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A handheld smartphone photo showing a bowl of creamy Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese topped with crispy fried chicken.

Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese: The Ultimate Creamy & Crispy Comfort Food

This Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese features elbow macaroni in a glossy yellow cheddar sauce, topped with crispy breaded chicken, a spicy buffalo zigzag, and cool ranch drizzle. A Pinterest-perfect comfort food classic.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6 cups
Course: Dinner, Lunch
Cuisine: American
Calories: 645
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 lb (450g) Elbow Macaroni Cooked al dente
  • 1 lb (450g) Breaded Chicken Tenders Fried and sliced
  • 4 tbsp (56g) Unsalted Butter
  • 1/4 cup (30g) All-Purpose Flour
  • 3 cups (720ml) Whole Milk Room temperature preferred
  • 4 cups (450g) Sharp Yellow Cheddar Cheese Freshly shredded
  • 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
  • 1/2 tsp Onion Powder
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) Buffalo Sauce For drizzling
  • 2 tbsp (30ml) Ranch Dressing For drizzling
  • 3 stalks Green Onions Thinly sliced

Equipment

  • 1 Large pot For boiling pasta
  • 1 Large saucepan For the cheese sauce
  • 1 Whisk For a smooth roux

Method
 

Prepare the Pasta and Chicken
  1. Boil the elbow macaroni in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. Cook breaded chicken tenders until golden-brown and crispy. Slice into thick strips.
Create the Cheese Sauce
  1. Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 2 minutes.
  2. Slowly whisk in milk, garlic powder, and onion powder. Simmer until thickened.
  3. Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheddar cheese until smooth and glossy.
Assemble and Serve
  1. Toss the cooked macaroni in the cheese sauce. Transfer to a shallow bowl.
  2. Place chicken slices on top. Drizzle with buffalo sauce and ranch. Garnish with green onions.

Notes

Use block cheddar for the smoothest melt.
Reheat with a splash of milk to maintain creaminess.