Description
High Protein Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese offers a creamy, spicy twist on a classic comfort dish. Packed with protein, it’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
- 1 cup buffalo sauce
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 2 cups grated cheddar cheese
- 4 oz cream cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 2 green onions (sliced)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (optional)
Instructions
- Cook elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper in a skillet over medium heat. Cook for 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Shred the chicken using two forks.
- In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, cream cheese, and buffalo sauce until well blended.
- Mix the cooked pasta with the buffalo chicken mixture and half of the grated cheddar cheese until evenly coated.
- Transfer to a greased baking dish and sprinkle remaining cheddar cheese on top. Add panko breadcrumbs if desired.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until bubbly and golden.
Notes
- Substitute chicken with turkey or add vegetables like spinach for extra nutrition.
- Use rotisserie chicken for quicker prep.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days; reheat in the microwave.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 95mg