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Cheesy, spicy, and baked into perfect handheld cups—these Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese Cups are your new go-to appetizer. #buffalochicken #macandcheese #partyfood
Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese Cups
These Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese Cups are cheesy, spicy, and perfectly portable—your favorite comfort food baked into muffin-sized portions that are easy to serve at parties, game days, or weeknight dinners. Creamy mac and cheese is mixed with buffalo chicken, baked until golden, and topped with a drizzle of ranch for a crowd-pleasing appetizer or snack.
They’re simple to make and guaranteed to disappear fast!
1. Yield, Time & Tools
- Yield: 12 mac & cheese cups
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Tools Needed: Muffin tin, mixing bowls, saucepan, whisk
2. Ingredients
For the Mac & Cheese:
- 8 oz elbow macaroni (or small pasta)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk
- 1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Buffalo Chicken:
- 1½ cups cooked shredded chicken
- ⅓ cup buffalo sauce
For Finishing:
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs (optional, for crunch)
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing, for drizzling
- Chopped green onions, for garnish
3. Preparation Steps
A. Cook the Pasta
Preheat oven to 375°F. Cook macaroni according to package directions; drain and set aside.
B. Make the Cheese Sauce
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Whisk in flour and cook 1 minute. Slowly whisk in milk until smooth; simmer 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
Remove from heat; stir in cheddar, mozzarella, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
C. Combine & Fill
In a large bowl, mix cooked pasta, cheese sauce, shredded chicken, and buffalo sauce until evenly coated.
Spoon mixture into greased muffin tin cups, pressing down lightly. Sprinkle with panko if using.
D. Bake & Serve
Bake 18–20 minutes, until tops are golden and set. Cool 5 minutes; drizzle with ranch and garnish with green onions. Serve warm.
4. Tips & Variations
- Add crumbled bacon for extra flavor.
- Use pepper jack cheese for a spicier kick.
- Try mini muffin tins for bite-sized mac & cheese bites.
- Make it vegetarian by skipping chicken and adding roasted veggies.
5. Troubleshooting FAQ
Why are my cups falling apart?
Press mixture firmly into muffin cups; let cool slightly before removing.
Can I make them ahead?
Yes—bake, cool, and refrigerate; reheat in oven before serving.
Can I freeze them?
Absolutely—freeze baked cups; thaw and reheat in oven.
How do I make them creamier?
Add an extra splash of milk to the cheese sauce.
6. Serving Suggestions
- Serve with celery sticks and extra buffalo sauce.
- Pair with a crisp green salad.
- Add sweet potato fries for a hearty meal.
7. Storage and Make-Ahead Instructions
Freezer Instructions: Freeze baked cups up to 2 months; thaw and reheat in oven.
Storage: Keep in airtight container in fridge up to 4 days.
Reheating: Warm in oven at 350°F until heated through.
Make-Ahead Tips: Bake cups ahead; reheat just before serving.
