Ingredients
– 8 oz dry macaroni noodles for the tender base
– 3 tablespoons butter for richness in the roux
– 3 tablespoons flour to thicken the sauce
– 2 cups milk for a creamy foundation
– ½ teaspoon salt for basic seasoning
– ½ teaspoon pepper to add a bit of zing
– ½ teaspoon garlic powder for extra flavor depth
– ½ teaspoon onion powder to enhance the savory notes
– ½ teaspoon ground mustard for a subtle tang
– 4 oz cream cheese for ultimate creaminess
– 1½ cups shredded mozzarella (low-moisture part skim) for melty goodness
– 1 cup sharp shredded cheddar for sharp taste and texture
– ⅓ cup sour cream to boost richness
– ½ cup buffalo hot sauce for the spicy kick
– 1½ cups shredded cooked chicken for added protein
– 1 tablespoon butter for the topping mixture
– ½ tablespoon olive oil for toasting the topping
– ½ cup seasoned panko crumbs for a crispy finish
Instructions
1-First: cook the 8 oz dry macaroni noodles according to package instructions until al dente, then drain them to keep that perfect texture.
2-Next, in a saucepan, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat, stir in 3 tablespoons of flour to form a roux, and cook until it’s lightly golden for a smooth base.
3-Gradually whisk in 2 cups of milk along with the seasonings ½ teaspoon each of salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and ground mustard to create a creamy sauce that thickens nicely.
4-Stir in 4 oz cream cheese, 1½ cups shredded mozzarella, 1 cup sharp shredded cheddar, and ⅓ cup sour cream until everything melts into a smooth, rich mixture.
5-Add ½ cup buffalo hot sauce and 1½ cups shredded cooked chicken, then mix in the cooked pasta thoroughly for that spicy, protein-packed combo.
6-Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish, and prepare the topping by toasting 1 tablespoon butter, ½ tablespoon olive oil, and ½ cup seasoned panko crumbs until golden, then spread it over the top.
7-Finally, bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes until bubbly, and garnish with fresh parsley if you like for a pop of color.
Last Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.Notes
🔥 Use low-moisture part-skim mozzarella for a creamier texture.
🌿 Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness.
🧂 Toast panko crumbs until golden to enhance crunch and flavor for the topping.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Boiling, Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Contains Meat
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 458 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 27 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 31 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg