Buffalo Chicken Mac Cheese (Printable Version)

A creamy, spicy mac and cheese featuring tender chicken and a zesty buffalo sauce twist.

# Ingredients Required:

→ Pasta

01 - 340 grams rotini pasta

→ Protein

02 - 300 grams cooked, diced boneless skinless chicken breast

→ Sauce and Cheese

03 - 120 milliliters buffalo sauce
04 - 100 grams sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
05 - 115 grams cream cheese
06 - 480 milliliters whole milk

→ Thickening and Topping

07 - 28 grams all-purpose flour
08 - 28 grams unsalted butter
09 - 100 grams panko breadcrumbs

→ Garnish

10 - 2 green onions, sliced

# Guide to Cooking:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add rotini and cook until al dente according to package directions. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
02 - Heat a skillet over medium heat. Season diced chicken with salt and pepper and sauté until golden brown, approximately 5 to 7 minutes.
03 - In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour to form a roux, cooking briefly. Gradually whisk in milk, stirring continuously until smooth. Incorporate cream cheese until fully melted, then add shredded cheddar and buffalo sauce; stir until creamy and homogenous.
04 - Mix cooked pasta, sautéed chicken, and cheese sauce until evenly coated.
05 - Transfer mixture to a greased baking dish. Evenly sprinkle panko breadcrumbs over the surface. Bake in a preheated oven at 175°C for 20 to 25 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top.

# Extra Suggestions:

01 - Adjust buffalo sauce quantity to control heat level. Whisk continuously while adding milk for a smoother sauce texture. Optional: add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra spiciness.