This Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese takes classic, creamy mac and cheese and kicks it up a notch with tender shredded chicken, tangy buffalo sauce, and the bold flavor of Kosmos Q Buffalo Wing Dust. It's cheesy, comforting, and packed with just the right amount of heat.
With a rich, homemade cheese sauce made from sharp cheddar and mozzarella, every bite is loaded with creamy goodness. The seasoned chicken adds plenty of flavor, while a final layer of cheddar gets baked on top until hot, bubbly, and perfectly melted.
It's easy to make, perfect for feeding a crowd, and a great way to turn a few simple ingredients into a seriously satisfying meal. Let's get to it.
1 lb elbow macaroni
2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
2 Tbsp Kosmos Q Buffalo Wing Dust
2 Tbsp butter
2 Tbsp all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup buffalo sauce
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese, for topping
Chopped green onions, for garnish (optional)
Start by getting your ingredients ready.
Cook and shred 2 cups of chicken if you haven't already, and measure out the remaining ingredients so everything is ready to go.
Place the shredded chicken in a bowl and toss it with 2 tablespoons of Kosmos Q Buffalo Wing Dust.
Mix well until the chicken is evenly coated with that bold buffalo flavor. Set it aside while you prepare the pasta and cheese sauce.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Add 1 pound of elbow macaroni and cook according to the package directions until just al dente.
You want the pasta to have a little bite left since it'll finish cooking in the oven.
Drain the macaroni and set it aside while you make the cheese sauce.
Place a large saucepan over medium heat and melt 2 tablespoons of butter.
Once the butter has melted, whisk in 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour. Continue whisking for about 1 minute to cook out the raw flour flavor.
Slowly pour in 2 cups of whole milk and 1 cup of heavy cream, whisking constantly to keep the sauce smooth and lump-free.
Let the mixture simmer gently for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it begins to thicken.
Keep the heat moderate and avoid letting the sauce come to a hard boil. You want a smooth, creamy base that's ready for all that cheese.
Reduce the heat to low.
Add 3 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese to the saucepan.
Stir until both cheeses have melted completely into the sauce, creating a rich, creamy mixture.
Pour in ½ cup of buffalo sauce and stir until everything is evenly combined.
Give the sauce a taste and adjust the buffalo sauce to your liking if you'd prefer a little more tang or heat.
Now you've got a creamy cheese sauce with plenty of sharp cheddar flavor, gooey mozzarella, and that signature buffalo kick.
Add the cooked elbow macaroni to the cheese sauce.
Fold everything together until the pasta is evenly coated in the creamy buffalo cheese sauce.
Next, add the seasoned shredded chicken and stir until it's distributed throughout the macaroni.
Make sure every scoop gets plenty of chicken, cheese sauce, and buffalo flavor.
Preheat your oven to 375°F.
Lightly grease a baking dish and transfer the buffalo chicken mac and cheese into it, spreading the mixture into an even layer.
Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake at 375°F for 15–20 minutes, or until the mac and cheese is heated through and the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and starting to turn golden.
For a little extra color on top, you can briefly broil it at the end, keeping a close eye on it so the cheese doesn't burn.
Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This gives the sauce a little time to settle while everything stays creamy and delicious.
Sprinkle chopped green onions over the top for a fresh finish and a pop of color.
If you want to turn up the buffalo flavor even more, add a light dusting of Kosmos Q Buffalo Wing Dust just before serving.
Scoop the mac and cheese into bowls while it's still warm and gooey, making sure everyone gets plenty of shredded chicken and that cheesy buffalo goodness.
Serve it as a hearty main dish or alongside your favorite BBQ favorites for a meal that's guaranteed to satisfy.
Creamy mac and cheese, tender shredded chicken, bold buffalo flavor, and a golden layer of melted cheddar on top. What's not to love?
The Kosmos Q Buffalo Wing Dust brings the chicken to life, while the homemade cheddar and mozzarella sauce balances the tangy buffalo sauce with plenty of rich, cheesy goodness.
It's an easy comfort-food recipe that's perfect for game day, family dinners, backyard gatherings, or whenever you're craving something cheesy with a little kick.
Grab a bowl, dig in, and enjoy this Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese!
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