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Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 127 reviews

A delicious and comforting Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese recipe featuring crispy popcorn chicken, creamy mac and cheese, spicy Buffalo sauce, and cool ranch dressing baked to golden perfection.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 1 lb frozen popcorn chicken

Mac and Cheese

  • 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
  • 4 cups shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese blend, divided

Toppings

  • 1 cup Buffalo sauce
  • 1/3 cup ranch dressing

Instructions

  1. Cook Popcorn Chicken: Prepare the frozen popcorn chicken according to the package directions until crispy and fully cooked. Set aside.
  2. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (204°C) to prepare for baking.
  3. Boil Liquid: In a large pot on the stove, combine 4 cups of water and 2 cups of heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil over medium-high heat.
  4. Cook Macaroni: Once boiling, add 1 lb of macaroni noodles, stirring to submerge them fully in the liquid. Cover the pot with a lid, reduce the heat to medium-low, and let the noodles cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  5. Add Flavorings: Remove the lid and stir the noodles. 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 well to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
  6. Add Cheese: Stir in 2 cups of the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese blend until melted and creamy.
  7. Prepare for Baking: Transfer the creamy macaroni and cheese mixture into a greased 9 x 13-inch baking dish, spreading evenly.
  8. Add Chicken and Sauces: Evenly sprinkle the cooked popcorn chicken on top of the macaroni and cheese. Pour 1 cup Buffalo sauce over the chicken, then drizzle 1/3 cup ranch dressing over the Buffalo sauce.
  9. Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining 2 cups of shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese blend over the entire dish.
  10. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 16-18 minutes until the cheese is melted and just beginning to brown around the edges.
  11. Rest and Serve: Remove from the oven and allow the dish to sit for a few minutes before scooping and serving. Enjoy your warm, cheesy, spicy Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese!

Notes

  • You can adjust the amount of Buffalo sauce to suit your preferred spice level.
  • For a creamier texture, use full-fat heavy cream and cheese blends.
  • If you prefer, substitute fresh cooked chicken instead of frozen popcorn chicken.
  • Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated thoroughly before serving.
  • Use gluten-free macaroni to make this recipe gluten-free if needed.

Keywords: Buffalo chicken, mac and cheese, baked mac and cheese, comfort food, popcorn chicken, spicy mac and cheese

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