If you’re craving something creamy, spicy, and downright comforting, you’ve got to try this Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese (Meal Prep Friendly) Recipe. It takes the classic mac and cheese you love and gives it an exciting kick with tender shredded chicken and bold buffalo sauce, all wrapped in a velvety cheese blend. What’s even better? This dish is designed to be meal prep friendly, making your weekday lunches or dinners effortlessly delicious and ready to go. Trust me, once you make this, it will quickly become a favorite go-to that balances indulgence with practicality perfectly.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese (Meal Prep Friendly) Recipe lies in its simple yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each element adds a layer of flavor, texture, or healthfulness, making the dish delightful and balanced.
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken breast: The lean protein star that soaks up all the buffalo goodness while keeping the dish hearty.
- 6 oz elbow macaroni: Traditional, perfectly sized pasta that holds the creamy sauce well; feel free to swap with cooked cauliflower for a low-carb twist.
- 3/4 cup reduced-fat shredded cheddar cheese: Adds that classic sharpness and gooey texture without overwhelming fat.
- 1/2 cup low-fat cottage cheese: A secret ingredient that makes the sauce ultra creamy while boosting protein and reducing heaviness.
- 1/3 cup buffalo hot sauce: The bold flavor bomb that brings spicy tang and that signature buffalo vibe.
- 1 tbsp ranch seasoning mix: Adds complementary herbaceous and cooling notes to balance the heat.
- 1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk or low-fat milk: Keeps the sauce smooth and pourable without being too rich.
- Optional toppings like sliced green onions, crumbled blue cheese, and extra buffalo drizzle: For added texture, flavor, and that professional finish.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese (Meal Prep Friendly) Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Begin by cooking your elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until it’s al dente—just tender but still with a slight bite. Once cooked, drain the pasta well and set it aside. If you’re opting for a low-carb version, this is where you’d use cooked cauliflower instead, which provides a similar texture and absorbs the sauce beautifully.
Step 2: Blend the Sauce
This is the magic moment where cottage cheese, almond milk (or your choice of milk), buffalo hot sauce, and ranch seasoning come together in a blender. Blend these ingredients until the mixture is silky smooth. This combination creates a creamy, flavorful sauce that’s tangy with just the right amount of spice.
Step 3: Melt in the Cheese
Transfer your blended sauce to a medium saucepan, heating it over medium heat. Slowly add in the shredded cheddar cheese and stir until it completely melts into the sauce, resulting in a luscious, cheesy blend that’s both creamy and packed with flavor.
Step 4: Combine Chicken and Pasta
Now, add the shredded chicken and cooked pasta (or cauliflower) into the saucepan. Stir everything together so that the pasta and chicken are fully coated with the buffalo cheese sauce. Allow the mixture to warm through so each bite is piping hot and satisfying.
Step 5: Serve or Store
If you’re ready to eat, portion the creamy Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese onto plates or bowls and add your preferred garnishes. If meal prepping, divide the portions into airtight containers, making future meals quick, tasty, and mess-free.
How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese (Meal Prep Friendly) Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes transforms this dish from simple to show-stopping. I love topping mine with sliced green onions for a burst of fresh sharpness, a sprinkling of crumbled blue cheese for that classic buffalo pairing, and just a few extra drizzles of buffalo sauce for heat lovers who like it bold. These little touches elevate every bite and bring a fun, colorful contrast.
Side Dishes
Balance the richness of the Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese with crisp, refreshing sides. A crunchy celery and carrot stick platter pairs wonderfully here, nodding to the traditional buffalo wings combo. You could also serve a light green salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the creamy sauce, or even roasted veggies seasoned simply with salt and pepper.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to make your meal prep a bit more exciting? Serve the mac and cheese in individual mason jars layered with chicken and topped with crispy breadcrumbs for crunch. For parties, scoop the dish into mini bell peppers or stuffed mushrooms. When entertaining, arranging it in a casserole dish with a golden baked cheese crust on top adds a homey, comforting touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese (Meal Prep Friendly) Recipe is fantastic for leftovers. Simply store your portions in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors only deepen as they sit, making each serving just as delicious, if not more, the next day.
