One-Pot Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese
Try this One-Pot Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese recipe, or contribute your own.
Try this One-Pot Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese recipe, or contribute your own.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 1/2 cups water
- 1/4 cup flour
- 1 1/2 cups skim milk
- 1 1/2 lbs uncooked boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 4 tablespoons light butter (i use land o’lakes)
- 10 oz uncooked elbow macaroni
- 6 oz 50% reduced fat sharp cheddar cheese shredded (i use cabot)
- 6 tablespoons buffalo wing sauce (i use frank’s red hot buffalo
- Carbohydrate 33.3860690401292 g
- Cholesterol 0.91875 mg
- Fat 0.618328081845833 g
- Fiber 1.1383976075643 g
- Protein 6.1892660153 g
- Saturated Fat 0.152070432067083 g
- Serving Size 1 1 (1 cup) serving (266g)
- Sodium 28.9835475683377 mg
- Sugar 32.2476714325649 g
- Trans Fat 0.180633489630833 g
- Calories 166 calories
Step-by-step
- Place the chicken breasts in a Dutch oven or other large pot and cover with water to about 2 inches over the chicken. Bring the water to a boil over high heat and then reduce the heat to medium. Cook over medium heat for 15-20 minutes (depending on the thickness of your chicken breasts) until chicken is cooked through. Remove the chicken breasts to a cutting board. Discard the water from the pot and rinse and wipe out the pot to use again. Chop the chicken into small, bite-size pieces and move to a mixing bowl. Add the Buffalo wing sauce and stir to coat. Set aside.
- Melt the butter in the pot over medium heat. Whisk in the flour, salt and black pepper until combined with the butter and continue to stir for a minute.
- Slowly whisk in the milk a little at a time until combined and smooth.
- Add the water and whisk in to combine.
- Increase the heat to med-high and stir occasionally until boiling.
- Reduce the heat to med-low and add the macaroni. Cook for 8 minutes, stirring regularly to prevent sticking.
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheese until well combined.
- Add the chopped chicken with Buffalo sauce and stir until thoroughly combined.
- Cook for another few minutes until all ingredients are heated through and serve.
- If you already have cooked chicken breasts on hand you can skip the first step and use a pound of cooked, chopped chicken. Place it in a bowl and mix it with the Buffalo wing sauce.
One-Pot Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese: A Weeknight Winner
As a busy working mom, I’m always on the lookout for quick, easy, and delicious meals that the whole family will enjoy. This One-Pot Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese recipe has become a weeknight staple in our house. It's creamy, cheesy, spicy, and satisfying – everything a good comfort food should be, and all made in one pot, minimizing cleanup! Forget complicated recipes and hours spent in the kitchen; this dish is ready in under 30 minutes, leaving you more time to spend with your loved ones (or maybe just catching up on your favorite show!).
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. It cleverly combines the classic comfort of mac and cheese with the tangy kick of buffalo chicken wings. The creamy cheese sauce perfectly complements the spicy buffalo chicken, creating a flavor explosion in every bite. I love how versatile this dish is too. You can easily adjust the amount of buffalo sauce to control the level of spiciness, making it suitable for even the most sensitive palates. And if you're short on time, using pre-cooked chicken is a total game-changer.
Ingredients you'll need:
This recipe is surprisingly straightforward. You'll need basic pantry staples like flour, milk, and butter, along with some everyday ingredients. The star of the show, of course, is the combination of creamy cheddar cheese and spicy buffalo sauce. Don't be afraid to experiment with different types of cheese to find your favorite combination! My personal preference is a sharp cheddar, but you can get creative and use a blend.
Tips and tricks for success:
For the perfect creamy sauce, be sure to whisk constantly as you add the milk to the roux (the mixture of butter and flour). This prevents lumps and ensures a smooth, velvety texture. Also, using lower-fat milk and cheese can help reduce the overall calories and fat content without sacrificing flavor. Another time-saving tip is to use pre-cooked chicken. This will cut down on your prep time significantly, and you'll still achieve the same delicious results. Remember, the key to a great mac and cheese is a well-cooked pasta, so make sure to follow the cooking time instructions carefully to prevent it from becoming mushy.
Serving suggestions:
This One-Pot Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese is a complete meal on its own. However, you can always elevate it further. Some fresh green vegetables, such as a side salad or steamed broccoli, would balance the richness of the dish. A crunchy breadstick or some crusty bread on the side is another fantastic option for dipping into that delicious, creamy sauce. And if you're feeling adventurous, add some crispy bacon for extra texture and flavor!
Why this recipe works:
This recipe is not just a quick weeknight meal; it's a crowd-pleaser. The combination of creamy mac and cheese and spicy buffalo chicken appeals to a broad range of palates, making it ideal for family dinners or casual get-togethers. The ease of preparation allows you to focus on spending quality time with your loved ones, rather than being stuck in the kitchen. And the one-pot convenience is a lifesaver, reducing the mountain of dishes after a long day. So, ditch the takeout menus and try this recipe tonight. You won't regret it!
Variations and substitutions:
Feel free to experiment and customize this recipe to your taste. For a spicier kick, use a hotter buffalo sauce, or add some chopped jalapeños or chili flakes. If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of buffalo sauce or opt for a milder cheese. You can also substitute other types of pasta, such as rotini or shells, for a different texture. Experiment with adding different vegetables, like chopped bell peppers or onions, for extra flavor and nutrition.
More than just a meal: a memory in the making.
Cooking is more than just preparing food; it's about creating memories. This One-Pot Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese recipe isn't just a delicious meal; it's a chance to connect with your family. Picture this: the aroma of creamy cheese and spicy buffalo filling your kitchen, the happy chatter of your loved ones as they gather around the table, and the warm feeling of sharing a delicious meal together. Those are the memories that matter most. So, go ahead and make this recipe – not just for a delicious meal, but for the joy of creating a special moment with those you love.
