Hey there, food lover! Let’s gather around the kitchen, because today we’re diving into something truly delightful: Savory Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Bites with a side of creamy ranch dip. Now, if you’ve ever wondered how to take two of your favorite comfort foods and meld them into one irresistible bite-sized treat, you are in for a real treat today! This recipe brings back memories of cozy game nights, laughter with friends, and that perfect blend of creamy, spicy, and cheesy goodness that makes everything feel a little brighter.

There’s something about the smell of bubbling macaroni and cheese, mixed with the tang of Buffalo sauce, that just makes my heart sing. It’s like a warm hug from your favorite season, and believe me, once you take your first bite, you’ll be dreaming up new occasions to whip these up. Not to mention, they’re perfect for parties, a fun weeknight meal, or just a delicious snack when the craving hits. Are you ready to roll up your sleeves and get cooking? Let’s go!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make and great for weeknight dinners or gatherings.
• Budget-friendly using common ingredients you probably have on hand.
• Comforting flavors that everyone will adore—kids and adults alike!
• Perfect portion sizes; they’re fun to share (or not!).
• Dip them in ranch for a creamy contrast that’s simply irresistible.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you need to gather for your Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Bites. Trust me, this list is short and sweet, just like the cooking time!

• 8 oz elbow macaroni
• 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie works great!)
• 1 cup Buffalo sauce (adjust based on your spice level)
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (the sharper, the better!)
• 1 cup panko bread crumbs
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Ranch dressing for dipping

Tip: Using fresh garlic will give you more flavor than garlic powder alone, so if you have it on hand, go for it!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now, let’s jump into these mouthwatering bites, shall we? Follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious treat in no time!

1. Boil the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Melt the Cheese: In a large saucepan over medium heat, combine the cooked macaroni, shredded chicken, Buffalo sauce, and cheddar cheese. Stir until everything is melted and gooey, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Mix It Up: Remove the pan from heat and let it cool for a few minutes. In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, garlic powder, onion powder, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Add this egg mixture to the cheesy pasta and chicken combo, stirring well to combine. Watch out—don’t overmix or the bites might become dense!
4. Prepare Your Bites: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy removal. Using a tablespoon or small scoop, spoon the mixture onto the small baking sheet, forming bite-sized rounds. You should get about 24-30 bites!
5. Coat with Panko: In a shallow dish, mix the panko bread crumbs and Parmesan cheese. Dip each mac and cheese round into the bread crumb mixture, rolling them around to coat evenly. Place back on the baking sheet.
6. Bake to Perfection: Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside. The aroma will have everyone’s mouths watering—trust me!
7. Cool and Dip: Once they look divine, remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. Serve with your favorite ranch dressing for dipping, and enjoy!

There you have it, my friend! Perfectly crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside. What a treat!

Pro Tips & Variations

Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s chat about a few fun twists and tips to take your Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Bites to the next level!

• Spicy Upgrade: If you love heat, consider adding diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper into the mixture.
• Herbal Touch: Add fresh chopped parsley or green onions for a pop of color and added flavor.
• Cheesy Gratin: For a gourmet twist, mix different types of cheese like mozzarella or pepper jack for varying flavor profiles.
• Make it Veggie: Swap the chicken for cooked cauliflower or extra veggies for a vegetarian take—just adjust the Buffalo sauce to your liking!

Don’t be shy—get creative! Cooking should be fun and uniquely yours.

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to serving these gems, I like to keep it simple and cozy. Consider pairing them with:

• A vibrant green salad drizzled with lemon vinaigrette.
• Garlic bread to soak up any leftover ranch dressing.
• Your favorite veggie platter for a fresh, crunchy contrast.
• A chilled drink—maybe something fizzy or a craft beer to wash it down.

Picture this: a cozy movie night with friends, a plate of hot, cheesy mac and cheese bites in the center, everyone dunking into that creamy ranch dip—it’s just the perfect vibe!

