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    Home » Recipes » Dinners » Slow Cooker

    Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese

    Published: Apr 4, 2022 · Modified: Aug 16, 2022 by Ang Paris · 12 Comments
    This post may contain affiliate links·

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    With a creamy homemade cheese sauce, this spicy buffalo chicken mac and cheese is a dish your whole family will love.
    Jump to Recipe Add to Favorites Go to Collections Print Recipe Jump to Video
    Our easy Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe with tender chicken, al dente pasta shells, and a creamy cheesy buffalo sauce is perfect for weeknight meals. via @jugglingactmamaOur easy Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe with tender chicken, al dente pasta shells, and a creamy cheesy buffalo sauce is perfect for weeknight meals. via @jugglingactmamaOur easy Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe with tender chicken, al dente pasta shells, and a creamy cheesy buffalo sauce is perfect for weeknight meals. via @jugglingactmamaOur easy Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe with tender chicken, al dente pasta shells, and a creamy cheesy buffalo sauce is perfect for weeknight meals. via @jugglingactmama

    Our easy Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe with tender chicken, al dente pasta shells, and a creamy cheesy buffalo sauce is perfect for weeknight meals or even game day!

    Close up of Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese in a bowl with a fork.
    Spicy Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese is an indulgent comfort food with a little kick!
    Jump to:
    • 🧂 Ingredients
    • 🔪 Instructions
    • 🥄Equipment
    • ⭐ Tips
    • 🍲 Storage
    • 📖 Variations
    • Stovetop Instructions
    • 🍴 Serving Suggestions
    • More Buffalo Recipes
    • 😋 Similar Recipes
    • 📋 Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese
    • Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese
    • More Posts You'll Love
    • 💬 Comments

    There's only one thing better than comfort food... and that's two comfort foods together! This is the best creamy, cheesy mac and cheese you've ever eaten, combined with tender and tangy shredded buffalo chicken.

    It is so good you'll want to eat it straight out of the crockpot from the serving spoon!

    Next time, try one of these mouthwatering Buffalo Chicken Recipe Ideas.

    Top down view of Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Ingredients.

    🧂 Ingredients

    • boneless skinless chicken breasts
    • chicken broth
    • buffalo wing sauce
    • garlic powder
    • onion powder
    • celery salt
    • pasta shells
    • butter
    • all purpose flour
    • whole milk
    • shredded cheese
    • salt and pepper

    This is meant to be a brief overview of the slow cooker buffalo chicken mac. For step-by-step instructions and a full printable recipe card with ingredients, please scroll down to the teal box below or Jump to Recipe.

    🔪 Instructions

    1. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
    2. Place the seasoned chicken breasts into the slow cooker.
    3. In a liquid measuring cup, mix the chicken stock and Buffalo sauce with the garlic powder, onion powder and celery salt. Pour over the chicken.
    4. Cover and cook on HIGH for 3-4 hours or on LOW for 6-8 hours.
    5. Shred the cooked chicken with two forks, then return to crock.
    6. Add uncooked pasta and stir to combine. Cook for 40 minutes until the pasta is al dente.

    How to Make the Cheese Sauce

    1. Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium high heat.
    2. Whisk in the flour and cook 1-2 minutes.
    3. Slowly pour in the milk, while whisking until the flour and milk combine completely.
    4. Allo the sauce to simmer for 4-6 minutes, whisking almost constantly, until the sauce has thickened enough to coat the back of a spoon.
    5. Remove from the heat and whisk in the cheese a little bit at a time until it is all melted and the sauce is smooth.
    6. Pour the cheese sauce over the pasta and chicken mixture in the crockpot and stir to combine.
    Collage image of How to Make Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese.

    🥄Equipment

    The following are affiliate links. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

    Here is what you will need to make Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese:

    • Crockpot or Slow Cooker
    • Liquid Measuring Cup
    • Liquid Measuring Cup
    • Measuring Spoons

    Be sure to check out my Juggling Act Mama Storefront on Amazon where you'll find all kinds of great products to make your life easier! Thanks so much for being a part of Juggling Act Mama ❤

    ⭐ Tips

    ✔️ This cheese sauce is best made on the stovetop since it starts with a roux.

    ✔️ You can always add more buffalo wings sauce so start with the amount in the recipe card and then add additional as needed.

    Close up of Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese in a bowl with a fork.
    If you're looking for the perfect comfort food this is a great recipe your whole family will love.

    🍲 Storage

    To Store: Refridgerate leftovers in an airtight container for 3-4 days.

    To Reheat: Microwave individual portions as needed for 1-2 minutes, depending on your microwave.

    To Freeze: Flash freeze in a casserole dish for 1 hour until it is solid. Remove it from the casserole dish and place it into a freezer bag. Seal and label. Frozen mac and cheese will last 12-18 months in the freezer.

