If you’re craving a dish that perfectly balances creamy comfort food with a zesty kick, then look no further than this Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Macaroni And Cheese Recipe. It’s a soul-satisfying meal that brings together tender shredded chicken, spicy buffalo wing sauce, and rich, cheesy goodness—all slow-cooked to meld those bold flavors beautifully. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want a hearty dinner, this recipe delivers layers of flavor and a texture that hits all the right notes. Trust me, once you try this, it will become one of your go-to recipes for cozy nights in!

Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Macaroni And Cheese Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Macaroni And Cheese Recipe comes from simple ingredients that each play a vital role, whether it’s building the sauce’s creaminess, packing in flavor, or adding the perfect pasta bite. Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand before you get started:

Chicken Breast (1-1.5 Pounds): The hearty protein base that soaks up all the delicious buffalo and ranch flavors as it cooks.
Ranch Seasoning (1 Oz): Adds a tangy, herbaceous punch that complements the spicy buffalo sauce perfectly.
Frank’s Red Hot Wing Sauce (1 Cup): The star ingredient for that signature buffalo heat and tang.
Ranch Dressing (1 Cup): Brings creaminess and cool contrast to balance the sauce’s spice.
Cream Cheese (8 Oz, cubed and softened): Creates a smooth, luscious texture that makes this mac and cheese irresistibly creamy.
Cheddar Cheese (1 Cup, hand shredded): Offers sharpness and depth of flavor to enrich the dish.
Monterey Jack Cheese (1 Cup, hand shredded): Provides a mild, melty texture that helps the sauce bind perfectly.
Medium Size Pasta Shells (1 Pound): Ideal for holding onto the buffalo ranch cheese sauce inside their little pockets.
Salt and Pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning the chicken and enhancing every other ingredient’s flavor.
Garlic Powder (1 Tablespoon): Adds a warm, savory note that complements the buffalo’s tang.
Parsley (2 Tablespoons, for garnish, optional): Brightens up the final look and adds a fresh herbal hint.

How to Make Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Macaroni And Cheese Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Season the Chicken

Start by lightly spraying your crockpot with cooking spray to prevent sticking, then place the chicken breasts inside. Season them generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and ranch seasoning—these quick yet flavorful touches lay the foundation for the dish’s rich taste.

Step 2: Add the Buffalo Sauce and Ranch Dressing

Pour in the Frank’s Red Hot wing sauce and ranch dressing over the chicken, coating it evenly. Seal the crockpot with the lid and set it to cook on high for 2 to 3 hours. This slow cooking lets the chicken tenderize while soaking up all that vibrant buffalo goodness.

Step 3: Shred the Chicken

Once cooked, use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the crockpot or remove it and shred on a plate—whichever you prefer. Shredding creates perfect bite-sized pieces that will distribute the spicy flavor thoroughly throughout the dish.

Step 4: Add the Cheeses

Next, add the softened cream cheese along with the cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses to the crockpot. Stir gently to mix everything and then replace the lid, letting the heat help melt the cheeses. Give it about 30 minutes to transform into a thick, velvety sauce.

Step 5: Cook Pasta and Combine

While your buffalo chicken cheese sauce is finishing up, cook the pasta shells until al dente according to package instructions. Save one ladle of pasta water before draining as it will help keep the sauce silky. Once the cheeses have melted and combined, stir in the pasta water gently, then add the cooked shells to coat them evenly in that luscious, spicy sauce.

Step 6: Final Touch and Serve

Give everything one last stir so the sauce clings to every pasta shell and piece of chicken. Optionally, sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a little color and bright herbal flavor. Serve warm and dive right in—this dish is guaranteed to bring smiles!

How to Serve Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Macaroni And Cheese Recipe

Garnishes

Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley to add a pop of green that not only looks fantastic but offers a subtle fresh balance to the rich and spicy flavors. Alternatively, a few crumbled blue cheese pieces or chopped green onions also make an excellent finishing touch.

Side Dishes

Pair this bold Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Macaroni And Cheese Recipe with simple sides to round out the meal. Crisp celery sticks, carrot batons, or a fresh green salad all work beautifully to cut through the richness and spice, making each bite more enjoyable.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to wow your guests? Serve the mac and cheese in individual mini cast iron skillets or hollowed-out bell peppers for a fun presentation. Another idea is to make it into stuffed baked potatoes, scooping this cheesy buffalo mixture inside for an elevated comfort food experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This hearty dish keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just be aware that the pasta will absorb some of the sauce as it sits, so it might thicken but it will still taste amazing.

Freezing

You can freeze leftovers of this Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Macaroni And Cheese Recipe for up to 2 months. It’s best to freeze it without the pasta to avoid texture changes; cook and mix pasta fresh when reheating for optimal creaminess.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. If things seem dry, add a splash of milk or a bit of reserved pasta water to bring back that creamy consistency and zesty flavor.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?

Yes! You can use frozen chicken breasts, but make sure to increase the cooking time to ensure they cook thoroughly and shred easily.

Is there a way to make this dish less spicy?

Absolutely! You can reduce the amount of Frank’s Red Hot Wing Sauce or substitute it with a milder buffalo sauce to tailor the heat to your liking.

Can I substitute the pasta shells with another type of pasta?

Definitely. Elbow macaroni, rotini, or penne work well too since they hold sauce nicely, just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

What’s the best cheese combination for this recipe?

The mix of sharp cheddar and mild Monterey Jack gives a nice balance of flavor and meltability, but feel free to experiment with cheeses like mozzarella, pepper jack, or gouda for varied tastes.

Can I make this recipe in advance for a party?

Yes! Prepare everything in the crockpot up to the point of adding pasta, then refrigerate. When ready to serve, heat it up and stir in freshly cooked pasta for the best texture.

Final Thoughts

This Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Macaroni And Cheese Recipe is the perfect example of comfort food with a bold twist, transforming simple ingredients into a crowd-pleasing dish that warms the heart and excites the taste buds. Give it a try soon—you’ll love how effortless it comes together and the happy faces it brings to your table!