Cheeseburger Sliders with Hawaiian Rolls
This irresistible Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese combines the creamy comfort of classic mac and cheese with the spicy kick of buffalo sauce and tender chicken breast. It’s a perfect fusion dish that’s cheesy, flavorful, and topped with crispy panko breadcrumbs for a satisfying crunch.
- Author: Maya
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Boiling, Sautéing, Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Pasta
Chicken
- 2 cups cooked, diced boneless skinless chicken breast
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Cheese Sauce
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 4 oz cream cheese
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
Toppings
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- Cook the Pasta: Boil salted water and cook rotini pasta until al dente, following package instructions. Drain thoroughly and set aside to keep warm.
- Prepare the Chicken: In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the diced chicken breast seasoned with salt and pepper. Cook until golden brown and heated through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Create Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk constantly to create a smooth roux, cooking for about 1-2 minutes without browning. Gradually whisk in the milk until the mixture is smooth and thickened. Stir in the cream cheese until fully melted and incorporated. Then add shredded sharp cheddar cheese and buffalo sauce, stirring until the sauce is creamy and smooth.
- Combine Everything: Mix the cooked pasta and sautéed chicken into the cheese sauce. Stir thoroughly to ensure everything is evenly coated with the buffalo cheese sauce.
- Add Toppings: Grease a baking dish and transfer the mac and cheese mixture into it. Sprinkle the panko breadcrumbs evenly on top to create a crispy crust when baked.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the mac and cheese for 20-25 minutes or until bubbly and the breadcrumb topping is golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and sprinkle sliced green onions on top before serving for a fresh, vibrant finish.
Notes
- You can adjust the amount of buffalo sauce to control the level of spiciness according to your preference.
- Using rotini or other short pasta shapes helps hold the cheese sauce well.
- For gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour and panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated in the oven or microwave, though topping may lose some crispiness.
- Add extra cheese on top before baking for a cheesier crust.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 460 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
Keywords: Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese, Spicy Mac and Cheese, Cheesy Buffalo Pasta, Comfort Food, Easy Dinner Recipe