Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe

Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese with creamy, tangy cheese sauce and a spicy kick from hot sauce, complemented by tender chicken pieces and a touch of scallion freshness.
Published: June 9, 2025
by Maribelle Harper

Ingredients

  • 12 ounces frozen breaded chicken tenders, cooked
  • 4 tablespoons Frank’s RedHot Original Cayenne Pepper Sauce
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 teaspoons ranch seasoning mix, divided
  • 1.5 cups water
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 2 cups elbow macaroni
  • 1.5 cups shredded American cheese
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 2 scallions, thinly sliced

Important Tips Before Cooking

To enhance the dish, you can sprinkle crumbled blue cheese over the top before serving.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Set the oven to 425°F and position a rack approximately 6 inches from the broiler.

Place the chicken on a rimmed baking sheet and bake for about 20 minutes until thoroughly heated.

Prepare the Hot Sauce Coating

In a bowl, combine 3 tablespoons hot sauce, the melted butter, and 1 teaspoon of ranch seasoning.

Cut the cooked chicken into ½-inch pieces and toss them in the hot sauce mixture until evenly coated.

Cook the Macaroni

In a 12-inch skillet that’s broiler-safe, bring the water and milk to a boil over medium-high heat.

Add the macaroni, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and cook until al dente, approximately 5 minutes, stirring once halfway through.

Incorporate the Cheese

Stir in the shredded American cheese, 1 tablespoon of hot sauce, and the remaining teaspoon of ranch seasoning.

Continue stirring until the cheese melts, about 2 minutes.

Remove from heat and mix in the shredded cheddar cheese until it is fully melted, which should take about 2 more minutes.

Broil and Finish

Turn on the broiler.

Evenly spread the chicken pieces over the macaroni and broil until the top is lightly browned, around 3 minutes.

Drizzle with the remaining 1 tablespoon of hot sauce and sprinkle with the thinly sliced scallions.

Serve immediately for best results.

Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese

Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese with creamy, tangy cheese sauce and a spicy kick from hot sauce, complemented by tender chicken pieces and a touch of scallion freshness.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes

Ingredients

  • 12 ounces frozen breaded chicken tenders cooked
  • 4 tablespoons Frank’s RedHot Original Cayenne Pepper Sauce
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
  • 2 teaspoons ranch seasoning mix divided
  • 1.5 cups water
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 2 cups elbow macaroni
  • 1.5 cups shredded American cheese
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese shredded
  • 2 scallions thinly sliced

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 425°F; bake chicken on a rimmed baking sheet for 20 minutes.
  • Mix 2 tablespoons hot sauce, melted butter, and 1 teaspoon ranch seasoning in a bowl.
  • Cut chicken into ½-inch pieces and coat in hot sauce mixture.
  • In a 12-inch broiler-safe skillet, bring 1¾ cups water and 1 cup milk to a boil over medium-high heat.
  • Stir in macaroni, reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for 5 minutes, stirring once.
  • Stir in American cheese, 1 tablespoon hot sauce, and 1 teaspoon ranch seasoning until cheese melts, about 2 minutes.
  • Remove from heat, stir in cheddar cheese until melted, about 2 minutes.
  • Heat broiler; evenly distribute chicken over macaroni and broil for 3 minutes.
  • Drizzle with 2 tablespoons hot sauce, sprinkle with scallions, and serve immediately.

Leave the first comment

Recipe Rating




Join the Community

I’ll never spam you. Sign up to receive my latest recipes.