I thought of this recipe at work today, and basically started frothing at the mouth. I can’t believe I’ve gone this long without meal prepping something this powerful dish. And if you’re here, I bet you’re asking yourself that exact same question. I mean… dude. Buffalo chicken with freakin’ Gouda Mac and CHEESE?! What else could I possibly say? Oh—how about this: this monstrosity packs 83 grams of protein per serving. Yeah, that’s right. May God have mercy on your tastebuds, and deliver this 1000+ calorie behemoth straight into your quads.
Buffalo Chicken Gouda Mac & Cheese
Equipment
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 lbs chicken breast cubed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce store-bought
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
For the Mac & Cheese:
- 2 cups shells or elbow macaroni
- 1 cup shredded Gouda cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk whole or 2%
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper optional, for extra spice
For Garnish (optional):
- 1/4 cup green onions chopped
- Buffalo Sauce drizzled
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.2 cups shells or elbow macaroni
- Toss the cubed chicken with garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, and salt.2 lbs chicken breast, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp onion powder, 1/4 tsp salt
- Heat the olive oil in a 12-inch cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. ear the chicken cubes for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Reduce heat to low and stir in the buffalo sauce, coating the chicken evenly. Remove from heat and set aside.2 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
- In a large jumbo cooker, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Slowly add the milk, whisking until smooth. Cook for 2–3 minutes until the sauce begins to thicken.2 tbsp unsalted butter, 2 tbsp all-purpose flour, 2 cups milk
- Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the Gouda, cheddar, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Mix until fully melted and creamy.1 cup shredded Gouda cheese, 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp onion powder, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- Fold the cooked pasta into the cheese sauce, ensuring it’s evenly coated. Stir in the buffalo chicken mixture until well combined.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F. Transfer the mac and cheese to a large baking dish. Sprinkle with additional cheddar or Gouda if desired. Bake for 10–15 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Divide into meal prep containers. Garnish with green onions and drizzle with extra buffalo sauce if desired. Enjoy immediately or refrigerate for up to 4 days.1/4 cup green onions, Buffalo Sauce
Nutrition
This Buffalo Chicken Gouda Mac & Cheese is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for meal prep or indulgent dinners. Tender cubes of chicken are perfectly seasoned, seared to golden perfection, and coated in bold buffalo sauce. Mixed with gooey Gouda and cheddar cheese, creamy pasta, and a hint of spice, this dish is guaranteed to leave you craving more.
Not only does this recipe deliver bold flavors, but it’s also a macro-packed meal. With 83g of protein per serving, it’s a game-changer for anyone chasing gains or looking to level up their meal prep routine. The combination of buffalo sauce, melted cheese, and a crispy baked top makes it a certified showstopper. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or preparing for the week ahead, this recipe ticks all the boxes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- High Protein: At 83g of protein per serving, this dish supports your fitness goals while satisfying your comfort food cravings.
- Bold Flavors: Buffalo chicken meets creamy mac and cheese for the perfect mix of heat, tang, and richness.
- Versatile: Great for weeknight dinners, parties, or meal prep for the week.
- Easy to Customize: Add extra spice, swap cheeses, or include your favorite garnishes for a personal twist.
Perfect Pairings & Variations
- Pair this mac and cheese with a crisp green salad to balance the richness.
- Garnish with extra green onions or crispy bacon bits for an added burst of flavor.
- Love heat? Add a dash of cayenne or hot sauce to the cheese sauce for a spicier kick.
This Buffalo Chicken Gouda Mac & Cheese isn’t just a recipe; it’s an experience. Try it today and elevate your meal prep game with this protein-packed masterpiece!