Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese If you have ever romanticized about shoveling down some creamy cheesy mac n cheese but no longer those cravings suit in the realm of your fitness goals, desire not greater. Apart from fulfilling your comfort food cravings, this dish serves up 25 grams of protein per serving—a boon for muscle-builders and fat-losers alike. Prepare for a delicious and filling meal that weds the fantastic flavors of traditional mac n cheese with zesty kick to Buffalo chicken personal
Introduction
Perfect for game day, Buffalo chicken has become a household favorite because of its creamy texture and spicy kick. This, with the creamy goodness that is mac and cheese for a dish you cannot resist. This recipe is ideal for those really busy weeknights or when you want to have a little weekend gathering. Plus, the best part? No need to feel guilty indulging! Now the ingredients — and instructions even your pickiest 7 year olds will fall for.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- cups chopped chicken chest: For lean and long-lasting protein.
1 TBSP Buffalo seasoning- Adds some of that good ole spicy kick you know and love (Feel free to use your own or store bought!)
For the Sauce:
2 tbs. Light butter — a lighter version than regular butter that helps create a creamy sauce
1/2 cup Buffalo sauce: I recommend using your favorite kind or making my homemade buffalo sauce which is super delicious.
1 tbsp honey — balances the spice with some sweetness.
For the Mac and Cheese:
2 cups of pasta – (elbow macaroni is traditional, but I personally like to use any shape you think)-
Fat-free evaporated milk — 1 cup: Is creamy without the calories.
1 tea smoked paprika: Brings a mild smokiness that adds to the complexity of flavor in this dish.
1 T chicken stock powder: This, my friend, is what will make your mac and cheese next level!
4 oz light cream cheese: For a creamy texture with less fat.
1 cup cheddar cheese, grated (No brainer but we all love that mild cheesy kick.)
Cooking Instructions
Prepare the Chicken:
Diced Chicken Breast, Buffalo Seasoning [2 cups- in a medium bowl.] Stir well so the chicken are covered evenly. Seasoning does more than merely taste — it also helps give the spam a bit of crust when cooked.
Cook the Chicken:
Place a skillet over medium heat and season chicken with garlic salt. Bake for 7-10 minutes until the chicken is cooked through (165°F) and no longer pink. When done remove chicken from skillet and place aside on a plate.
Make the Sauce:
Lower the heat to low in same skillet. 2 tablespoons of light butter, then ½ cup Buffalo sauce and a tablespoon of honey. Stir until the butter is melted and everything has come together. Discard liquid and return chicken to pan, stirring until well coated with sauce. This step is to make sure that every bite contains the necessary spices.
Cook the Pasta:
As the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Boil 2 cups of pasta according to the package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
Prepare the Cheese Sauce:
Use the same skillet to keep all of those wonderful flavors, add 1 cup fat free evaporated milk, a teaspoon if smoked paprika and chicken stock powder — logistics baby. Stir in, heat though for 1 min..
Add Cheese:
Then, in the skillet add 4 ounces of light cream cheese and 1 cup grated cheddar (light). Continue to stir and cook on low until the cheese melts completely into a smooth creamy sauce. Your kitchen shall be inflicted with the smell of a tempting cheese!
Combine:
As the cheese sauce is prepared, Add in drained pasta to skillet. Give everything a good stir to ensure the pasta is fully enveloped in that über-rich, highly-flavored cheese sauce. It should be all melty and gooey but also very soft — no firm, blocky mac here!— if you get what we mean 😛, melting when heated through like the gooiest Mac n cheese of your dreams with an added heat.
Serve:
Portion the Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese into four bowls, top with a sprinkle of chopped green onions or extra drizzle of buffalo sauce for added flavor kick. Tastes best whilst warm and will become a quick favorite!
Serving Suggestions
While this Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese will make a big impression on it’s own, you can also really impress by serving Roasted vegetables or one of these fresh salads. And for an added twist, pair it with a cold glass of sparkling water or light beer to go along with the spice!
Tips and Variations
If your cheese sauce is too thick, you can just add a bit of milk to reach the consistency that appeals most to you.
Make it tasty: Try sprinkling over some crumbled blue cheese just before serving for an added flavor hit.
Make It Vegetarian: Replace the chicken with chickpeas or roast cauliflower for a vegetarian version and use vegan cheese alternatives instead.
Nutritional Information
This Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese delivers about 25 grams of protein per generous serving, all while keeping the calorie count in check… making it a fantastic choice for those seeking to fuel their muscles with maximum flavor but very little guilt. Hearty, filling and guilt-free!
Personal Notes
My heart holds this recipe dear. The first time I made it for friends during a game night, their reactions to this dish were gold. Seeing them savor the spicy, creamy deliciousness made it all worth doing. On top of that, it is a great way for me to get my protein without sacrificing taste. I love preparing it ahead of time, and reheating throughout the week — great for those super busy days!
I hope you get a chance to try this Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese! Serve with some crusty bread and you have a delicious way to hit on classic home comfort food — without throwing the diet out of kilter as well. Here’s another example of a recipe video I put together — if you recreate it, let me know in the comments or tag me on your beautiful creations! I hope you have fun cooking, and a blast eating 🙂 with all that cheesy melt in your mouth spicy goodness!
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