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Creamy Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese

slow cooker buffalo chicken mac and cheese - featured image
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A creamy, spicy buffalo chicken mac and cheese made effortlessly in the slow cooker, perfect for cozy dinners and crowd-pleasing meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked, about 200g / 7 oz)
  • 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced)
  • 1 cup buffalo sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (about 200g / 7 oz)
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (about 100g / 3.5 oz)
  • 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
  • 2 cups milk (whole or 2%, about 480ml / 16 fl oz)
  • 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (about 1 oz or 28g)
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and black pepper (to taste)
  • Optional: 1/4 cup blue cheese crumbles

Instructions

  1. Cook 2 cups of elbow macaroni according to package instructions until just al dente (about 6-7 minutes). Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking.
  2. In a large bowl, combine 2 cups cooked shredded chicken with 1 cup buffalo sauce. Stir until chicken is evenly coated.
  3. In a separate bowl, soften 8 oz cream cheese by letting it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes. Then add 2 cups shredded cheddar, 1 cup shredded mozzarella, 1 packet ranch seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
  4. Pour 2 cups milk into the cheese mixture slowly, stirring to blend everything into a smooth, creamy sauce.
  5. Spray the slow cooker insert with non-stick spray. Add the cooked pasta first, then the buffalo chicken mixture, and finally pour the cheese sauce evenly over the top.
  6. Cover and set the slow cooker to low heat for 2 hours. Stir gently every 30-45 minutes to prevent sticking and encourage even melting.
  7. When the mac and cheese is thick and bubbly, taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt or pepper as needed. Optional: sprinkle blue cheese crumbles on top and let sit for 5 minutes before serving.
  8. Serve immediately. If making ahead, let cool before storing in airtight containers.

Notes

Cook pasta al dente to avoid mushy texture. Stir every 30-45 minutes during slow cooking to prevent sticking. Use softened cream cheese for smooth sauce. Adjust buffalo sauce amount for desired spice level. For gluten-free, use brown rice or chickpea pasta. For dairy-free, use dairy-free cream cheese, vegan cheese, and unsweetened almond or oat milk. If sauce thickens after resting, stir in a splash of milk to loosen.

Nutrition

Keywords: buffalo chicken, mac and cheese, slow cooker, comfort food, creamy, spicy, easy recipe

Find it online: https://jodierecipes.com/creamy-slow-cooker-buffalo-chicken-mac-and-cheese-recipe-easy-and-perfect/