Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Mac N Cheese Recipe

Cook Time: 240 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 pounds skinless, boneless chicken breasts
• 1 packet ranch seasoning
• 3 cups chicken bone broth
• 1 cup Buffalo sauce, plus more for serving
• 1 (14.5 ounce) package high protein pasta, such as Barilla protein rotini
• 4 ounces cream cheese
• 2/3 cup cottage cheese
• 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese, divided
• 3 green onions, sliced

Directions

1. Place chicken breasts at the bottom of a slow cooker. Sprinkle with ranch seasoning, then pour in chicken bone broth and Buffalo sauce.
2. Cover and cook on High for 2 1/2 hours, or Low for 4 to 5 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
3. Remove the chicken, chop it, and return it to the slow cooker. Set the slow cooker to High.
4. Add uncooked pasta, cream cheese, cottage cheese, and 1 1/2 cups of shredded Cheddar cheese to the slow cooker. Stir to combine and cover.
5. Cook on High for about 30 minutes, or until the pasta is tender but still firm with a creamy consistency.
6. Stir and sprinkle the remaining Cheddar cheese on top. Cover and let stand for 10 minutes before serving.
7. Top with sliced green onions and drizzle with more Buffalo sauce if desired. Serve and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: 481
• Total Fat: 20g (25% Daily Value)
• Saturated Fat: 10g (49% Daily Value)
• Cholesterol: 143mg (48% Daily Value)
• Sodium: 1598mg (69% Daily Value)
• Total Carbohydrate: 20g (7% Daily Value)
• Dietary Fiber: 1g (5% Daily Value)
• Total Sugars: 3g
• Protein: 53g (107% Daily Value)
• Vitamin C: 22mg (25% Daily Value)
• Calcium: 287mg (22% Daily Value)
• Iron: 2mg (13% Daily Value)
• Potassium: 487mg (10% Daily Value)

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

The Story Behind Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Mac N Cheese

The combination of Buffalo chicken and macaroni and cheese is a relatively modern culinary creation, emerging in the United States during the early 2000s. While traditional macaroni and cheese has been a staple comfort food for centuries, the addition of Buffalo-style chicken brought a bold, spicy twist that appealed to fans of both rich, cheesy dishes and tangy, hot flavors. Originating from the iconic Buffalo wings of Buffalo, New York, the Buffalo saucemade from cayenne pepper, vinegar, and butterbecame the defining element of this fusion dish. By merging it with creamy pasta and cheese, home cooks and restaurants alike transformed a simple snack into a hearty, full meal.

Regional Variations and Adaptations

While Buffalo chicken itself is rooted in New York, the mac and cheese variation has spread across the United States, with regional tweaks. In the South, cooks often add extra cheeses like pepper jack or smoked gouda for an intense, creamy depth. Midwestern versions may incorporate more pasta and cream cheese to ensure a richer, thicker texture. Some Western adaptations even use slow-cooked or shredded rotisserie chicken instead of fresh breasts, while others experiment with gluten-free or protein-enriched pastas to appeal to health-conscious diners. Each version maintains the signature Buffalo heat, but the balance of spice, creaminess, and cheese can vary widely depending on local taste preferences.

Distinguishing Features from Similar Dishes

Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Mac N Cheese differs from standard macaroni and cheese or Buffalo chicken dip primarily in its structure and presentation. Unlike a simple dip, this dish is a complete entre with substantial portions of chicken and pasta, designed for easy slow-cooking. The use of a crockpot allows flavors to meld over hours, creating a creamy, well-seasoned dish with a consistent texture throughout. Unlike traditional Buffalo chicken wings, the heat is integrated into the pasta, offering a balanced spiciness rather than an immediate, concentrated kick. The addition of cheeses like cheddar and cream cheese also provides a luxurious, melting consistency that sets it apart from lighter or chunkier alternatives.

Common Occasions and Serving Contexts

This dish is commonly served in casual settings such as family dinners, potlucks, and game-day gatherings. Its hearty nature and ability to feed a crowd make it ideal for social occasions, where it can be kept warm in a slow cooker for extended periods. Restaurants and bars may offer it as a shareable entre or a comfort-food special, often topped with extra Buffalo sauce, green onions, or blue cheese crumbles. Because of its combination of protein, carbs, and fat, it is also a favorite for college students and busy professionals seeking a one-pot, satisfying meal without extensive preparation.

Interesting Facts and Culinary Insights

One interesting fact about Buffalo Chicken Mac N Cheese is that it perfectly illustrates the trend of fusion comfort foods in modern American cuisine, blending regional specialties into innovative dishes. Additionally, the slow-cooker method not only enhances flavor but also allows for protein-packed variations using high-protein pasta or cottage cheese, making it suitable for fitness-conscious eaters. In Buffalo itself, purists often insist on using classic wing sauce without ranch or blue cheese mixed in, yet the mac and cheese variation has embraced a more flexible approach, allowing home cooks to experiment with spices, cheeses, and toppings. The dish has even inspired social media challenges, recipe swaps, and variations incorporating ingredients like jalapeos, bacon, or smoked chicken, reflecting its versatility and enduring popularity.

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