Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese from Uno Pizzeria & Grill features tender buffalo-spiced chicken chunks blended with creamy, cheesy macaroni and topped with a crispy breadcrumb crust, delivering a spicy and comforting twist on a classic favorite.
Equipments
- Large pot
- Colander
- Large skillet
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Baking dish (casserole dish)
- Cheese grater
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Oven
- Knife
- Cutting board
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breast
- 2 tablespoons buffalo wing sauce
- 1 lb (450g) elbow macaroni
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt
- Black pepper
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- Cooking oil
Using boneless, skinless chicken breast ensures tender pieces that absorb the buffalo wing sauce flavors well. Whole milk and heavy cream create a rich, creamy cheese sauce that pairs perfectly with the sharpness of cheddar and mildness of mozzarella cheeses. Panko breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter add a crispy, golden crust that balances the dish's creamy texture. Garlic powder, salt, and black pepper season the sauce, enhancing the overall flavor without overpowering the spicy buffalo notes. Your homemade Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese from Uno Pizzeria & Grill copycat recipe will deliver a comforting, cheesy dish with a spicy kick.
Instructions
- Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook macaroni in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente; drain and set aside.
- Cut chicken breast into bite-sized pieces.
- Season chicken with salt and black pepper.
- Heat large skillet over medium-high heat; add a little cooking oil.
- Add chicken pieces and cook until browned and cooked through.
- Stir in buffalo wing sauce and coat chicken; remove from heat.
- In the same pot, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes.
- Gradually whisk in milk and heavy cream until smooth.
- Add garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to taste.
- Stir in cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese; blend until melted and smooth.
- Add cooked macaroni and buffalo chicken to cheese sauce; mix well.
- Pour mixture into greased baking dish.
- In a mixing bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons melted butter; mix well.
- Sprinkle breadcrumb mixture evenly over macaroni.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes or until top is golden and bubbling.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Substitution
Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese from Uno Pizzeria & Grill copycat menu combines spicy buffalo chicken with creamy macaroni and a crispy breadcrumb topping. If you don't have elbow macaroni, you can substitute with other pasta shapes like shells or penne to maintain similar texture. When fresh buffalo wing sauce is unavailable, mixing hot sauce with a bit of melted butter mimics the flavor profile effectively. Whole milk and heavy cream can be replaced by half-and-half for a lighter yet still creamy sauce. You can customize your breadcrumb topping by using crushed crackers or seasoned breadcrumbs if panko is not on hand.
Tips
Ensure your macaroni is cooked just al dente, as it will continue to cook when baked, preventing it from turning mushy. When browning the chicken, maintain medium-high heat for a nice sear without overcooking, which keeps your buffalo-spiced chicken tender. Whisk the flour into melted butter thoroughly to form a smooth roux, avoiding any lumps before gradually adding the milk and cream for a creamy cheese sauce. Before baking, evenly distribute the butter-coated panko breadcrumbs atop the dish to achieve a golden, crispy crust that complements the creamy mac and cheese.
Nutritions
Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese from Uno Pizzeria & Grill offers a balanced combination of protein, carbohydrates, and fats. The dish provides approximately 40 grams of protein per serving from the boneless, skinless chicken breast, supporting muscle maintenance and repair. Whole milk and heavy cream contribute to a higher fat content, adding calories and richness, while the elbow macaroni supplies complex carbohydrates for sustained energy. Your meal also contains calcium and vitamins from the blend of cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, making it a nutrient-dense comfort food option.
Storage
Store leftover Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and flavor. When reheating, cover the dish with foil and warm in the oven at 350degF (175degC) until heated through, preserving the creamy texture and crispy breadcrumb topping. Your careful storage will ensure every bite remains as delicious as when first baked.
Variation or Alternatives
You can swap the boneless chicken breast for shredded rotisserie chicken to save prep time without sacrificing flavor. For a creamier texture, replace half the whole milk with cream cheese or add a splash of hot sauce directly to the cheese sauce. Instead of panko breadcrumbs, crushed tortilla chips or fried onions add a crunchy twist to the topping. Use smoked gouda or pepper jack cheese to give your Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese a smoky or extra spicy dimension.
Allergies
Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese from Uno Pizzeria & Grill contains common allergens including dairy from cheddar, mozzarella, Parmesan cheeses, whole milk, and heavy cream, as well as wheat found in the elbow macaroni, all-purpose flour, and panko breadcrumbs. The chicken and buffalo wing sauce typically do not contain allergens, but cross-contamination or specific ingredient formulations may vary, so it is important to check for any added preservatives or flavorings. If you have allergies to dairy or gluten, you should exercise caution or inquire about possible alternatives to ensure your safety.
Why this recipe?
Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese from Uno Pizzeria & Grill combines creamy, cheesy macaroni with spicy buffalo chicken, creating a rich and flavorful dish that appeals to fans of bold taste. The perfect balance of heat and creaminess makes it a comforting yet exciting meal. You'll appreciate the unique fusion of two classic comfort foods, making it a satisfying and indulgent choice. Recreating this dish at home lets you enjoy the authentic taste while customizing the spice level and ingredient quality to your preference.