Are you ready to dive into a bowl of creamy, spicy goodness? I can hardly contain my excitement as I share with you my favorite recipe for Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese. This dish is not just a meal; it’s a comforting hug in a bowl! Perfect for those busy weeknights, this recipe is one of my go-to easy pasta recipes that the whole family will love. Plus, it’s ready in just 2 hours, making it an ideal choice for quick family dinners!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It combines the best of both worlds: creamy mac and cheese with a spicy buffalo kick!
- Perfect for busy weeknights when you need 30-minute meals that are hearty and satisfying.
- Easy to customize with your favorite ingredients or to make it milder for the kids.
- Great for meal prep and leftovers, making it a fantastic option for lunch the next day.
- It’s a crowd-pleaser, perfect for family gatherings or game day!
Ingredients
To whip up this delicious dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup buffalo sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped green onions for garnish
Full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the printable recipe card below.
How to Make the Recipe
Now, let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to create your own Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese:
- Start by placing the chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Pour the buffalo sauce and chicken broth over the chicken, ensuring it’s well coated.
- Cover and cook on low for about 1.5 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Once the chicken is ready, shred it using two forks right in the slow cooker.
- Add the elbow macaroni, cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and half of the cheddar cheese to the slow cooker. Stir everything together until well combined.
- Cover and cook on high for an additional 30 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked and the cheese is melted and creamy.
- Before serving, stir in the remaining cheddar cheese until it’s gooey and delicious!
- Garnish with chopped green onions for a pop of color and flavor.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
Here are some of my favorite tips to ensure your Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese turns out perfectly:
- For a milder flavor, use a mild buffalo sauce or reduce the amount of sauce you add.
- Feel free to mix in some veggies like spinach or bell peppers for added nutrition.
- If you prefer a crispy topping, transfer the mac and cheese to a baking dish after cooking and broil it for a few minutes until golden brown.
- Don’t forget to taste and adjust the seasoning before serving!
How to Serve
This dish is best served warm and can be enjoyed on its own or paired with a fresh salad. Here are some serving suggestions:
- Top with extra buffalo sauce for those who love a spicy kick.
- Serve with a side of celery sticks and blue cheese dressing for a classic buffalo chicken experience.
- Pair with a light, crisp salad to balance the richness of the mac and cheese.
Make Ahead and Storage
If you’re like me and love to plan ahead, this recipe is perfect for meal prep! Here’s how to store it:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
- You can also freeze the mac and cheese for up to 2 months. Just make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.
So there you have it! A delicious, creamy, and spicy dish that’s perfect for any weeknight dinner idea. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this creamy garlic pasta delight with your loved ones. Trust me, they’ll be asking for seconds!
Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese
Ingredients
Dairy & Eggs
- 12 oz Greek Yogurt (Plain)
- 2 large Egg Whites
- 1-2 cups Milk (or Broth) (Add enough to prevent dryness or to thin)
Cheese
- 6 tablespoons Parmesan Cheese
- 3 cups Shredded Cheese (Cheddar Jack)
Sauces & Proteins
- 6 oz Buffalo Sauce (Low Sodium)
- 1 ½ pounds Rotisserie Chicken (or other cooked protein)
Thickeners & Seasonings
- 2 teaspoons Corn Starch (Optional to thicken)
- ¼ teaspoon Ground Mustard (Optional)
- ½ teaspoon Onion Salt (Optional)
Pasta
- 14 oz Pasta (Your choice)
Instructions
- Add all ingredients except chicken into slow cooker and mix.
- Add and mix in cooked chicken.
- Cook on Low for about 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
