Name: Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Macaroni & Cheese Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 6 h 30 min
Total time: 6 h 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ½ lb chicken breast; 2 cups chicken broth; ½ cup buffalo wing sauce; 1 ½ tsp garlic powder; ½ tsp onion powder; 1 tsp smoked paprika; ½ tsp mustard powder; 8 oz macaroni noodles; 4 TB unsalted butter; 2 TB flour; 1 cup milk; 1 cup cream; 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar

Jump to Recipe·5 from 27 reviews

If you’ve ever craved the creamy comfort of macaroni and cheese with an irresistible spicy twist, you are absolutely going to fall for Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Macaroni & Cheese. This dreamy dish marries tender shredded chicken, zesty buffalo sauce, and gooey cheddar in a way that will have everyone in your kitchen asking for seconds. It’s the ultimate cozy meal: easy enough for weeknights, yet impressive and bold enough to steal the show at your next game-day party or potluck.

Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Macaroni & Cheese Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Get excited, because making this mouthwatering masterpiece only requires a handful of everyday ingredients, each playing a starring role in flavor, texture, and cheesy goodness. Keep these on hand, and you’re just a few steps away from Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Macaroni & Cheese magic.

Chicken breast: Lean, juicy chicken soaks up the buffalo sauce and becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender in the slow cooker.
Chicken broth: Adds depth and moisture, ensuring all the flavors meld beautifully while the chicken cooks.
Buffalo wing sauce: The signature pop of tangy heat that makes this dish unforgettable—choose your favorite brand for best results.
Garlic powder: Lends a subtle, savory layer that enhances the overall flavor profile.
Onion powder: Rounds out the spice mix with a gentle sweetness.
Smoked paprika: Brings a hint of smokiness and a gorgeous color to the finished sauce.
Mustard powder: Adds a sharp, zippy undertone that lifts and balances all that cheesy richness.
Macaroni noodles: The ultimate comfort food pasta, perfect for catching every drop of creamy sauce.
Unsalted butter: Keeps the roux (and the whole dish) luxuriously rich, without making it too salty.
Flour: Essential for thickening your cheese sauce into irresistibly silky perfection.
Milk: The base of your cheese sauce—whole milk is best for extra creaminess.
Cream: For that luscious, melt-in-your-mouth texture that makes every bite decadent.
Shredded cheddar: The crown of cheesy flavor! Sharp cheddar adds boldness, but feel free to mix in a little Monterey Jack or mozzarella if you like it extra gooey.

How to Make Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Macaroni & Cheese

Step 1: Slow Cook the Chicken

Place the chicken breasts in your slow cooker and pour in the chicken broth and buffalo wing sauce. Sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and mustard powder, then cover and cook on low for 3 to 4 hours, or until the chicken is effortlessly shreddable. This step builds the bold, savory backbone of your Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Macaroni & Cheese.

Step 2: Shred the Chicken

After the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the sauce in the slow cooker, stirring well to coat every piece in that irresistible buffalo mixture. This ensures juicy, flavor-packed chicken in every bite.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

Boil the macaroni according to the package directions, but stop just before al dente—they’ll finish cooking in the slow cooker. Drain well. This step is key for avoiding mushy noodles when you add them to your Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Macaroni & Cheese later on.

Step 4: Make the Cheese Sauce

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat, then whisk in the flour. Allow this to bubble for about a minute, then slowly pour in the milk and cream, whisking constantly to banish any lumps. Let the mixture thicken, then stir in the shredded cheddar until melted and dreamy. This rich, velvety sauce is what sets great macaroni and cheese apart!

Step 5: Combine and Finish in the Slow Cooker

Add the drained macaroni and cheese sauce to the slow cooker with the buffalo chicken mixture. Stir everything together until fully combined, then cover and cook on low for an additional 15-20 minutes. This lets all the flavors mingle and ensures your Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Macaroni & Cheese turns out creamy, spicy, and perfectly hot for serving.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Macaroni & Cheese

Garnishes

A handful of sliced green onions, a crumbling of blue cheese, or a sprinkle of extra cheddar on top will not only make your Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Macaroni & Cheese pop with color but also add a little something special to every serving. For extra zing, drizzle with an extra swirl of buffalo sauce just before digging in!

Side Dishes

This hearty dish pairs beautifully with crisp celery sticks, a cool ranch or blue cheese dressing, or even a simple green salad. The fresh, crunchy sides help balance out the rich, spicy flavors and make the whole meal feel restaurant-worthy right at home.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to really impress, try serving your Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Macaroni & Cheese in individual ramekins or bread bowls. For a casual gathering, scoop it into small cups for a fun, appetizer-style dish that everyone can customize with their favorite toppings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftovers should be cooled to room temperature, then stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors get even better after they mingle in the fridge, so lunchtime leftovers are definitely something to look forward to!

Freezing

Yes, you can freeze Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Macaroni & Cheese! Spoon it into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags, pressing out as much air as possible before sealing. It will keep well for up to two months—thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for the best texture.

Reheating

To reheat, add a splash of milk or cream to loosen everything up, then warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring every minute or so. If frozen, let it thaw completely before reheating to maintain that perfectly creamy consistency.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken instead?

Absolutely! To save time, shred pre-cooked chicken and stir it into the buffalo sauce in your slow cooker, letting it soak up flavor for an hour on low before moving to the next step.

How spicy is the final dish?

Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Macaroni & Cheese has a pleasant kick, but the cream balances the heat. If you like things spicier, add more buffalo sauce or a pinch of cayenne—if you’re heat-sensitive, start with less and adjust at the end.

Can I use a different pasta shape?

Definitely! Rotini, penne, shells, or cavatappi all hold the sauce beautifully. Just be mindful to cook it just shy of al dente, as with macaroni.

What’s the best cheese for this recipe?

Sharp cheddar is the classic choice for Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Macaroni & Cheese, but feel free to experiment with Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even pepper jack for extra zip and meltiness.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

It’s not, but you can easily substitute gluten-free pasta and a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch for the roux to make this dish safe for gluten-free guests.

Final Thoughts

Gather your ingredients, plug in that slow cooker, and get ready for some serious comfort food bliss—the kind that warms the soul and spices up any evening. I promise, once you try Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Macaroni & Cheese, it’ll become a go-to favorite you’ll want to share with everyone you love!