Ingredients
1 lb elbow macaroni
2 cups shredded cooked chicken breast
1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce
4 tbsp unsalted butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
3 cups whole milk
3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
Salt and black pepper to taste
Sliced green onions for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions until slightly under al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: In a small bowl, toss the shredded chicken with the buffalo wing sauce until fully coated and set aside.
Step 3: In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until bubbling and pale gold to create a roux.
Step 4: Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring no lumps remain. Continue cooking and whisking until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
Step 5: Remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the garlic powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Add the grated cheddar cheese in handfuls, stirring until completely melted and smooth.
Step 6: Fold the cooked macaroni and the buffalo chicken into the cheese sauce until every noodle is well-coated.
Step 7: Serve immediately in bowls, garnished with sliced green onions and an extra drizzle of buffalo sauce if desired.
Notes
For a smokier flavor, use smoked gouda in place of half of the cheddar cheese.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dishes
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Bowl
- Calories: 580 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 1150mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: buffalo chicken, mac and cheese, comfort food, dinner bowl, spicy pasta

