Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese Recipe

If you’re searching for the ultimate crowd-pleasing comfort food, let me introduce you to Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese. We’re talking about a dish that blends creamy, cheesy noodles with the fiery kick of buffalo chicken—all made right in your slow cooker! It’s rich, spicy, and the kind of recipe that disappears fast at family dinners or football parties. This is a true “set it and forget it” dish, with tender chicken and a velvety cheese sauce that wraps every macaroni bite in flavor. If you love meals that are exciting but effortless, this slow cooker sensation is about to become your new obsession.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this dish is in its simplicity—each ingredient pulls its weight to build layers of flavor, creaminess, and that irresistible buffalo kick. Every component has a job, whether it’s providing spice, richness, or that all-important cheesy pull.

• Boneless skinless chicken breast: The tender chicken soaks up all the buffalo flavor and falls apart beautifully in the slow cooker.
• Low-sodium chicken broth: Keeps everything moist and infuses the chicken with savory depth without being too salty.
• Buffalo wing sauce: Bring the heat! Adjust to your desired spice level for a little or a lot of kick.
• Garlic powder: Adds a mellow garlicky backdrop that makes the flavors pop.
• Onion powder: Gives a bit of sweet-savory flavor that rounds out the sauce.
• Smoked paprika: A hint of smokiness brings an extra savory layer you’ll love.
• Mustard powder: Just a touch for a tangy edge that balances the richness.
• Uncooked macaroni noodles: Classic elbow macaroni is a must for that nostalgic mac and cheese bite.
• Unsalted butter: Essential for a homemade roux, adding silky texture to the cheese sauce.
• All-purpose flour: Thickens the cheese sauce so it clings to every noodle.
• Milk: The base of the sauce, making it extra creamy.
• Cream: For that ultra-rich, luxurious mouthfeel every mac & cheese needs.
• Shredded cheddar cheese: Melty, sharp, and golden—there’s nothing better for mac and cheese!

How to Make Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese

Step 1: Layer the Chicken and Spices

Start by placing your boneless, skinless chicken breasts right at the bottom of your slow cooker. Sprinkle on the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and mustard powder, then pour in the chicken broth and buffalo wing sauce. This flavor bath is where the magic starts, ensuring every shred of chicken is spicy, savory, and tender from the get-go.

Step 2: Slow Cook Until Tender

Cover the slow cooker and set it on LOW for about 4 hours (or HIGH for 2 hours if you need dinner fast). As the chicken cooks, it will become juicy and richly infused with buffalo flavors. You’ll know it’s ready when it shreds easily with a fork.

Step 3: Shred (or Cube) the Chicken

Once the chicken is cooked through, carefully remove it from the slow cooker. Cut it into cubes for chunkier bites, or shred it if you want delicious tendrils of buffalo chicken in every spoonful. Return all that goodness right back into your pot!

Step 4: Add the Pasta

Add your uncooked macaroni noodles directly to the spicy, chicken-packed broth. Stir them in so they’re submerged, cover, and cook on HIGH for 20 to 30 minutes. Keep an eye on the texture and add extra liquid, a little at a time, if it starts to look dry. You want the pasta tender but not mushy!

Step 5: Make the Cheese Sauce

While the pasta is softening, get to work on your luxe cheese sauce. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium-high heat, then whisk in the flour to make a golden roux. Slowly pour in the milk and cream, whisking until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy. Simmer for about 4 to 6 minutes until the sauce thickens enough to coat a spoon. Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheddar until fully melted and silky.

Step 6: Bring It All Together

Pour your homemade cheese sauce into the slow cooker, stirring it into the chicken, pasta, and buffalo sauce mixture. This is where Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese truly comes alive—rich, spicy, cheesy, and completely drool-worthy!

Step 7: Serve and Savor

Spoon the finished mac and cheese into bowls while it’s hot and gooey, and don’t forget a final drizzle of hot sauce or your favorite toppings to take things over the top. Dig in and watch it disappear!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese

Garnishes

Pile on the garnishes to make things extra special! Some ideas: a drizzle of extra buffalo sauce for more heat, a swirl of ranch or blue cheese dressing for cool contrast, and a sprinkle of blue cheese crumbles if you like it super tangy. Chopped parsley or green onions add a pop of freshness if you want a dash of color.

Side Dishes

This bold dish pairs perfectly with cool, crunchy sides like a simple green salad or celery sticks. If you want a soothing contrast to all that spice, try a side of creamy coleslaw, buttered corn, or even some cornbread to soak up every drop of sauce!

Creative Ways to Present

Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese loves a hearty drizzle of flavor—try serving it inside individual ramekins, in bread bowls for a playful twist, or topped with crushed seasoned crackers or crispy fried onions for texture. For game days, serve small portions in cups as a fun and portable snack!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese stores beautifully! Simply let it cool, then transfer to an airtight container and stash in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors get even better as they mingle overnight.

Freezing

If you want to prep in advance, this dish can be frozen. Portion cooled mac and cheese into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little room for expansion. It keeps well for up to 2 months—just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, pop your leftovers in a saucepan over low heat or gently microwave, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce. Stir often and heat until just warmed through, so everything stays creamy and smooth.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie or pre-cooked chicken instead?

Yes! Just add shredded rotisserie chicken at the point where you’d normally return cooked chicken to the slow cooker, and follow the rest of the recipe as directed. It’s fantastic for a quick shortcut.

What kind of buffalo sauce works best in this recipe?

Most bottled buffalo wing sauces do the trick—choose your favorite brand, but keep in mind that the flavor and spice can vary. Adjust the amount to suit your personal heat preference!

Can I add veggies to this dish?

Absolutely! Stirring in some steamed broccoli or sautéed bell peppers before adding the cheese sauce can turn this into a complete meal. Just steer clear of veggies that release too much water, to keep your mac and cheese luxuriously thick.

Is it possible to make Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese gluten free?

Definitely. Use your favorite gluten-free macaroni and swap in a gluten-free flour blend for the roux. Double check that your buffalo sauce and broth are gluten free as well.

How do I avoid mushy pasta in the slow cooker?

The key is to add the pasta toward the end and check it early. Every slow cooker runs a little differently, so start testing after 20 minutes—it should be tender but still have bite!

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to spice up your dinner routine, you absolutely have to try Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese. It’s comforting, bold, and beyond easy, perfect for sharing with family or friends. Give it a spot on your next meal plan—you’ll be hooked after the very first bite!

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