Storage Tips

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Here’s how to keep those Mac and Cheese Bites tasting just as good as they did fresh out of the oven:

• Refrigerate: Place them in an airtight container and they will last about 3-4 days in the fridge.
• Freeze: You can also freeze them! Just make sure they’re completely cool before popping them into a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep well for about 2-3 months.
• Reheat: To reheat, simply bake them at 350°F (175°C) for about 12-15 minutes, or until heated through. This will keep them crispy—no one likes soggy bites!

FAQs

Can I use whole wheat pasta instead of regular elbow macaroni?

Absolutely! Whole wheat pasta will add a nice nutty flavor and a bit more fiber. Just be mindful of the cooking time, as whole wheat pasta typically cooks a little faster.

What if I don’t have shredded chicken? Can I use something else?

Of course! You can use ground turkey, beef, canned chicken, or even go meatless with additional veggies or quinoa. The flavors will still be fab!

Is this recipe spicy? Can I adjust the heat level?

The beauty of buffalo sauce is that you can adjust the spice level to your taste! Use a mild sauce or lessen the amount of sauce you mix in if you’re sensitive to heat. Or add extra if you’re a spice lover!

What’s the best way to enjoy these bites?

While they’re delightful right out of the oven, serving them with ranch dip is a must if you want to take your experience to another level! They’re also perfect as a party appetizer or a fun twist on a main dish.

Can I prepare these bites ahead of time?

Yes, you can! Prepare the mixture and form the bites, then store them in the fridge for a few hours before baking. You can also freeze unbaked bites—just pop them straight into the oven from the freezer (adjust the baking time slightly). Easy peasy!

Conclusion

And there you have it, my dear friend—a delicious recipe for Savory Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Bites paired with creamy ranch dip that’s sure to become a favorite in your household. I hope you enjoyed this recipe as much as I do and that every bite sparks joy and laughter at your table. I’d love to hear how they turn out for you! Feel free to share your stories and variations in the comments below. Happy cooking and enjoy every crunchy, cheesy morsel!

Irresistible Savory Buffalo Chicken Mac Cheese Bites Recipe

---

• Author: antaki
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 24–30 bites 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Delight in these easy Buffalo Chicken Mac Cheese bites paired with creamy ranch dip Perfect for parties or quick snacks 151 chars

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

8 oz of elbow macaroni

2 cups of shredded cooked chicken

1 cup of Buffalo sauce

2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1 cup of panko bread crumbs

2 large eggs

1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese

1 teaspoon of garlic powder

1 teaspoon of onion powder

Salt and pepper to taste

Ranch dressing for dipping

---

Instructions

Boil the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Melt the Cheese: In a large saucepan over medium heat, combine the cooked macaroni, shredded chicken, Buffalo sauce, and cheddar cheese. Stir until everything is melted and gooey, about 5-7 minutes.

Mix It Up: Remove the pan from heat and let it cool for a few minutes. In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, garlic powder, onion powder, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Add this egg mixture to the cheesy pasta and chicken combo, stirring well to combine.

Prepare Your Bites: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy removal. Using a tablespoon or small scoop, spoon the mixture onto the small baking sheet, forming bite-sized rounds.

Coat with Panko: In a shallow dish, mix the panko bread crumbs and Parmesan cheese. Dip each mac and cheese round into the bread crumb mixture, rolling them around to coat evenly. Place back on the baking sheet.

Bake to Perfection: Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside.

Cool and Dip: Once they look divine, remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. Serve with your favorite ranch dressing for dipping.

Notes

Savory Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Bites with creamy ranch dip, perfect for parties or as a comforting snack.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Appetizer
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24-30 bites
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 1 gram
• Fat: 8 grams
• Carbohydrates: 12 grams
• Fiber: 1 gram
• Protein: 10 grams

Keywords: Buffalo Chicken, Mac and Cheese, Bites, Ranch Dip, Appetizer, Comfort Food