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Buffalo Chicken Mac Casserole

If your family loves buffalo wings and mac and cheese (and honestly, who doesn't?), this casserole is about to become your new best friend. It's creamy, it's got a little kick, and it's comfort food at its finest. Fair warning: you might want to double the batch because leftovers disappear fast!
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 8 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb elbow macaroni
  • 3 cups cooked chicken shredded or diced
  • ¾ cup buffalo sauce like Frank's RedHot
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups whole milk
  • 8 oz cream cheese softened and cubed
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese divided
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup blue cheese crumbles optional, but amazing!
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter for topping
  • Ranch dressing and celery sticks for serving

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F and spray a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Cook the macaroni according to package directions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
  2. In a large pot over medium heat, melt the 4 tablespoons of butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until it's golden and smells nutty.
  3. Gradually pour in the milk while whisking constantly. Continue whisking until the mixture thickens, about 5 minutes.
  4. Reduce heat to low and stir in the cream cheese cubes until melted and smooth. Add 1½ cups of the cheddar cheese, mozzarella, and blue cheese (if using). Stir until everything is melted and combined.
  5. Stir in the buffalo sauce, then add the cooked macaroni and shredded chicken. Mix everything together until well coated.
  6. Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish. Top with the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese.
  7. In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons of melted butter, then sprinkle over the casserole.
  8. Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and the top is golden brown. Let it cool for 5 minutes, then serve with ranch dressing and celery sticks on the side!