High-Protein Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese

This high-protein buffalo chicken mac and cheese is an easy recipe; it is perfect for meal prep and tastes so delicious you will make it repeatedly. 

When I first started tracking macros, this recipe was one of the first recipes I created, I have tweaked it through the years, but it still remains the ultimate comfort food. This spicy buffalo chicken mac is filled with a creamy sauce and crunchy tortilla chips and has 47 grams of protein. The actual macros for this recipe are 385 calories, 27.7g of carbs, 9.4g of fat, and 47.1g of protein.

Okay, when I tell you this is easy, it seriously is. You do not need a large pot of salted water, and no boiling is required or baking. You need a microwave and the ingredients listed. This meal is next level; if I took a poll on my favorite comfort foods, I know this recipe would come up many times.

Ingredients: 

• 1 package of Birdseye Penne with Cheddar Sauce: This can be found in the frozen section at the grocery store. It is a veggie penne in a creamy cheddar sauce, and the macros are great. It also only requires microwave cooking, which comes out al dente and perfect.
• 8 ounces of shredded chicken (you can use rotisserie chicken): I typically use crock pot chicken or rotisserie chicken for this recipe because it makes two servings. You will need 4 ounces per serving.
• Frank’s Red Hot Sauce: You can put that sh** on everything, no kidding. I eat this nearly every day; it just makes everything taste better. I recommend about ¼ cup but feel free to add extra hot sauce if you like spicy food. You can also try Frank’s Buffalo Wing sauce, which is super tasty.
• ¼ cup fat-free cheddar cheese, 28 grams:  Even though the penne is already in a cheddar sauce, more cheese never hurt anyone, and the fat-free cheese adds more protein.
• 1 bag Nacho Quest Protein Chips: This recipe does not use the entire bag; I take a handful and crumble it on top of the creamy mac. 

Instructions:

1. Begin by following the instructions on the back of the Birdseye pasta.
2. Once the pasta is cooked, add it to a medium bowl, and stir in the tender chicken, cheese, and spicy buffalo sauce.
3. Microwave for 30 stir and microwave for 30 more seconds or until everything is melted and creamy.
4. Divide into two bowls and crush a handful of the Quest chips on top of the mac.
5. Enjoy

Another benefit of this recipe is that you can use any protein you want. I typically use leftover chicken or crock pot chicken that I have prepped for the week.

How do you make crock pot chicken?

This recipe is on repeat for me; I have a crock pot buffalo chicken recipe here you can make. But I typically place two to three chicken breasts in the crock pot; I add about ¼ cup of water, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt and pepper. Cook it on high for 4 hours and shred the chicken. You get the most tender chicken ever; it is so delicious!

What if I like my mac and cheese extra creamy?

If you like your mac and cheese extra creamy, I recommend adding sour cream, greek yogurt, cream cheese, or ranch dressing! All will add delicious flavor and creamy texture.

What type of cheese goes well with this recipe?

I prefer sharp cheddar cheese when I am making mac and cheese, but if you want to add a little bit more cheese, it would also taste great with various kinds of cheese:

• Mozzarella  
• Pepper jack cheeses
• Monterey Jack
• Gouda 
• Feta cheese
• Blue cheese

I usually use the pre-shredded cheese for ease, but you can also buy a block of cheese and shred it yourself… Ps- it does tend to melt better when you melt it yourself.

What type of pasta should you use for this recipe?

This recipe uses penne pasta, but you could also use elbow pasta, fusilli, orecchiette, cavatelli, and rotini. The options never end!

Can you meal prep this buffalo chicken mac and cheese?

This mac makes a great meal prep! This recipe makes two servings, so you can eat one and store the other in an airtight container in the fridge for leftovers! Reheat it in the microwave for 60-90 seconds.

What are the nutrition values of buffalo chicken mac and cheese?

If you track macros, this is the perfect recipe. Search HNFit High Protein Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese in My Fitness Pal for easy logging; each serving is 385 calories, 27.7g of carbs, 9.4g of fat, and 47.1g of protein.

What else can you put on top of buffalo mac and cheese?

• Blue cheese crumbles
• Panko bread crumbs 
• Green onions
• More cheese
• Crushed butter crackers

Make sure to post and tag me on social media @haleynicoelfit if you try this recipe.

Other buffalo chicken and cheese bakes you will enjoy:

• Buffalo Chicken Dip
• High Protein Mac and Cheese
• Buffalo Chicken Lasagna
• Summer Goat Cheese Pasta
• Three Cheese Pasta Bake
• Buffalo Mac and Cheese
• Healthy Cheeseburger Bake