Some recipes are crafted through hours of trial and error. Others? They strike you like divine intervention mid-workday, causing you to spiral into a buffalo-sauce-induced frenzy. That’s exactly how this Buffalo Chicken Gouda Mac & Cheese was born—out of pure, unfiltered inspiration and a desperate craving for something absurdly powerful. If you’ve ever wondered what would happen if flavor went absolutely feral, this is your answer.
We’re talking about tender, shredded buffalo chicken tossed into ultra-creamy gouda mac and cheese—gooey, spicy, smoky, and just the right amount of unhinged. It’s the kind of dish that demands to be eaten from a large, slightly-too-hot bowl while you stare off into the distance wondering how something this good is even legal. Oh, and did I mention it has 83g of protein per serving? Eighty. Three. That’s not a meal prep—that’s a performance enhancer.
Whether you’re bulking, recovering from a leg day that turned into a life crisis, or just feeling spicy, this Buffalo Chicken Gouda Mac is your new heavy-hitting go-to. Brace your macros, clear your schedule, and say a quick prayer of gratitude before diving in. Some meal preps nourish the body. This one fuels your inner beast.
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
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❤️ Why You’ll Love This Buffalo Chicken Gouda Mac & Cheese
If you think meal prep can’t be indulgent and anabolic at the same time, this Buffalo Chicken Gouda Mac & Cheese is about to prove you wrong. We’re talking 83g of protein per serving wrapped in a creamy, smoky, spicy sauce that coats every single shell to perfection.
The chicken is seared golden and tossed in buffalo sauce, then folded into a rich cheese sauce made with Gouda and cheddar, butter, garlic, and just enough cayenne to bring the heat. Everything gets baked for that bubbly, melty finish—because if you’re gonna make mac & cheese, you may as well make it slap.
It’s spicy, savory, creamy, comforting… and somehow still high protein. This is comfort food re-engineered for lifters, fitness junkies, and anyone who wants to look forward to lunch without blowing their macros.
🔄 Ingredient Substitutions & Customizations
This recipe can be adjusted to fit almost any dietary goal or preference while still delivering big flavor and protein.
💥 Make It Leaner
Swap chicken breast for turkey breast, or use reduced-fat cheddar and Gouda to cut calories while maintaining flavor.
💥 Go Gluten-Free
Use gluten-free pasta and swap the flour for cornstarch in your roux for a celiac-friendly version.
💥 More Heat?
Add extra cayenne pepper, a splash of ghost pepper sauce, or drizzle on hot honey post-bake for a sweet-spicy twist.
💥 Lower the Carbs
Sub in cauliflower pasta, chickpea shells, or even zucchini noodles to scale the carbs to your needs.
💥 Want Some Crunch?
Top the mac with panko breadcrumbs or crushed tortilla chips before baking for a crispy, craveable topping.
🔥 Expert Tips for Perfect Buffalo Mac & Cheese
Getting this recipe just right comes down to timing and texture. Here are the pro moves that make it sing:
🔥 Sear the Chicken HOT
Use high heat when cooking the chicken to get that golden crust—it locks in moisture and flavor before the buffalo sauce hits.
🔥 Whisk Like a Champ
When making the cheese sauce, whisk constantly as you add the milk to avoid lumps. Then keep stirring when you add the cheese until it’s creamy and glossy.
🔥 Bake to Bubbly Perfection
Don’t skip the bake step. It gives the mac that irresistible melted cheese crust and helps it firm up slightly for better reheating later.
🔥 Use Sharp Cheddar
Sharp cheddar adds more flavor for less quantity. Combine it with smoky Gouda for a next-level cheese pull.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions & Storage Tips
This dish is designed for meal prep, but it also hits hard as a post-workout dinner or comfort food reward meal. Here’s how to make the most of it:
🥡 Storage
Store portions in airtight containers for up to 4 days in the fridge. You can also freeze it, but for best texture, do so before baking and reheat with a splash of milk.
🔥 Reheating
Microwave in 90-second intervals, stirring in between. Add a little milk if needed to re-loosen the cheese sauce.
🍽️ Pair It With
- A fresh side salad with lemon vinaigrette
- Roasted broccoli or Brussels sprouts
- A few celery sticks with ranch if you want buffalo wing energy
🌿 Garnish Ideas
- Chopped green onions
- Blue cheese crumbles
- Extra buffalo sauce or ranch drizzle
❓ FAQs
Is this recipe spicy?
It has a moderate kick from the buffalo sauce and optional cayenne. If you’re sensitive to spice, use a mild buffalo sauce and skip the cayenne. Want more heat? Bring the 🔥 with ghost pepper sauce or hot honey.
Can I make it with rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! Shredded rotisserie chicken works great—just mix it with buffalo sauce and skip the searing step. It’s a great shortcut for busy prep days.
Can I skip the baking step?
Technically yes, but baking gives the mac that golden top layer and lets the flavors meld. If you’re short on time, skip it—but it’s worth the extra 10 minutes if you can.
Can I freeze it?
You can freeze the unbaked version for best results. Thaw overnight and bake as directed. Fully baked leftovers will freeze, but the sauce might separate slightly—add a splash of milk when reheating.
How do I lower the fat?
Use reduced-fat cheeses, 2% milk instead of whole, and skip the butter-based roux if needed. You can also go lighter on the cheese blend while keeping the core flavors intact.
🍲 5 More High-Protein Chicken Recipes You’ll Love
Looking to keep the chicken train rolling? Here are five flavor-packed, protein-loaded chicken meal preps worth bookmarking:
🍅 Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta – Rich flavor with insane reheating power.
🔥 Butter Chicken Meal Prep – Creamy, spicy, and protein-packed.
🌯 Brennan’s Chipotle Order Bowl – Burrito bowl energy with unreal macros.
🍝 Fettuccini Chicken Alfredo – High-protein creamy pasta done right.
🍱 Double-Dipped Teriyaki Chicken – Sweet, savory, and sticky in the best way.