Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Slow Cooker
When the weather cools down and cravings for comfort hit, this Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Slow Cooker recipe hits the spot every time. Hi, I’m Chef Mia, your cozy kitchen companion who loves making weeknight dinners effortless yet unforgettable. This slow cooker mac and cheese has all the comfort of a cheesy casserole with a zesty buffalo kick — perfect for game days, potlucks, or chilly nights in.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese in the Slow Cooker
Ingredients
- 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie or leftover)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, cubed
- 2 cups milk
- ½ cup buffalo sauce (like Frank’s Red Hot)
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ¼ cup green onions, chopped (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Lightly grease your slow cooker with non-stick spray.
- Add cooked chicken, buffalo sauce, cream cheese, milk, and sour cream. Stir well.
- Cover and cook on low for 2 hours, stirring once or twice until smooth and creamy.
- Add uncooked macaroni and shredded cheeses. Stir to combine.
- Cook for an additional 30–45 minutes on low until pasta is tender.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and an extra drizzle of buffalo sauce before serving.
Equipment You’ll Need
- 6-quart slow cooker
- Wooden spoon
- Cheese grater
- Measuring cups and spoons
Pro Tips & Substitutions
- Swap mozzarella for Monterey Jack for extra creaminess.
- Adjust the heat level by adding more or less buffalo sauce.
- For a crunch, top with crushed Ritz crackers or panko before serving.
- Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a lighter version.
🧾 Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 480 kcal |
| Protein | 33 g |
| Carbohydrates | 29 g |
| Fat | 25 g |
| Sodium | 860 mg |
| Cholesterol | 110 mg |
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This slow cooker buffalo chicken mac and cheese is everything you love about comfort food — cheesy, rich, and soul-satisfying — with a fiery kick that keeps you coming back for more. It’s perfect for busy nights, game days, or when you need a crowd-pleasing dish that practically cooks itself. Plus, cleanup is a breeze!
Serving Ideas for Buffalo Chicken Mac
Turn this creamy crockpot mac into a full meal by pairing it with crisp celery sticks, blue cheese crumbles, or garlic butter breadsticks. Want to go bolder? Drizzle extra buffalo sauce on top or sprinkle with crumbled bacon for that smoky twist. Whether it’s served family-style or in bowls for a casual gathering, it’s always a hit.
Storage & Reheating Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. To reheat, add a splash of milk and microwave until creamy again. For freezing, cool completely, portion into freezer-safe containers, and store for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating on the stovetop or in your slow cooker.
Save this Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Slow Cooker recipe for your next comfort craving — and share it on Pinterest so more home cooks can enjoy it!
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Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Slow Cooker
- Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Cheesy, creamy, and spicy — this Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese is a slow cooker comfort dream.
Ingredients
2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
2 cups shredded cooked chicken
2 cups cheddar cheese
1 cup mozzarella cheese
8 oz cream cheese
2 cups milk
½ cup buffalo sauce
½ cup sour cream
½ tsp garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
¼ cup green onions
Instructions
1. Grease the slow cooker.
2. Add chicken, buffalo sauce, cream cheese, milk, and sour cream. Cook 2 hours.
3. Add pasta and cheeses; cook 30–45 minutes more until tender.
4. Season, garnish, and serve hot.
Notes
For extra heat, use spicy buffalo sauce. Top with bacon for a smoky twist.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Slow Cooker, Comfort Food
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 860mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 33g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
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