Name: Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 4 h
Total time: 4 h 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ½ pound boneless skinless chicken breast; 2 cups chicken broth, low sodium; ½ cup buffalo wing sauce, or more to taste; 1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder; ½ teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; ½ teaspoon mustard powder; 8 ounces macaroni noodles, uncooked; 4 Tablespoons butter, unsalted; 2 Tablespoons all-purpose flour; 1 cup milk; 1 cup cream; 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese

Jump to Recipe·5.2 from 22 reviews

There are comfort foods, and then there’s Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese: a rich, creamy, slow-cooked twist on two legendary favorites. Imagine tender shredded chicken simmered in spicy buffalo sauce, wrapped up in cheesy, saucy macaroni that practically melts in your mouth. Each forkful is all at once spicy, tangy, and indulgently cheesy—exactly what you want at the end of a long day or for game day gatherings. This recipe is pure magic with hardly any fuss, thanks to your trusty slow cooker!

Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of pantry staples, this Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese comes together like a weeknight dream. Every ingredient brings something important to the table—flavor, creaminess, heat, or that signature cheesy stretch. Here’s what you’ll need, plus a tip for each one to help you nail perfect flavor and texture.

Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast: Lean and tender, these cook beautifully in the slow cooker and shred effortlessly into every bite.
Chicken Broth (low sodium): A savory base that keeps everything moist and boosts the taste of the chicken and pasta.
Buffalo Wing Sauce: Classic Frank’s or your favorite brings the bold, spicy tang that sets this dish apart; add more if you like it fiery!
Garlic Powder: This gives the entire dish a deep, aromatic base note without overpowering the other flavors.
Onion Powder: Adds light sweetness and builds background flavor for a rounder taste.
Smoked Paprika: Just a teaspoon adds a gentle smokiness, making every bite a little more complex.
Mustard Powder: Enhances the cheesy sauce and gives just enough zing to balance the richness.
Macaroni Noodles: Classic elbows are perfect, holding all that cheesy, spicy goodness in every curve.
Butter (unsalted): Rich and creamy, it’s the beginning of a luscious homemade cheese sauce.
All-Purpose Flour: Just enough to create a roux that thickens the sauce to velvety perfection.
Milk: Use whole milk for the richest result, though lower fat works if you prefer a lighter touch.
Cream: This amps up decadence—don’t skip it if you crave that ultra-creamy mac and cheese!
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar melts smoothly, infusing the sauce with bold, cheesy flavor and a sunset-orange color.

How to Make Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese

Step 1: Layer Up the Chicken and Spices

Start by placing the chicken breasts right at the bottom of your slow cooker. Sprinkle the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and mustard powder over top—these aromatics will soak right into the chicken as it cooks, ensuring every bite is flavorful.

Step 2: Add Broth and Buffalo Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth and buffalo wing sauce, making sure everything gets just a little bit covered. The broth adds moisture, while the buffalo sauce brings that signature heat and tang. Cover and set your slow cooker to LOW for four hours (or HIGH for two), and get ready to walk away and let the magic happen!

Step 3: Shred or Cube the Chicken

After cooking, remove the chicken and decide if you want rustic shredded pieces or neat cubes, then pop it all right back into the slow cooker. This step is perfect for customizing texture to your preference, ensuring every forkful of Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese is just the way you like it.

Step 4: Add the Pasta

Stir in the uncooked macaroni noodles directly into the sauce and chicken mixture. This lets the pasta soak up all those amazing flavors as it cooks. Just keep an eye on it—cook on HIGH for 20 to 30 minutes, stirring once or twice, until the noodles are tender but not mushy. If things seem a little dry, add a splash of broth or water (about a quarter cup at a time).

Step 5: Make the Cheesy Sauce

While the noodles are cooking, start the luscious cheese sauce. In a small saucepan, melt your butter over medium-high heat, whisk in the flour until bubbly, then slowly pour in the milk and cream. Keep whisking until it’s dreamy and smooth—this is what gives Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese its irresistible creaminess.

Step 6: Melt in the Cheddar

Once your white sauce thickens, remove from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar. Let it melt completely to form that signature gooey, cheesy pull. This sauce is what takes your buffalo mac into full-on comfort territory.

Step 7: Combine and Serve

Pour the cheese sauce straight into the slow cooker and give everything a good stir so every bite is coated. Taste and add extra buffalo sauce if you want an extra spicy kick. Now you’re ready to serve up the best Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese ever, drizzled with a little more hot sauce if you’re feeling bold!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese

Garnishes

This dish was born for toppings! Sprinkle with sliced green onions for freshness, blue cheese crumbles for tang, or even a swirl of ranch dressing to cool down the heat. A few chopped chives or parsley will add a lovely pop of color, turning your Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese into a feast for the eyes as well as the taste buds.

Side Dishes

While this macaroni is robust enough to stand alone, it loves some company. Pair with crisp celery sticks or a simple green salad for crunch. Garlic bread on the side never hurt anyone, either! These additions make for a balanced plate, tempering the spicy richness and offering fresh relief between bites.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party-ready twist, scoop your Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese into ramekins and broil with extra cheddar on top for a bubbly, golden crust. You can even fill baked potato skins for the ultimate game day snack, or serve in a hollowed-out bread bowl for a wow-worthy presentation. However you serve it, folks won’t be able to resist a second helping.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese stores beautifully. Spoon it into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to four days. The flavors get even better over time, so it’s an awesome made-ahead lunch or quick weeknight meal. Just be sure it’s fully cooled before storing to keep things fresh.

Freezing

If you want to freeze, portion the mac and cheese into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. It’ll keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Note that pasta may soften further after freezing, so it’s best enjoyed within a few weeks for optimal texture.

Reheating

Warm leftovers gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or broth if it looks too thick. Stir well to restore the creamy texture, and top with a fresh sprinkle of cheese or a dash of hot sauce to wake up the flavors. Enjoy that decadent, spicy comfort whenever you crave it!

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Just shred your rotisserie chicken and skip the initial slow cooking step for the meat. Add the chicken in with the pasta, stirring to warm it through before adding the cheese sauce.

Is it possible to make Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese less spicy?

Yes—simply reduce the amount of buffalo sauce or use a mild variety to tame the heat. You can also offer ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side for a creamy contrast that cools each bite.

What’s the best cheese to use for the sauce?

Sharp cheddar is a classic here for flavor and meltability, but don’t be afraid to add a little mozzarella for stretch or a handful of Monterey Jack for double creaminess. Mix and match to make it your own!

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Definitely! Swap in your favorite gluten-free elbow pasta and use a 1:1 gluten-free flour in the cheese sauce. Double-check your buffalo wing sauce to make sure it’s gluten-free, and get ready to dig in!

My pasta came out too soft—what went wrong?

Pasta cooks fast in a hot slow cooker, so it’s best to check it after 20 minutes and stir occasionally. If you prefer your noodles firmer, try cooking them separately and gently folding them in with the cheese sauce just before serving.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing better than cozying up to a steaming bowl of Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese. It’s bold, creamy, and downright irresistible—everything comfort food should be. Whether for dinner tonight or a potluck star, give this recipe a try and prepare for a chorus of “Can I have this recipe?” from everyone lucky enough to snag a scoop!