Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese

Name: Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese (One-Pan)
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces; 1 tbsp cooking oil; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; 1 tsp paprika; salt, to taste; black pepper, to taste; 1/2 cup buffalo sauce, plus more for garnish; 2 1/2 cups elbow macaroni; 4 cups chicken broth; 2 1/2 cups shredded Colby Jack cheese; 1/2 cup milk; Ranch dressing, for garnish; Chopped green onions, for garnish

This one-pan Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese combines tender spiced chicken with creamy elbow pasta and tangy buffalo sauce, finishing in about 30 minutes without requiring a colander.

🌍American 🏷️Mac and cheese 🏷️Buffalo chicken 🏷️One-pan meal 🏷️Pasta Chicken

🏷️

🏷️Cheesy

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cookinginthemidwestonTikTok

Total

30 min

Servings

4

Difficulty

Easy

Est. Cost

$26–$43

Recipe Source

View original recipe

From TikTok · by cookinginthemidwest

-0:00

cookinginthemidwestonTikTok

Ingredients

1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 tbsp cooking oil
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp paprika
salt, to taste
black pepper, to taste
1/2 cup buffalo sauce, plus more for garnish
2 1/2 cups elbow macaroni
4 cups chicken broth
2 1/2 cups shredded Colby Jack cheese
1/2 cup milk
Ranch dressing, for garnishoptional
Chopped green onions, for garnishoptional

14 Ingredients

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Instructions

1
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add cooking oil. Once hot, add the bite-sized chicken pieces.
2
Season the chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through.
3
Drizzle the buffalo sauce over the cooked chicken and stir to coat everything evenly.
4
Add the elbow macaroni and chicken broth to the skillet. Stir to combine.
5
Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat, cover, and let it cook for about 12 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente and has absorbed most of the liquid.
6
Remove the skillet from the heat. Add the shredded Colby Jack cheese and milk.
7
Stir everything together until the cheese is fully melted and a creamy sauce has formed.
8
Serve immediately. Garnish with an extra drizzle of buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, and chopped green onions if desired.

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Tips & Notes

Pro tips

Season the chicken thoroughly before cooking—garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika are applied directly to the meat for even flavor distribution.
Add the pasta and broth together so the elbow macaroni cooks directly in the sauce without pre-boiling; this saves cleanup and lets the pasta absorb the buffalo flavor.
Stir the pan frequently in the last 10 minutes to prevent sticking on the bottom and ensure even cooking.
Taste and adjust buffalo sauce at the end—some bottles vary in heat and saltiness, so a final splash of sauce or extra salt is often needed.

Substitutions

Elbow macaroni → penne or rotini (texture preference; cooking time may vary slightly)
Chicken breast → chicken thighs (more forgiving; similar cook time when cut small)
Chicken broth → vegetable broth or water (flavor will be milder; consider adding a bouillon cube)

Storage & make-ahead

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth to restore creaminess.

Common Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast?

Yes. Thighs will stay moister and take about the same cooking time if cut to similar bite-sized pieces.

What if I don't have buffalo sauce on hand?

Mix ½ cup hot sauce with 2 tbsp melted butter and a splash of vinegar for a quick substitute.

Can this be made ahead?

Yes. Assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours before cooking, or store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheat gently with a splash of broth.