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Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese

Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese

5 from 1 vote
599 Calories | 69g Protein
Quick note before you dive in:
You’ll find a brief overview up top ⬆️
and the full recipe and details below ⬇️
When you make it, don’t forget to rate the recipe and leave a comment : )
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes

Equipment

Servings: Makes 4

Ingredients
 

For the Chicken

  • 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breast cubed
  • 2 tbsp Frank’s RedHot or preferred buffalo sauce
  • 1/2 tbsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • Olive oil spray for air fryer or skillet

For the Mac & Cheese

  • 8 oz pasta shells
  • 4 oz low-fat cream cheese
  • 1/2 cup skim milk
  • 1/2 cup nonfat shredded cheddar
  • 1/2 cup nonfat Greek yogurt
  • 1/2 tbsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp mustard powder optional but epic
  • 4 tbsp buffalo sauce to taste

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta

  • Cook shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
    8 oz pasta shells

Prep & Cook the Chicken

  • Toss cubed chicken with buffalo sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
    2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breast, 2 tbsp Frank’s RedHot, 1/2 tbsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/4 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • Air Fryer Method: Spray chicken lightly with oil. Air fry at 400°F for 12–14 minutes, shaking halfway through.
    Olive oil spray
  • Sear Method: Heat a lightly oiled skillet over medium-high. Sear the chicken until golden and fully cooked, about 6–8 minutes.

Make the Mac Sauce

  • In the same pot used for pasta, reduce heat to low. Add cream cheese and skim milk, stirring until melted and smooth.
    4 oz low-fat cream cheese, 1/2 cup skim milk
  • Stir in shredded cheddar, Greek yogurt, garlic powder, onion powder, mustard powder, and buffalo sauce. Mix until creamy.
    1/2 cup nonfat shredded cheddar, 1/2 cup nonfat Greek yogurt, 1/2 tbsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp mustard powder, 4 tbsp buffalo sauce

Combine

  • Fold the cooked pasta and chicken into the buffalo cheese sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning or buffalo level.
  • 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.

Nutrition

Calories: 599kcalCarbohydrates: 54gProtein: 69gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0.03gCholesterol: 166mgSodium: 1680mgPotassium: 1267mgFiber: 3gSugar: 9gVitamin A: 1215IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 346mgIron: 2mg