Freezing
If you want to stock up, you can freeze this dish for up to two months. Just place individual portions in freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags, making sure to squeeze out excess air. To prevent freezer burn, double wrap when possible. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, microwave individual portions uncovered for about 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. Alternatively, warm it in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of milk to keep the sauce creamy and prevent it from drying out. Either method brings back all the comfort and flavor with ease.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is classic and holds the sauce well, you can use penne, rotini, or even shells. Just be sure to cook it al dente to avoid it becoming mushy when combined with the sauce.
Is there a way to make this dish less spicy?
Definitely. You can reduce the amount of buffalo sauce or swap it for a milder wing sauce to suit your heat tolerance. Adding extra ranch seasoning can also balance out the spice nicely.
Can this recipe be made vegetarian?
Yes! Replace the shredded chicken with cooked cauliflower florets or sautéed mushrooms for a delicious vegetarian version that still satisfies those comfort food cravings.
What type of buffalo sauce works best?
Classic buffalo sauces such as Frank’s RedHot are fantastic because they provide a good balance of heat and tanginess. However, feel free to use your favorite brand or homemade sauce as long as it has that signature buffalo flavor.
Can I use regular full-fat cheese instead of reduced-fat?
Of course! Using full-fat cheese will make the dish richer and creamier. The reduced-fat version is a great way to enjoy this dish with fewer calories, but either option works beautifully.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese (Meal Prep Friendly) Recipe enough for anyone who wants a satisfying meal that’s bursting with flavor and perfect for busy days. It’s creamy, spicy, and packed with protein, making it a balanced choice that doesn’t skimp on comfort. Try it once, and I’m pretty sure it will become your new favorite for meal prepping or an easy family dinner that everyone will love.
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Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese (Meal Prep Friendly) Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese is a flavorful, meal prep-friendly dish combining tender shredded chicken, creamy cheddar and cottage cheese sauce, and a spicy buffalo kick. Perfectly comforting yet protein-packed, this recipe comes together quickly using simple stovetop methods and can be customized with low-carb pasta alternatives or optional toppings for added flair.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken breast
- 6 oz elbow macaroni (or cooked cauliflower for low-carb option)
- 3/4 cup reduced-fat shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup low-fat cottage cheese
- 1/3 cup buffalo hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
- 1 tbsp ranch seasoning mix
- 1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk or low-fat milk
Optional Toppings
- Sliced green onions
- Crumbled blue cheese
- Additional buffalo sauce drizzle
Instructions
- Cook pasta: Prepare the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside to cool slightly. If using cauliflower, ensure it is cooked and drained.
- Blend the sauce: In a blender, combine the low-fat cottage cheese, unsweetened almond milk (or low-fat milk), buffalo hot sauce, and ranch seasoning mix. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy, ensuring an even sauce consistency.
- Heat it up: Pour the blended sauce into a saucepan over medium heat. Stir continuously as you add the shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese, allowing it to melt fully and create a creamy texture.
- Combine: Add the cooked shredded chicken and the prepared pasta (or cauliflower) to the sauce. Stir thoroughly until all components are coated evenly and the dish is heated through.
- Serve or store: Divide the Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese into meal prep containers or serve immediately. Garnish with optional toppings like sliced green onions, crumbled blue cheese, or an extra drizzle of buffalo sauce to taste.
Notes
- For a low-carb variation, substitute elbow macaroni with cooked cauliflower florets.
- Use reduced-fat cheese options to keep the dish lighter without sacrificing creaminess.
- Adjust the amount of buffalo sauce to control the spice level according to preference.
- Meal prep containers can be refrigerated for up to 4 days and reheated in the microwave.
- Adding optional toppings like blue cheese or green onions adds extra flavor and texture contrast.
