheesy, spicy goodness.

Notes

  • Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting and flavor.
  • Adjust buffalo sauce quantity to taste for desired spiciness.
  • Cook popcorn chicken thoroughly as per package instructions for safety.
  • Letting the dish rest after baking helps the sauce thicken and improves slicing.
  • For a lighter version, use reduced-fat cheese and milk alternatives.

Keywords: Buffalo chicken, mac and cheese, comfort food, cheesy pasta, spicy mac and cheese

Find it online: https://www.cheftara.com/buffalo-chicken-mac-and-cheese-recipe/