Prepare to indulge in a mouthwatering fusion of flavors with our Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Melts! This decadent dish combines the spicy kick of buffalo chicken with the creamy, comforting goodness of mac and cheese, all nestled between crispy, golden bread. Get ready to dive into a melty, cheesy paradise that will satisfy your cravings and bring a smile to your face.
Why You’ll Love This Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Melts
This recipe is the ultimate comfort food mashup, perfectly blending the bold flavors of buffalo chicken with the velvety texture of mac and cheese. The crispy, golden-brown bread adds a delightful crunch, while the melted cheese and tangy buffalo sauce create a lush, indulgent experience in every bite. Whether you’re looking for a cozy weeknight meal or a showstopping dish to impress your guests, these Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Melts are sure to become a new family favorite.
Ingredients
To bring this epic melt to life, you’ll need a few key ingredients: tender chicken, spicy buffalo sauce, creamy mac and cheese, and buttery bread. The combination of these flavors and textures creates a mouthwatering, craveable dish that’s sure to satisfy.
- 1 lb – Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup – Buffalo sauce
- 2 cups – Cooked mac and cheese
- 8 slices – Bread (such as sourdough or brioche)
- 4 tbsp – Unsalted butter, melted
Ingredient Substitutions
- Cheese: You can use cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend of cheeses in the mac and cheese for a personalized touch.
- Buffalo Sauce: Adjust the heat level by using a milder or spicier buffalo sauce to suit your taste preferences.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Melts
Prepare to indulge in a mouthwatering fusion of flavors with our Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Melts! This decadent dish combines the spicy kick of buffalo chicken with the creamy, comforting goodness of mac and cheese, all nestled between crispy, golden bread.
Step 1: Prep Work
Begin by seasoning and cooking the chicken, then shredding it into bite-sized pieces. Next, prepare the creamy mac and cheese according to your favorite recipe or using pre-made mac and cheese for convenience.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Assemble the melts by layering the shredded buffalo chicken and mac and cheese between slices of bread. Brush the exterior of the bread with melted butter to ensure a golden-brown, crispy exterior.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat and cook the melts until the bread is toasted and the cheese is melted and gooey. Flip the melts carefully to ensure even cooking on both sides.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
To take these melts to the next level, you can drizzle extra buffalo sauce over the top or sprinkle on some crumbled blue cheese for an extra burst of flavor.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Veggie Addition: For a heartier meal, consider adding diced celery or carrots to the mac and cheese for a touch of crunch and freshness.
- Bread Swap: You can experiment with different types of bread, such as sourdough or brioche, to create unique flavor profiles.
- Extra Spice: If you’re in the mood for a spicier kick, feel free to add a dash of cayenne pepper or your favorite hot sauce to the buffalo chicken mixture.
- Topping Ideas: You can also experiment with different toppings, such as crumbled blue cheese or sliced green onions, to add even more flavor and texture to your melts.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: a crisp salad or your favorite sides for a complete and satisfying meal.
Storage: Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Reheat the melts in the oven or a skillet until heated through.
Make-Ahead: You can prepare the components (cooked chicken, mac and cheese) in advance and assemble the melts right before cooking for a quick and easy meal.
Nutrition Information
These Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Melts are a hearty and comforting dish, with a balance of protein, carbohydrates, and creamy, indulgent flavors. Each serving provides a good source of protein, as well as essential vitamins and minerals from the chicken and vegetables. While these melts are intended to be an occasional treat, they can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet when consumed in moderation.
- Serving Size: 1 melt
- Calories: 620 kcal
- Protein: 33 g
- Carbs: 55 g
- Fat: 31 g
- Sodium: 1,280 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these melts ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the components (cooked chicken, mac and cheese) in advance and assemble the melts right before cooking for a quick and easy meal.
Can I use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! Using pre-cooked chicken is a great time-saving option for this recipe.
How can I make this recipe healthier?
To reduce the overall calorie and fat content, you can use a lower-fat cheese or opt for a leaner protein, such as grilled or baked chicken breast.
Can I freeze these melts?
While you can freeze the individual components, we don’t recommend freezing the assembled melts, as the bread may become soggy upon reheating.
What sides pair well with these Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Melts?
These melts pair beautifully with a fresh green salad, crispy fries, or a simple side of steamed vegetables for a well-rounded and satisfying meal.
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Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Melts
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: 🍔 Epic Burgers & Melts
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Melts are a delicious combination of creamy mac and cheese mixed with spicy buffalo chicken, all melted to perfection on toasted bread.
Ingredients
– 8 oz elbow macaroni
– 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
– 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
– 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup cream cheese
– 1/2 cup ranch dressing
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4 slices of bread
– 2 tablespoons butter
Instructions
1.
2. 1. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
3. 2. In a large bowl, mix the shredded chicken with buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
4. 3. Add the cooked macaroni and cream cheese to the chicken mixture and stir until well combined.
5. 4. Preheat your grill or skillet over medium heat.
6. 5. Butter one side of each slice of bread. Place the buttered side down on the grill.
7. 6. Spoon a generous amount of the mac and cheese mixture onto the bread slices.
8. 7. Top with shredded cheddar cheese.
9. 8. Place another slice of bread on top, buttered side up.
10. 9. Cook until golden brown and the cheese is melted, about 3-4 minutes per side.
11. 10. Remove from heat, slice in half, and serve hot.
Notes
– For extra flavor, you can add diced celery or green onions to the mac and cheese mixture.
– Serve with extra ranch dressing for dipping.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 melt
- Calories: 600 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: buffalo chicken, mac and cheese, melts, sandwiches