Get ready to transform your ordinary mac and cheese into a flavor explosion that'll have your taste buds dancing! This crockpot buffalo chicken mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort food mashup that combines the creamy, cheesy goodness of classic mac and cheese with the bold, spicy kick of buffalo chicken. Perfect for game days, family dinners, or when you're craving something absolutely irresistible, this recipe is about to become your new obsession. With just a few simple ingredients and your trusty crockpot, you'll create a dish so delicious, it'll have everyone begging for seconds!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 4 hrs
Total Time: 4 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken breasts
- 1 cup buffalo sauce
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your ingredients. Gather 2 lbs of chicken breasts, 1 cup of buffalo sauce, 8 oz of elbow macaroni, 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, 1 cup of milk, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of your crockpot. Season them with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences.
- Pour the buffalo sauce over the chicken breasts, ensuring they are well-coated. You can adjust the amount of buffalo sauce based on how spicy you want the dish to be.
- Cover the crockpot with its lid and set it to cook on low for 4 hours. This will allow the chicken to become tender and infused with the buffalo flavor.
- After 4 hours, check the chicken for doneness. It should shred easily with a fork. Remove the chicken from the crockpot and shred it using two forks.
- Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot. Add the uncooked elbow macaroni directly into the pot.
- Pour in 1 cup of milk and stir everything together to combine. Make sure the macaroni is submerged in the liquid to ensure even cooking.
- Cover the crockpot again and cook on low for an additional 30 minutes, or until the macaroni is tender.
- Once the macaroni is cooked, add 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese to the crockpot. Stir until the cheese is melted and evenly distributed throughout the dish.
- Taste the mac and cheese and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary.
- Serve the buffalo chicken mac and cheese hot, garnished with extra buffalo sauce or chopped green onions if desired. Enjoy your delicious meal!
Tips
- Chicken Selection: Use fresh, boneless chicken breasts for the best texture and easiest shredding.
- Spice Control: Adjust the buffalo sauce to your heat preference. For milder flavor, use less sauce; for extra heat, add more or include some hot sauce.
- Cheese Matters: Use freshly shredded cheddar for the best melting and flavor. Pre-shredded cheese can contain anti-caking agents that affect melting.
- Pasta Tip: Don't overcook the macaroni - it will continue to absorb liquid in the crockpot, so aim for al dente.
- Serving Suggestions: Top with extra buffalo sauce, chopped green onions, blue cheese crumbles, or crispy bacon bits for added flavor and texture.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: This dish reheats beautifully. Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
- Dietary Modifications: For a lighter version, use low-fat milk and cheese, or substitute Greek yogurt for some of the cheese.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 120mg
