Irresistible Buffalo Chicken Mac And Cheese Recipe

Introduction

If you're in the mood for comfort food with a kick, look no further than buffalo chicken mac and cheese. This dish combines the creamy goodness of traditional mac and cheese with the tangy, spicy flavors of buffalo sauce, elevating your usual pasta experience.

Perfect for game days, family gatherings, or just a cozy night in, this recipe will please the crowd and become a favorite at the dinner table. With tender chicken, rich cheese, and a hint of spice, you'll find it hard to resist going back for seconds.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces elbow macaroni
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 1 cup buffalo sauce
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted

Directions & Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken and buffalo sauce, mixing until evenly coated.
4. In another bowl, combine the cream cheese, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. Whisk until smooth and well blended.
5. Add the cooked macaroni to the cream cheese mixture, stirring gently to combine all ingredients.
6. Fold in the buffalo chicken mixture and half of the cheddar cheese and mozzarella, mixing until evenly distributed.
7. Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula.
8. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheese over the top, followed by the breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until cheese is bubbly and the top is golden brown.
10. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

FAQs

What can I do if the sauce is too spicy?

You can balance the spiciness by adding more cream cheese or shredded cheese into the mixture.

Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken?

Yes, store-bought rotisserie chicken works perfectly in this recipe and saves time.

What if I want a creamier texture?

You can add more milk or cream cheese to achieve a creamier consistency.

How can I scale this recipe for a larger gathering?

You can double the ingredients and use a larger baking dish to accommodate more servings.

What type of cheese can I add for extra flavor?

Consider adding pepper jack cheese for some extra heat and flavor.

What if the mac and cheese comes out too dry?

If your mac and cheese isn't creamy enough, try adding a splash of milk right before serving.

Conclusion

Buffalo chicken mac and cheese is more than just a dish; it's an experience that brings together comfort and excitement in every bite. Whether you enjoy it as a main course or a side, this recipe won't disappoint.

As you prepare this mouthwatering meal, don't hesitate to tweak the spices and ingredients to suit your taste. Enjoy your homemade creation, and get ready to impress family and friends with this irresistible dish!

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Delightful Apple Slab Pie for Home Bakers

Apple Slab Pie made approachable with clear cues, pantry staples, and flexible swaps.

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsalted butter cold and cubed
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 to 1/2 cup cold water
• 6 to 8 medium apples peeled, cored, and sliced
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 egg beaten (for egg wash)

Instructions

• Prepare the pie crust by mixing flour, sugar, and salt together.
• Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
• Gradually add cold water, a tablespoon at a time, until the dough holds together.
• Divide the dough in half and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Roll out one portion of the dough to fit a rimmed baking sheet.
• Transfer the rolled-out dough to the baking sheet and trim the edges.
• In a bowl, combine the sliced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, lemon juice, and cornstarch.
• Pour the apple mixture onto the crust and spread it evenly.
• Roll out the second portion of dough and place it over the apples, sealing the edges.
• Brush the top with beaten egg for a golden finish.
• Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbling.
• Let the pie cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing.

Notes

Additional serving suggestions: pair with a crisp salad, garlic bread, or roasted seasonal vegetables for balance.

For make-ahead, prep components separately and assemble just before heating to preserve texture.

Taste and adjust with acid (lemon/vinegar) and salt right at the end to wake up flavors.