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- 2 cups elbow macaroni - 1 lb chicken breast, cubed - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 cup buffalo sauce - 4 cups chicken broth The main ingredients create the heart of this dish. Elbow macaroni gives a great shape and texture. Chicken breast adds protein, making it filling. Olive oil helps to cook the chicken and adds flavor. The buffalo sauce brings a spicy kick, while chicken broth keeps everything moist and tasty. - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - ½ cup cream cheese Cheese makes this dish creamy and rich. Shredded cheddar adds sharpness and depth. Shredded mozzarella brings a gooey stretch. Cream cheese helps bind everything together, creating a smooth sauce that clings to the pasta. - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - Salt and pepper to taste - Chopped green onions for garnish Seasonings are key to flavor. Garlic powder and onion powder provide a savory base. Salt and pepper enhance all the flavors. Chopped green onions on top offer a fresh crunch, adding color and taste. - First, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. - Add 1 pound of cubed chicken breast to the pot. Season it with salt, pepper, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon of onion powder. - Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes. Stir it often until it is browned and cooked through. - Once the chicken is done, reduce the heat to medium. Stir in 1 cup of buffalo sauce. Cook for 2 more minutes to coat the chicken well. - Next, add 4 cups of chicken broth to the pot. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. - After the broth boils, stir in 2 cups of elbow macaroni. - Reduce the heat to a simmer and cover the pot. Let it cook for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. The pasta should be tender and soak up some liquid. By following these simple steps, your Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese will come together nicely in one pot! To get the best flavor, you can adjust the buffalo sauce. Start with one cup of buffalo sauce. Taste the dish as you go. If you want it hotter, add more sauce. If you want it milder, use less. This lets you find the perfect heat level for you. Avoiding overcooked pasta is key. When you add the elbow macaroni, keep an eye on it. Stir it occasionally while it simmers. Cook it until it's tender but still firm. This way, your pasta won’t turn mushy. For one-pot meals like this, a heavy-bottomed pot works best. It helps distribute heat evenly. A Dutch oven or a large saucepan are great choices. They hold heat well and can cook everything together smoothly. Use a sturdy wooden spoon or a silicone spatula for stirring. These tools help you scrape the bottom well. You want to avoid bits sticking and burning. Plus, they won’t scratch your pot. Pair your Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese with simple side dishes. A fresh green salad or some crunchy celery sticks work well. They balance the richness of the dish. For toppings, chopped green onions add color and freshness. You can also sprinkle some extra cheese on top. Crumbled blue cheese is a tasty option too. It adds a bold flavor that many love. {{image_2}} To turn up the heat, you can add jalapeños. Chop them fine and mix them in. You can also try using hotter sauces. This will give your dish a nice kick. Another great option is to use pepper jack cheese. The cheese adds creaminess and a spicy flavor. If you need a gluten-free option, choose gluten-free pasta. This will keep your dish tasty and safe. For those who are dairy-free, there are cheese alternatives. Use dairy-free cream cheese and shredded cheese. They melt well and keep the dish creamy. Using rotisserie chicken can save you time. Just shred the chicken and mix it in. For cream cheese, you can use sour cream. This will still provide that creamy texture. You can also try Greek yogurt for a healthier twist. Cool the dish down first. This step helps to keep the flavors fresh. You can let it sit for about 30 minutes. After cooling, transfer your Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese to airtight containers. Glass containers work great, but plastic ones are fine too. Make sure to seal them tightly to avoid any air getting in. This keeps your dish safe and tasty. To reheat, I recommend using the stove or microwave. The stove gives a better texture. Heat it on low, stirring often. If using the microwave, warm it in short bursts. Add a splash of chicken broth or water. This helps keep it moist. Stir between each burst to ensure even heating. Want to make this dish ahead? You can freeze it! First, let it cool completely. Then, scoop it into freezer-safe containers. Leave some space at the top, as it will expand. To thaw, place it in the fridge overnight. When ready to eat, reheat on the stove or microwave as mentioned. This way, you can enjoy Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese anytime! To spice up your Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese, try these tips: - Add more buffalo sauce: Mix in extra sauce when cooking. - Include hot sauce: Drizzle your favorite hot sauce on top before serving. - Use spicy cheese: Swap regular cheddar for pepper jack cheese. - Add fresh jalapeños: Chop and mix them in during cooking for a fresh kick. These options let you adjust the heat to your taste! Yes, you can easily adapt this dish for a slow cooker. Here’s how: - Sear the chicken: Start by searing the cubed chicken in a pan for flavor. - Combine ingredients: Place the chicken and all other ingredients in the slow cooker. - Set the cooker: Cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. - Add cheese last: Stir in the cream cheese, cheddar, and mozzarella during the last 30 minutes. This method makes it easy for busy days! If you want to swap out chicken, here are some great options: - Rotisserie chicken: Use pre-cooked chicken for quick prep. - Shredded beef: Adds a rich flavor and pairs well with buffalo sauce. - Tofu: For a vegetarian option, use firm tofu, cubed and sautéed. - Chickpeas: Canned chickpeas add protein and a hearty texture. These alternatives keep the dish delicious and satisfying! Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese combines creamy cheese, tender chicken, and zesty flavors. You start with simple ingredients like elbow macaroni and buffalo sauce. Cook and mix them for a meal everyone loves. Remember to tweak the spice and try every variation. Store leftovers well and enjoy them later. Whether spicy or mild, this dish is fun to make and share. Keep experimenting, and you'll find your ideal version. Happy cooking!

Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese One Pot

Get ready for a flavor explosion with this easy Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese One Pot recipe! Combining tender chicken, creamy cheeses, and spicy buffalo sauce, it's the ultimate comfort food that's quick to make. Perfect for family dinners or game day, this dish is ready in just 30 minutes. Click through to explore the full recipe and tips for making this delicious one-pot meal that everyone will love!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups elbow macaroni

1 lb chicken breast, cubed

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 cup buffalo sauce (hot sauce)

4 cups chicken broth

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

½ cup cream cheese

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

Salt and pepper to taste

Chopped green onions for garnish

Instructions
 

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the cubed chicken and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.

    Once cooked, reduce the heat to medium and stir in the buffalo sauce, cooking for an additional 2 minutes to coat the chicken.

      Add the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

        Stir in the elbow macaroni and reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the pot and cook for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and has absorbed some of the liquid.

          Once the pasta is cooked, reduce heat to low. Stir in the cream cheese until melted and creamy, followed by the cheddar and mozzarella cheese. Mix until the cheese is fully melted and combined.

            Adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or buffalo sauce if desired.

              Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions for a fresh touch.

                Prep Time: 10 min | Total Time: 30 min | Servings: 4-6