Prep
10 min
Cook
25 min
Total
35 min
Servings
4
Difficulty
Easy
Cuisine
American
Calories
650
The Story
Why this recipe belongs in your week
Buffalo chicken mac and cheese is comfort food with a bold visual hook: tender macaroni, golden chicken, cheddar-buffalo sauce, scallions, and a cool drizzle. It belongs on a fun dinner board because it feels playful without getting hard.
Saved in Cubby, it becomes easier to cook again without guessing. Keep the sauce ratio, adjust heat level, and connect the recipe to the grocery list before game night or a busy weeknight.
Ingredients
4 servings
- 12 oz elbow macaroni
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-size pieces
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 3 tbsp butter
- 3 tbsp flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
- 2 cups shredded cheddar
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella
- 1/3 cup plain Greek yogurt or ranch-style sauce
- 1/3 cup sliced scallions
- 1/3 cup toasted breadcrumbs, optional
- Kosher salt and black pepper
Instructions
Cook the recipe
- 1
Step 1
Cook the macaroni
Cook pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
- 2
Step 2
Sear the chicken
Season chicken with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Sear until golden and cooked through.
- 3
Step 3
Start the sauce
Melt butter, whisk in flour, then slowly add milk and buffalo sauce until smooth.
- 4
Step 4
Melt the cheese
Stir in cheddar and mozzarella until creamy, loosening with pasta water as needed.
- 5
Step 5
Fold and finish
Fold in macaroni and chicken. Finish with scallions, a cool drizzle, and breadcrumbs.
Save it before it disappears
Cook this from Cubby tonight.
Send the recipe to Cubby, add it to your meal plan, check what you already have, and turn the rest into a grocery list.
Chef's Tips
Check the pantry before shopping so Cubby only adds the ingredients you actually need.
Save your preferred heat level, pasta shape, or sauce thickness as a note after cooking.
Plan leftovers before serving so an extra portion turns into lunch instead of disappearing in the fridge.
FAQ
Can I make this ahead?
Yes. Cook it fully, cool it quickly, and refrigerate portions for up to four days.
Can I save this recipe to Cubby?
Yes. Use Cubby Cookbook to save the recipe, plan when to cook it, and build the grocery list.
Can I adjust the spice level?
Yes. Start lighter with the spicy ingredient, then add more near the end after tasting.
Nutrition
calories
650
protein
43g
carbohydrates
58g
fat
28g
fiber
3g
sugar
6g
sodium
920mg
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