This buffalo chicken protein mac & cheese recipe is a delicious crowd-pleaser. I’m always trying to whip up healthy versions of traditional dishes that I know my boyfriend will like. This comfort food inspired recipe is one that he often requests, especially since it combines cheese with buffalo sauce and meat.
Get creative with your version of this protein packed buffalo chicken mac & cheese recipe. Although this recipe breaks down the basic ingredients for a yummy dish, this recipe is so versatile and customizable. Feel free to get creative. Substitute various types of cheeses. Although I prefer to cook with Banza pasta, made from chickpeas, any type of noodles will work. Greek yogurt and cottage cheese add additional protein and creamy texture but I’ve also made this recipe with various other products such as sour cream or ricotta cheese. Play around with different types of cheese or additives to make this recipe your own!
Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese with a protein boost
Jump to Recipe
*As an Amazon Affiliate I may earn from qualifying purchases.
Kitchen Equipment
I find it easiest to make shredded chicken in a crockpot ahead of time, but other methods for making shredded chicken will work as well. This recipe does not require any unique kitchen equipment. All that is needed is a pot for boiling the pasta, bowls for preparing ingredients and a baking dish for baking the protein packed mac and cheese.
Ingredients
- Frank’s buffalo sauce (1/4 cup or more based on your preference)
- (2) Chicken breasts
- (1) 8 oz box of Banza pasta
- (2) cups cheese (I tend to use 1 1/2 cup cheddar plus 1/2 cup any other flavor)
- (8) oz plain greek yogurt
- (8) oz cottage cheese
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Pepper to taste
- Dash of crushed red pepper flakes
Buffalo Chicken Protein Mac & Cheese
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup Frank's buffalo sauce
- (1) 8 oz box Banza pasta
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or any other combination)
- 8 oz plain greek yogurt
- 8 oz cottage cheese
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1/4 tsp salt
- Pepper to taste
- Dash crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Prepare the shredded chicken. I usually cook two chicken breasts in a crockpot with 1/4 cup chicken broth for four hours on high. Mix buffalo sauce and shredded chicken in a bowl.
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- Cook pasta per the directions on the box.
- In a baking dish, combine cooked pasta, beaten egg, cheese (save some to sprinkle on top), greek yogurt, cottage cheese, salt, pepper and crushed red pepper flakes until well combined. Mix in shredded buffalo chicken and sprinkle extra cheese on top.
- Bake at 350 degrees F for 25-30 minutes.
- Serve hot and top with crushed red pepper flakes.
Directions
- Prepare the shredded chicken. I usually cook two chicken breasts in a crockpot with 1/4 cup chicken broth for four hours on high. You can also prepare the shredded chicken in an oven or on the stove. Mix buffalo sauce and shredded chicken in a bowl.
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- Cook pasta per the directions on the box.
- In a baking dish, combine cooked pasta, beaten egg, cheese (save some to sprinkle on top), greek yogurt, cottage cheese, salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes until well combined. Mix in shredded buffalo chicken and sprinkle extra cheese on top.
- Bake at 350 degrees F for 25-30 minutes.
- Serve hot and top with crushed red pepper flakes. `
Protein Packed Buffalo Mac & Cheese
Get creative! Swap some of the cheddar cheese for pepper jack cheese for a unique twist or any other cheese. In addition, swapping cottage cheese or greek yogurt for ricotta cheese or sour cream can change also add a unique flavor. Add cooked broccoli or other veggies for a healthier twist.
For more protein packed recipes, check out this ricotta pancake recipe to help start your day with a delicious breakfast full of protein.
