This Buffalo Chicken and Bacon Mac and Cheese is to die for. Everybody loves a good Mac & Cheese and my loyal visitors know that I LOVE a good Gourmet Mac & Cheese.
Heck, I have a whole category dedicated to my favorite Gourmet Mac and Cheese Recipes. If you like spicy dishes, then this Mac & Cheese is for you. My all-time favorite Mac & Cheese is my Whiskey Mac and Cheese, but this one comes in a close 2nd!
💭 What is Al Dente
When making Mac and Cheese, it's important to cook the pasta al dente to ensure to best texture possible. If you are not familiar with the term "al dente", it means cooking the pasta so it's still chewy and form and that it will hold its shape when the sauce is added to it.
In addition to the usual ingredients: pasta noodles, cheese, chicken and bacon, this dish also has cream corn! I know that sounds really weird but don't knock it till you try it!
It’s not every day you can have a Buffalo Chicken style Mac & Cheese with cream corn in it. This dish has quickly become a family favorite and will become yours as well the minute you taste it!
💭 Recipe Tip
While you can pretty much use any brand of cream cheese, I highly recommend you use Philadelphia brand cream cheese. You will taste the difference.
If you've ever wondered what part of the pig Bacon comes from check out the picture below. Surprised?
🥓 How to Make Bacon
If you struggle to make bacon perfectly, I've put together a short tutorial on How to Make Perfect Bacon - 3 Ways. Check it out! My preferred method is baking it in the oven.
And don't throw away that bacon grease! Bacon is expensive and the grease is great for making Scrambled Eggs, Grilled Cheese, Popcorn and even hash browns. It can keep up to 3 months if properly stored in the refrigerator.
🐓 How to Handle Raw Chicken
Leave the chicken in the fridge until ready to use.
Be careful of dripping juices. Clean up immediately.
Do not wash raw chicken (which prevents cross-contamination).
Wash all utensils and cutting boards (if applicable).
If marinating the chicken, make sure you toss the juices before you cook. Don't ever use the juice from the marinade.
Wash your hands after handling raw chicken.
For more great recipes with Pasta, I suggest you check these recipes out:
📋 Gather your Ingredients
You will need the following ingredients to make this Buffalo Chicken and Bacon Mac & Cheese recipe (see recipe card for quantities): Pasta, Chicken, Olive Oil, Red Onion, Garlic Cloves, Cream Corn, Cream Cheese, Milk, Frank's RedHot Sauce, Chili Powder, Ground Cumin, Paprika, Salt, Ground Black Pepper, Sharp Cheddar Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese and Bacon.
🥣 How to Make Buffalo Chicken and Bacon Mac and Cheese
Cook pasta until al dente in generously salted water according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
Heat one tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat in a large nonstick skillet. Sauté onions for 5 minutes or until softened and slightly golden. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.
Turn heat down to medium and stir in creamed corn, cream cheese, ½ cup milk, 2-5 tablespoons Buffalo hot sauce (see note) and spices.
Stir until cream cheese is melted, then stir in cheddar cheese and mozzarella cheese until melted.
Add chicken, bacon, and pasta and stir until evenly coated, adding additional milk if needed to reach desired consistency. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
📖 Recipe
Buffalo Chicken and Bacon Mac and Cheese
Ingredients
- 12 oz Pasta
- 2 Cups Chicken Breasts, Cooked & Cubed
- 2 tablespoon Olive Oil
- 1 Small Red Onion, Diced
- 3 Garlic Cloves
- 15 oz Cream Corn
- 4 oz Cream Cheese, Cubed
- ½ Cup Milk
- 3 tablespoon Frank's RedHot Buffalo Wings Sauce
- ½ teaspoon Chili Powder
- ½ teaspoon Ground Cumin
- ½ teaspoon Paprika
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- ¼ teaspoon Ground Black Pepper
- 1 Cup Sharp Cheddar Cheese, Shredded
- 1 Cup Mozzarella Cheese, Shredded
- 4 Strips Bacon, Cooked & Crumbled
Instructions
- Cook pasta until al dente in generously salted water according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Heat one tablespoon olive oil over medium high heat in a large nonstick skillet. Sauté onions for 5 minutes or until softened and slightly golden. Add garlic and sauté 30 seconds.
- Turn heat down to medium and stir in creamed corn, cream cheese, ½ cup milk, 2-5 tablespoons Buffalo hot sauce (see note) and spices.
- Stir until cream cheese is melted, then stir in cheddar cheese and mozzarella cheese until melted.
- Add chicken, bacon and pasta and stir until evenly coated, adding additional milk if needed to reach desired consistency. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional information provided for this recipe is based on 1 serving. This information is an estimate and may vary based on several factors. If nutritional information is important to you and your diet, please verify this recipe with a Registered Dietitian.
Kathleen
I’m drooling right now just looking at the picture and remembering the amazing Mac and Cheese! Thanks for posting, and please keep them coming!