Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Crunch Bake

If you’re craving a dish that brings together the creamy comfort of classic mac and cheese with the spicy kick of buffalo chicken, then this Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Crunch Bake is your next go-to meal. It’s the perfect blend of tender shredded chicken tossed in buffalo sauce, gooey cheddar cheese, and a satisfyingly crunchy topping that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Whether you’re feeding the family or hosting a casual get-together, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s super simple to prepare.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bold Flavors: The tangy buffalo sauce elevates traditional mac and cheese into something exciting and flavorful.
• Crunchy Topping: A golden, crispy panko and turkey bacon crust adds texture and a smoky finish.
• Comfort Food Made Easy: Using simple pantry staples and cooked shredded chicken, it comes together quickly.
• Customizable: You can easily adjust the spice level or swap out ingredients to suit your taste.
• Perfect for Leftovers: This bake reheats beautifully, making it excellent for meal prep and busy weeknights.

Shopping List

• 8 oz elbow macaroni
• 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
• 1 cup buffalo sauce
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
• 1/2 cup cream cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, adjust to spice preference)
• 1 cup turkey bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped green onions for garnish

Equipment Breakdown

• Large pot: For boiling the elbow macaroni to al dente perfection.
• Skillet: To cook and crisp the turkey bacon and toast the panko breadcrumbs.
• Mixing bowl: For combining the chicken with buffalo sauce.
• Baking dish (about 9×9 inches): To assemble and bake the mac and cheese crunch bake.
• Whisk or spoon: To blend the cheese sauce ingredients smoothly.
• Measuring cups and spoons: For precise seasoning and liquid measurements.

Method: Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Crunch Bake

Step 1: Cook the Elbow Macaroni

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente (usually 7-8 minutes). Drain well and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Buffalo Chicken

In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked shredded chicken with 1 cup of buffalo sauce. Toss until the chicken is fully coated and flavorful. Set aside.

Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce

In the same pot used for pasta (to minimize dishes), heat the milk and cream cheese over medium heat, stirring frequently until the cream cheese melts and the mixture is smooth. Add the shredded cheddar cheese gradually, stirring until melted and creamy.

Season with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning to your preference.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Chicken

Add the cooked macaroni and buffalo chicken mixture into the cheese sauce. Stir gently until everything is well incorporated and evenly coated with the cheese sauce.

Step 5: Prepare the Crunchy Topping

In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the panko breadcrumbs and cook, stirring frequently until golden brown and toasted. Remove from heat and mix in the crumbled turkey bacon.

Step 6: Assemble and Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the buffalo chicken mac and cheese mixture into a greased 9×9-inch baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the turkey bacon and panko breadcrumb topping over the mac and cheese.

Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the topping is golden and crunchy, and the cheese sauce is bubbling around the edges.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly. Sprinkle chopped green onions on top for a fresh pop of color and flavor. Serve warm and enjoy!

Fresh Takes Through the Year

• In the summer, toss in some diced celery or crisp cucumbers to cool down the heat and add crunch.
• During fall and winter, swap out the cheddar for smoked gouda or pepper jack cheese for a twist.
• For a lighter version, check out this Lighter Cheesy Pasta Bake that swaps out heavier dairy.
• Add roasted vegetables like bell peppers or corn in spring for an extra layer of flavor and color.
• Try replacing turkey bacon with a plant-based bacon alternative for a vegetarian-friendly option.

Behind the Recipe

This Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Crunch Bake was born out of the desire to combine two all-time favorite comfort foods into one irresistible dish. The creamy, cheesy pasta base is familiar, but the addition of spicy buffalo chicken and a crispy topping takes it to the next level. Inspired by the classic buffalo wing flavors, this bake is perfect for game days, family dinners, or whenever you want something hearty and satisfying.

The choice of turkey bacon over traditional pork bacon keeps the dish accessible to a wider range of dietary preferences, while the panko breadcrumbs add a delicate crunch without overwhelming the dish. The blend of spices – garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cayenne – ensures the sauce has depth and warmth without overpowering the buffalo heat.

Storing, Freezing & Reheating

This Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Crunch Bake is great for leftovers and meal prep. Here’s how to keep it at its best:

• Storing: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze the bake before adding the crunchy topping. Cover tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, bake from frozen, adding the breadcrumb topping halfway through baking.
• Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes to restore crispiness. Microwave reheating works but may soften the crunchy topping.

Questions People Ask

Can I use fresh buffalo sauce or homemade sauce?

Absolutely! Whether you prefer a store-bought buffalo sauce or make your own blend of hot sauce and butter, either works perfectly in this recipe. Just be sure it has the right balance of heat and tang for your taste.

What can I substitute if I don’t have cream cheese?

If you don’t have cream cheese on hand, you can substitute with an equal amount of Greek yogurt or mascarpone cheese. Both will add creaminess, though Greek yogurt will add a slight tang.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, by using dairy-free cheese alternatives and a plant-based cream cheese substitute, you can make a delicious dairy-free version. Be mindful that the texture might vary slightly but the flavors will still shine.

Can I make Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Crunch Bake ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the bake completely but hold off on adding the breadcrumb topping. Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours, then add the topping and bake when ready.

One Pan, More Ideas

• Try these Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Cups for a fun appetizer or snack inspired by the same flavor profile.
• For a different pasta bake, check out the Lighter Cheesy Pasta Bake that is perfect for a weeknight dinner.
• Create a buffalo chicken pizza by spreading buffalo sauce and shredded chicken over your favorite crust, topped with cheese and baked until bubbly.
• Make buffalo chicken stuffed peppers by filling bell peppers with the buffalo chicken mac and cheese mixture before baking.

Bring It Home

When comfort food meets bold flavor, you get this Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Crunch Bake. It’s creamy, spicy, cheesy, and topped with a crunchy, savory crust that’s absolutely irresistible. Perfect for feeding a hungry crowd or indulging in your own bowl of cheesy goodness, this dish is a must-try. Whether you’re making it for a cozy night in or a festive gathering, it’s sure to become a staple in your recipe collection. So grab your ingredients, turn up the heat, and dive into the ultimate mac and cheese experience!

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