Mac and Cheese Buffalo Chicken (Printable Version)
Crispy bites blend cheesy macaroni and spicy chicken, ideal for snacking and entertaining with bold flavors.
# The Ingredients You'll Need:
→ Pasta and Cheese
01 - 1 cup elbow macaroni
02 - 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
03 - 1/2 cup whole milk
04 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
05 - 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
06 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
07 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
→ Buffalo Chicken
08 - 1 1/2 cups cooked chicken breast, finely shredded
09 - 1/3 cup buffalo wing sauce
10 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
→ Coating
11 - 1 cup all-purpose flour
12 - 2 large eggs, beaten
13 - 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
14 - Cooking oil, for frying
# Step-by-Step Instructions:
01 - Boil salted water and cook elbow macaroni until al dente. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
02 - Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk, stirring until sauce thickens, 2 to 3 minutes.
03 - Add shredded cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper. Stir until mixture becomes smooth and creamy.
04 - Fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, ensuring even coating. Spread the mixture onto a baking sheet and chill in the refrigerator for 10 minutes.
05 - Combine shredded chicken breast with buffalo wing sauce and melted butter in a bowl. Blend thoroughly.
06 - Take a heaping tablespoon of chilled mac and cheese, flatten slightly, and place 1 teaspoon of buffalo chicken in the center. Shape the mac and cheese around the filling to form a ball. Repeat until mixture is used.
07 - Place assembled balls on a parchment-lined tray and freeze for 20 minutes until firm.
08 - Arrange three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs.
09 - Roll each ball in flour, dip in beaten egg, then coat in panko breadcrumbs.
10 - Heat 2 inches of cooking oil in a deep frying pan or Dutch oven to 350°F. Fry balls in batches for 2 to 3 minutes, turning until golden brown and crisp. Drain on paper towels.
11 - Present hot balls with extra buffalo wing sauce or ranch dressing for dipping.
# Additional Tips::
01 -
- Crowd-pleasing party snack bursting with flavor
- Can be fried or baked for versatility
02 -
- Can be baked for a lighter twist: mist with oil and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15–18 minutes
- Contains wheat, dairy, and eggs: always check buffalo sauce labels for other allergens if serving guests
03 -
- Freeze the balls before frying or baking to help them keep their shape and prevent leaking
- Use rotisserie chicken for an easy shortcut with extra flavor