MAC AND CHEESE WITH BUFFALO CHICKEN TENDERS
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food combo with our Mac and Cheese with Buffalo Chicken Tenders! Creamy, cheesy macaroni meets the bold, zesty flavor of buffalo chicken tenders in this mouthwatering dish. Perfectly cooked pasta is enveloped in a rich, velvety cheese sauce, while tender, juicy chicken strips are coated in a tangy buffalo sauce for a delightful kick. Whether you’re craving a hearty meal or a flavorful twist on a classic favorite, this dish promises to satisfy your taste buds and leave you coming back for more. Perfect for game day, a cozy night in, or anytime you want to treat yourself to something truly special!
THE MAC AND CHEESE SAUCE
Our Mac and Cheese sauce is a creamy, velvety delight that takes comfort food to the next level. Made with a blend of sharp cheddar, creamy mozzarella, and sometimes a hint of Parmesan, this sauce is perfectly balanced to deliver a rich, cheesy flavor in every bite. It’s smooth and luscious, with just the right amount of thickness to coat every piece of macaroni perfectly. A touch of butter and a dash of seasoning elevate the sauce, giving it a satisfying depth that pairs beautifully with the tangy kick of buffalo chicken tenders. This isn’t just any cheese sauce—it’s a warm, indulgent hug in a bowl!
INGREDIENTS YOU NEED:
- Unsalted butter
- Flour
- Garlic
- Heavy Cream
- Salt and pepper
- Garlic powder
- Paprika
- Cheddar Cheese
- Mozzarella cheese
- Buffalo sauce
THE CRISPY BUFFALO CHICKEN TENDERS
Our crispy buffalo chicken tenders are a tantalizing blend of crunch and flavor. Each tender is perfectly breaded to achieve a golden, crispy exterior that provides a satisfying crunch with every bite. Inside, the chicken is tender and juicy, ensuring a delightful contrast in textures. These tenders are then generously coated in a zesty buffalo sauce, which offers a bold, tangy kick with just the right amount of heat. The spicy buffalo sauce complements the savory breading and succulent chicken, creating a mouthwatering combination that will leave your taste buds dancing. Perfect as a topping for our creamy mac and cheese or enjoyed on their own, these buffalo chicken tenders are a must-try for any spice lover!
INGREDIENTS YOU NEED:
- Chicken Breasts
- Flour
- Eggs
- Milk
- Salt and pepper
- Paprika
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Buffalo sauce
TIPS FOR MAKING THE BEST MAC AND CHEESE
Making the best mac and cheese involves a few key tips to ensure it’s creamy, flavorful, and perfectly cooked. Here are some tried-and-true tips:
- Choose the Right Cheese:
- Use a combination of cheeses for the best flavor and texture. Sharp cheddar is a classic choice for its rich taste, but blending it with cheeses like mozzarella, Gruyère, or Parmesan can add depth and creaminess.
- Grate Your Own Cheese:
- Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can prevent it from melting smoothly. For the creamiest sauce, grate your own cheese from a block.
- Make a Roux:
- Start your cheese sauce with a roux, a mixture of butter and flour cooked together. This helps thicken the sauce and gives it a smooth, velvety texture.
- Slowly Add the Milk:
- Gradually whisk in milk to the roux to avoid lumps. Stir continuously until the mixture is smooth and begins to thicken.
- Season Well:
- Don’t forget to season your cheese sauce with salt, pepper, and a pinch of ground mustard or paprika for added flavor. Taste as you go and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Cook the Pasta Al Dente:
- Boil your pasta just until al dente (firm to the bite) since it will continue cooking in the sauce. Overcooked pasta can become mushy.
- Combine and Bake (Optional):
- For a baked version, mix the pasta and cheese sauce in a baking dish, top with breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter and Parmesan, and bake until golden and bubbly.
- Add-ins and Toppings (Optional):
- Customize your mac and cheese with add-ins like crispy bacon, sautéed onions, or veggies. For a spicy kick, drizzle with hot sauce or sprinkle with red pepper flakes.
- Don’t Overheat:
- When melting the cheese into the sauce, do it over low heat to prevent the cheese from becoming grainy or separating.
- Serve Immediately:
- Mac and cheese is best served fresh and hot. If it sits too long, it can thicken up. If needed, you can reheat it gently with a splash of milk to restore its creamy consistency.
Follow these tips, and you’ll have a deliciously creamy, flavorful mac and cheese that everyone will love!
If you’ve given this recipe a try and it won you over, please share your thoughts by leaving a rating and comment below! If you have any questions about this recipe, don’t hesitate to ask – I’m here to help and will respond promptly.
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MAC AND CHEESE WITH BUFFALO CHICKEN TENDERS
Ingredients
THE MAC AND CHEESE
- 250 g elbow macaroni
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3-4 garlic cloves minced
- 1 tbsp flour
- 2 cups heavy cream
- Salt and pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp buffalo hot sauce
- 1/2 cup pasta water
THE BUFFALO CHICKEN TENDERS
- 10 chicken tenders
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/4 cup buffalo sauce
- Salt and pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
FLOUR COATING
- 1 cup flour
- Salt and pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tbsp paprika
EGG COATING
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 tbsp buffalo sauce
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
TO MAKE THE MAC AND CHEESE
- Start by cooking the pasta in a well salted boiling water and leave it till al Dante.
- In a saucepan, add in the butter, minced garlic and let it simmer until fragrant.
- Add in the flour and mix well. Slowly add in the heavy cream while whisking.
- Add in all the spices and buffalo sauce.
- Add in both types of cheese, pasta water and mix. Let it cook until it starts to simmer.
- Add in the cooked pasta and mix well.
- Broil the mac and cheese at 180 Celsius degrees until slightly golden.
TO MAKE THE BUFFALO CHICKEN TENDERS
- To marinate the chicken, in a bowl, add in the chicken tenders, buttermilk, all spices, buffalo sauce and mix. Let it marinate for at least 2 hours.
- To make the first coating, in a bowl, add in the flour, spices and mix.
- To make the second coating, in a bowl, add in the egg, buttermilk, buffalo sauce and spices. Mix well.
- Start by coating the chicken in the flour mix, then in the egg mix, then once again in the flour mix. Let it rest for 10 minutes before frying.
- Fry until golden brown.
- Brush with buffalo sauce and top it onto the mac and cheese!