Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese Recipe

If you love comfort food with a spicy kick, Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese is about to become your newest obsession! Creamy, cheesy pasta meets juicy, shredded chicken bathed in zesty buffalo sauce—all cooked effortlessly in your crockpot for maximum flavor and minimal fuss. This dish brings together all the things we adore: bold flavors, luscious sauce, and the ultimate in stick-to-your-ribs satisfaction. Whether you’re feeding a family, meal-prepping for the week, or hosting a game day gathering, this mac and cheese is guaranteed to deliver pure happiness in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes this Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese truly special is its handful of staple ingredients—each one playing a key role in creating perfect layers of flavor, creaminess, and spice. Get ready, because these kitchen essentials transform simple ingredients into absolute decadence.

• Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast: 1 ½ pounds provides the dish with protein-packed, tender bites that soak up all the buffalo flavor.
• Chicken Broth (low sodium): 2 cups infuse the chicken with savory depth and keep everything moist.
• Buffalo Wing Sauce: ½ cup (or more to taste) for that classic tangy heat—this brings the party!
• Garlic Powder: 1 ½ teaspoons boosts the overall savoriness and aroma.
• Onion Powder: ½ teaspoon adds a subtle sweetness and rounded flavor.
• Smoked Paprika: 1 teaspoon gives the sauce a smoky background note, making every bite a little cozier.
• Mustard Powder: ½ teaspoon for a touch of warmth and complexity.
• Macaroni Noodles (uncooked): 8 ounces for that classic shape and the perfect pasta-to-sauce ratio.
• Butter (unsalted): 4 tablespoons ensure a rich, velvety cheese sauce.
• All-purpose Flour: 2 tablespoons for thickening your homemade sauce.
• Milk: 1 cup creates creaminess and allows the cheese to melt beautifully.
• Cream: 1 cup to take your cheese sauce to next-level lusciousness.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: 1 ½ cups for bold cheddary flavor and that gooey melt we all crave.

How to Make Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese

Step 1: Layer the Chicken and Spices

Start by laying the boneless, skinless chicken breasts right at the bottom of your slow cooker. This gives them a head start on soaking up the amazing flavors you’re about to add. Top with the chicken broth, buffalo wing sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and mustard powder. Each spice adds its own little pop, and the broth keeps the chicken tender and juicy as it cooks.

Step 2: Slow Cook Until Tender

Pop that lid on and let your slow cooker do the heavy lifting! Cook on LOW for about 4 hours, or, if you’re in a little more of a hurry, set it on HIGH for 2 hours. While it simmers, your kitchen will start to smell incredible—the sign that something magical is happening inside that pot.

Step 3: Shred or Cube the Chicken

Once your chicken is cooked through and practically falling apart, carefully scoop it out onto a cutting board. You can either cut it into cubes for chunkier bites or shred it for that classic buffalo chicken feel. Slide every last bit right back into the slow cooker and get ready for the next stage!

Step 4: Add Macaroni Noodles

This is where the mac in Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese comes in! Stir in the uncooked macaroni noodles, making sure they’re nestled in all that saucy goodness. Place the lid back on and let it cook on HIGH for 20-30 minutes, or until the noodles are just right for you. If it looks a little dry, add a splash of extra broth or water—just a quarter-cup at a time.

Step 5: Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce

While the pasta cooks, melt butter in a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Whisk in the flour until it’s smooth and bubbling. Slowly pour in the milk and cream, whisking constantly to keep things silky. Let the sauce simmer for about 4-6 minutes until thickened—you want it to coat a spoon nicely. Take it off the heat and stir in all that glorious cheddar cheese until fully melted and smooth.

Step 6: Combine and Serve

Pour the luxurious cheese sauce into your slow cooker and give everything a good stir so the pasta and chicken are blanketed in cheesy, spicy perfection. Dish it up straight from the crock, and don’t forget to finish with a drizzle of buffalo sauce or your favorite toppings!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese

Garnishes

The fun part is dressing up your Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese with all sorts of finishes. Classic choices include a drizzle of extra buffalo sauce, cool ranch or blue cheese dressing, blue cheese crumbles, chives, or thinly sliced scallions—each adds a fresh bite or creamy richness.

Side Dishes

This dish is hearty enough to stand on its own, but if you want a little something on the side, think crisp green salads, sweet cornbread, buttery garlic bread, or even simple steamed veggies. These sides balance the richness and heat of the mac & cheese beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties or game day, try spooning the mac and cheese into ramekins or individual serving bowls and topping each with a unique garnish. Or pile it onto a baked potato for the ultimate comfort mashup! You can even scoop portions into bread bowls for a show-stopping presentation that doubles as a delicious edible dish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese stores wonderfully! Simply transfer cooled leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate—they’ll stay tasty for up to four days. The flavors actually meld and deepen more on day two!

Freezing

If you’d like to freeze extra portions, portion them into freezer-safe containers or bags, making sure to remove as much air as possible. It’s best to freeze without additional garnishes. The texture remains nice, though the sauce may separate slightly when thawed (just give it an extra stir upon reheating).

Reheating

To bring your leftovers back to life, reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of milk or broth to restore that creamy consistency while stirring gently. If frozen, allow to thaw in the fridge overnight first for even heating.

FAQs

What type of buffalo sauce works best?

Both classic store-bought buffalo wing sauces and homemade versions work beautifully in this recipe. Feel free to adjust the amount to match your preferred spice level—mild or hot, it’s up to you!

Can I use rotisserie or pre-cooked chicken?

Absolutely! If you’re short on time, just shred cooked rotisserie chicken and add it in at the same point you’d return the cooked chicken to the pot. You can skip the initial cooking phase and head straight to adding the pasta and cheese sauce.

Is it possible to cook the pasta separately?

Yes! If you want extra control over noodle texture, boil macaroni on the stovetop just until al dente, then add it to the slow cooker along with the cheese sauce for the final mix. This is also great if your slow cooker tends to run hot.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Definitely! While elbow macaroni is iconic, you can swap in shells, rotini, or cavatappi if that’s what you have on hand. Just keep a close eye on cooking time and liquid absorption.

How do I keep Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese from drying out?

If your slow cooker tends to lose moisture quickly, simply add an extra splash of broth, milk, or even a little more buffalo sauce before serving. Don’t be shy about tasting and adjusting at the end for ultimate creaminess.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never experienced the joy that is Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese, now’s your moment! It’s pure comfort food with a fiery twist, perfect for sharing and impressing your crew. Gather your ingredients, let your crockpot work its magic, and treat yourself to this cheesy, spicy, soul-warming favorite—you’ll be hooked after the very first bite.

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