    To Thaw: Allow the buffalo mac and cheese casserole to thaw overnight in the fridge. Bake uncovered until heated throughout.

    (These are my favorite airtight containers.)

    📖 Variations

    The first time you try any new recipe we recommend that you make it just as it is written on the recipe card since that is how the buffalo mac recipe has been tested. However, the next time you make our recipe, you might want to try one of these ideas:

    • For extra creamy mac and cheese, stir in 2 tablespoons of softened cream cheese with the uncooked pasta shells.
    • Substitute heavy cream for half of the milk for a super creamy cheese sauce.
    • For extra spicy mac and cheese, add a drizzle of buffalo wing sauce just before serving.
    • Serve with a sprinkle of blue cheese crumbles on top or diced green onions, if desired.
    • Toast panko breadcrumbs in a skillet with butter to sprinkle on top before serving.
    • Try different kinds of cheese like monterey jack cheese or for an extra spicy kick, use pepper jack.
    • Add a small can of drained diced tomatoes with green chilies into the crockpot with the chicken and seasonings for extra flavor.
    • Substitute penne pasta, elbow macaroni or other types of pasta.

    If you're craving mac and cheese but want to try something a little different, level up with this spicy buffalo chicken mac and cheese!

    Stovetop Instructions

    Here's how to make this spicy buffalo mac and cheese on the stove top instead of in the crock pot:

    1. Use our Shredded Chicken Recipe, rotisserie chicken from the grocery store, or other leftover chicken to save time.
    2. Cook the pasta on the stove top, drain and set aside.
    3. Make the cheese sauce following the instructions already given.
    4. Toss the chicken with ½ cup of buffalo sauce, and the garlic, onion and celery seasonings.
    5. Combine the cooked pasta with the chicken mixture and serve hot.

    Alternatively, if you have our Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken on hand, use that and combine it with the cooked pasta and cheese sauce.

    🍴 Serving Suggestions

    A delicious side salad or some crusty Italian bread are always a great side dish to go with buffalo chicken macaroni and cheese. You could also serve it with one of these tasty veggies:

    • Roasted Brussels Sprouts
    • Garlic Green Beans 
    • Roasted Broccoli
    • Honey Glazed Baby Carrots
    • Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad Recipe
    • Spinach and Strawberry Salad
    • Honey Lime Fruit Salad
    • Winter Citrus Salad Recipe

    You'll love these delicious and easy Italian Bread Sticks or one of these yummy recipes:

    • Sweet Potato Rolls
    • Buttery Dinner Rolls
    • Butter Swim Biscuits Recipe
    • Rosemary Focaccia Bread Recipe

    More Buffalo Recipes

    • Best Buffalo Chicken Dip - a classic recipe using Frank's hot sauce and creamy blue cheese dressing that's perfect for football season.
    • Buffalo Chicken Salad - loaded with sliced onions, red peppers and topped with ranch dressing, this is a hearty meal.
    • Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Soup - an easy recipe any day of the week.
    • Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad - this family favorite is a complete meal thanks to the addition of shredded buffalo chicken.
    • Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken - I just love slow cooker recipes and this is a simple recipe that you must have in your menu rotation!!
    • Buffalo Chicken Crescent Ring - a great way to use up leftover buffalo chicken and awesome for game day.
    • Buffalo Chicken Puff Pastry - fluffy puff pastry is filled with flavorful buffalo chicken and cheese for the perfect weeknight dinner or game day snack.

    😋 Similar Recipes

    Next time, try one of these delicious pasta recipes:

    • Italian Sausage Pasta with Blistered Tomatoes
    • Sausage Mac and Cheese Bake
    • Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake
    • Chicken Spaghetti with Cream Cheese
    • Pulled Pork Mac and Cheese
    • Easy Lasagna Soup Recipe
    • Pulled Pork Mac and Cheese
    • Chicken Pasta Bake
    • Cheesy Hamburger Casserole
    Be Sure to Pin this Recipe for Later
    Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Story

    📋 Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese

    Not ready to make these the best buffalo chicken mac and cheese yet? When you do make it, please come back and comment and leave me a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating below!

    Close up of Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese in a bowl with a fork.

    Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese

    With a creamy homemade cheese sauce, this spicy buffalo chicken mac and cheese is a dish your whole family will love.
    Add to Your Recipe BoxGo to Collections
    5 from 4 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: American
    Keyword: buffalo chicken mac and cheese, crockpot buffalo chicken mac and cheese
    Prep Time: 20 minutes
    Cook Time: 3 hours 40 minutes
    Total Time: 4 hours
    Servings: 5
    Calories: 559kcal
    Author: Ang Paris

    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Equipment

    • Crockpot or Slow Cooker
    • Liquid Measuring Cup
    • Liquid Measuring Cup
    • Measuring Spoons

    Ingredients

    • 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
    • 2 cups chicken stock
    • ½ cup Buffalo sauce I use Frank's Buffalo Sauce
    • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
    • 1 teaspoon onion powder
    • ¼ teaspoon celery salt
    • 8 oz pasta shells, uncooked
    • 3 tablespoons butter
    • 2 tablespoons flour
    • 1½ cups milk
    • 6 oz shredded colby jack cheese or cheddar cheese
    • salt and pepper

    Instructions

    • Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
    • Place the seasoned chicken breasts into the slow cooker.
    • In a liquid measuring cup, mix the chicken stock and Buffalo sauce with the garlic powder, onion powder and celery salt. Pour over the chicken.
    • Cover and cook on HIGH for 3-4 hours or on LOW for 6-8 hours.
    • Shred the cooked chicken with two forks, then return to crock.
    • Add uncooked pasta and stir to combine. Cook for 40 minutes until the pasta is al dente.

    Cheese Sauce

    • Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium high heat.
    • Whisk in the flour and cook 1-2 minutes.
    • Slowly pour in the milk, while whisking until the flour and milk combine completely.
    • Allo the sauce to simmer for 4-6 minutes, whisking almost constantly, until the sauce has thickened enough to coat the back of a spoon.
    • Remove from the heat and whisk in the cheese a little bit at a time until it is all melted and the sauce is smooth.
    • Pour the cheese sauce over the pasta and chicken mixture in the crockpot and stir to combine.

    Video

    Notes

    Variations
    For extra creamy mac and cheese, stir in 2 tablespoons of softened cream cheese with the uncooked pasta shells.
    For extra spicy mac and cheese, add a drizzle of buffalo wing sauce just before serving.

    For best results, be sure to check our Tips and FAQs above with important tips and questions that can help your delicious recipe come out perfectly.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 559kcal | Carbohydrates: 45g | Protein: 39g | Fat: 24g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 120mg | Sodium: 1385mg | Potassium: 707mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 697IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 345mg | Iron: 2mg
    Please Note: I am not a registered dietician. Any nutritional data I provide is an approximation and actual dietary information can vary based on ingredients and portion sizes.
    Tried this recipe? Pin It for Later!Mention @jugglingactmama or tag #jugglingactmama!

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Sarah Oswald says

      April 04, 2022 at 5:04 pm

      We add chicken and broccoli or cauliflower to our mac and cheese.

      Reply
    2. Samantha Murch says

      April 05, 2022 at 2:24 pm

      Oooh this looks so good! I like it medium-level spicy. And ranch is my favorite with buffalo chicken.

      Reply
    3. Donna says

      April 23, 2022 at 3:50 pm

      I like to add broccoli to mac and cheese. This looks delicious!

      Reply
    4. donna porter says

      April 23, 2022 at 4:04 pm

      5 stars
      LOTS of Cheddar is my favorite cheese for mac and cheese. Being from the South I like homemade fried chicken served with mac & cheese!
      This recipe sounds and looks so delicious! Can not wait to make!

      Reply
    5. Leslie says

      April 23, 2022 at 4:09 pm

      i think mac and cheese is a perfect companion with salmon patties.

      Reply
    6. Deb says

      April 23, 2022 at 7:03 pm

      5 stars
      How yummy! I like a medium spiced buffalo chicken and adding it to the Mac n cheese sounds amazing! I have memories of my Grandma making it for us when we were kids. It wasn't fancy, she always used velveeta cheese, but it is still the way I prefer it!

      Reply
    7. Linda Kish says

      April 23, 2022 at 7:44 pm

      I like broccoli as a side for my mac 'n cheese

      Reply
    8. Michelle Bauer says

      April 26, 2022 at 6:50 am

      5 stars
      Have to go with Blue Cheese with Buffalo Chicken Mac 'n Cheese as I'm from Buffalo, NY. Also, I use vegetarian chicken alternative protein like Quorn & vegetable stock as I'm a pescatarian.

      Reply
    9. Leela says

      April 27, 2022 at 6:28 am

      My mac and cheese memory is from when I first made it from scratch for my kids. They loved it so much.
      I still make it several times a month.

      Reply
    10. teresa says

      November 07, 2022 at 11:41 am

      you used to have a recipe called the "best basil mac & cheese, evah" I have looked high and low and it's nowhere to be found. Would you consider sharing it again - it was ah-may-zing!!!!

      Reply
      • Ang Paris says

        November 07, 2022 at 3:02 pm

        Hi Teresa! I've emailed you, but the recipe you're looking for is here: https://www.jugglingactmama.com/best-basil-mac-cheese-evah/

        Reply
    11. teresa says

      November 08, 2022 at 8:33 am

      Thank you so very very very much! I looked and all of the links from Google went to a dead end, as well as the original on that I had. thank you again!

      Reply

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