Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Casserole

If you love bold flavor and creamy comfort food, this Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Casserole is a must try. It is cheesy, saucy, and just the right amount of spicy. Tender chicken, soft pasta, and melty cheese come together in one cozy baking dish. The top turns golden and bubbly in the oven, while the inside stays rich and creamy. This is one of those Quick Dinner Ideas you will want to save for busy nights. It is simple, filling, and perfect when you want something warm and satisfying.

Ingredients

• 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
• 12 ounces elbow macaroni
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 3 tablespoons all purpose flour
• 2 cups milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup buffalo sauce
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 cup shredded cheese for topping
• Chopped green onions for garnish, optional

Step By Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375 F. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish and set it aside.
2. Cook the macaroni in salted water until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for about 1 minute until smooth and lightly golden.
4. Slowly whisk in the milk and heavy cream. Keep stirring until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
5. Add the buffalo sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
6. Turn off the heat and stir in the cheddar and mozzarella cheese until melted and smooth.
7. Add the cooked pasta and shredded chicken to the sauce. Mix until everything is well coated.
8. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread it evenly and sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
9. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until hot and bubbly and the top is golden.
10. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped green onions if you like.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

Do not overcook the pasta. It will cook more in the oven, so keep it slightly firm at first. If you cook it too long, the casserole may turn mushy.

Use freshly shredded cheese if you can. Pre shredded cheese sometimes does not melt as smoothly.

Be careful with the buffalo sauce. Start with less if you are unsure. You can always add more, but you cannot take it out.

Tips For Success

This recipe works well with rotisserie chicken, which makes it one of those easy Simple Chicken Recipes you can pull together fast. You can also use leftover baked chicken from other Baked Chicken Recipes.

If you prefer darker meat, diced thighs work beautifully. It is a great option if you enjoy Boneless Skinless Chicken Thigh Recipes because the meat stays juicy and tender.

For a lighter version, use low fat milk and reduce the cheese slightly. It can still fit into your list of Healthy Dinner Recipes when served with a big green salad.

How To Serve

This casserole is rich and creamy, so I like to serve it with something fresh and crisp. A simple side salad with lettuce and cucumbers balances the heat. Steamed broccoli or green beans also work well.

If you enjoy hearty meals like this, you might also like this classic tuna casserole pasta recipe for another cozy dinner idea.

Flavor Add In Ideas

Want extra crunch? Sprinkle a handful of breadcrumbs on top before baking.

Love blue cheese? Add a few crumbles into the sauce for a bold, tangy bite.

For more protein, stir in cooked ground chicken. It is a fun twist if you enjoy trying new Ground Chicken Recipes.

You can also mix in diced chicken tenders if you have them ready. It fits perfectly with other Chicken Tender Recipes you may already make.

Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Casserole

This Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Casserole is creamy, cheesy, and full of bold flavor. Tender chicken and soft pasta are coated in a rich, spicy sauce, then baked until golden and bubbly. It is warm, cozy, and perfect for an easy family dinner everyone will love.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Casserole, Dinner

Cuisine: American

Calories: 620

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 3 cups cooked chicken shredded or diced
• 12 ounces elbow macaroni
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 3 tablespoons all purpose flour
• 2 cups milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup buffalo sauce
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 cup shredded cheese for topping
• green onions chopped, optional garnish

Equipment

• 9×13 inch baking dish
• Large saucepan
• Whisk

Method

 

1. Preheat your oven to 375 F. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish and set it aside.
2. Cook the macaroni in salted water until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for about 1 minute until smooth and lightly golden.
4. Slowly whisk in the milk and heavy cream. Keep stirring until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
5. Add the buffalo sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
6. Turn off the heat and stir in the cheddar and mozzarella cheese until melted and smooth.
7. Add the cooked pasta and shredded chicken to the sauce. Mix until everything is well coated.
8. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread it evenly and sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
9. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until hot and bubbly and the top is golden. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped green onions if desired.

Notes

Do not overcook the pasta since it will continue cooking in the oven. Freshly shredded cheese melts more smoothly than pre shredded varieties. Adjust the buffalo sauce to control the spice level. You can assemble the casserole a day ahead and refrigerate before baking.

Make Ahead And Storage

You can assemble the casserole a day ahead. Cover it tightly and store it in the fridge. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for 20 minutes, then bake as directed.

Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warm and creamy again.

If you enjoy easy casseroles for Lazy Dinners, you may also love this easy dump and bake meatball casserole or this bold and hearty spicy hobo casserole recipe. For something a little different, try this sweet and savory lamb pastelon Puerto Rican style plantain casserole.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, you can. This recipe works great with shredded breast meat and is perfect if you often make Easy Chicken Breast Recipes. Just be careful not to overcook the chicken so it stays moist.

How spicy is Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Casserole?
It has a medium kick. You can adjust the heat by adding more or less buffalo sauce. For a milder taste, mix the buffalo sauce with a little ranch dressing.

Can I make this in the air fryer?
You can bake smaller portions in an air fryer safe dish. Cook at 350 F until hot and bubbly. It is a fun twist if you enjoy trying new Air Fryer Recipes at home.

Conclusion

This Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Casserole is creamy, cheesy, and packed with bold flavor. It is simple enough for weeknights but special enough to share. The golden top, spicy sauce, and tender chicken make every bite comforting and warm. Save this recipe for your next busy night, and do not forget to pin it on Pinterest so you can find it again when you need an easy, cozy dinner idea.

Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Casserole in baking dish with golden bubbly cheese crust, creamy gooey buffalo sauce visible, Ama’s cozy coastal kitchen style, very light brown marble background, soft morning lighting, DSLR 85mm lens tight close-up --ar 1:1 --stylize 250 --style raw --no steaming

Close up of Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Casserole scoop showing melted cheddar stretch, tender chicken pieces coated in spicy creamy sauce, Ama’s cozy coastal kitchen style, very light brown marble background, soft morning lighting, DSLR 85mm lens tight close-up --ar 4:5 --stylize 250 --style raw --no steaming

Serving Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Casserole on white plate with green onion garnish, golden cheesy top and creamy center, Ama’s cozy coastal kitchen style, very light brown marble background, soft morning lighting, DSLR 85mm lens tight close-up --ar 4:5 --stylize 250 --style raw --no steaming