Buffalo chicken mac and cheese recipe
Certain foods have become traditional for watching sports on Sundays. If you’re a fan of the football favorite buffalo chicken dip, you know you can eat enough of it that it should practically be considered a meal. I embraced that thought and lightened up a Food Network Magazine recipe. Don’t be surprised if you’re craving this every week!
Ingredients
- 16 oz. whole-grain macaroni (or other small pasta)
- 1 tsp. olive oil
- 1 small white onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups cooked chicken, diced or shredded
- ⅔ cup buffalo wing sauce, divided
- 2 tbsp. butter
- 2 tbsp. flour
- 2 cups skim milk
- 1 tbsp. mustard
- 4 oz. 2% (reduced fat) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
- ½ cup panko bread crumbs
- ½ tsp. Italian seasoning
- 4 oz. pepper jack cheese, shredded
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees and spray a large baking dish (9” x 13”) with cooking spray. Cook pasta in boiling water according to package directions. Drain and pour into prepared baking dish.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add onion and garlic to olive oil, cooking until soft, about 5 minutes. Add chicken and ⅓ cup of buffalo sauce, and cook until heated through.
- In another skillet, melt butter and stir in flour until a thick paste forms, cooking 2-3 minutes until bubbly. Stir in milk and remaining ⅓ cup of buffalo sauce, bring to a boil, and then reduce to a simmer, stirring constantly until mixture begins to thicken. Remove from heat and stir in mustard, cheddar cheese, and yogurt.
- Stir cheese sauce into chicken mixture, then pour over cooked pasta.
- Combine breadcrumbs with Italian seasoning and pepper jack, then sprinkle over pasta.
- Bake, uncovered 30-35 minutes, until bubbly. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
Makes 8 servings.
This isn’t the lightest dish, but it is definitely comfort food that still provides nutrition. It is high in protein and fiber to help keep you full while you cheer on your favorite team!
Approximate nutrition information, per serving: 400 calories, 10 grams fat, 52 grams carbohydrate, 24 grams protein
What’s your favorite food to eat while watching football?
