Flamingo's Rockin' Recipes ~ Healthy Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese

Credit for this recipe goes to my sweet friend Jennifer who brought me this as a delicious dinner when I had surgery.   Thank you for this yummy recipe Jen! You are the best!

Healthy Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese

Ingredients

• 8 ounces whole wheat elbow noodles, cooked al dente
• 1 1/2 cups chicken stock
• 1 cup 1% milk
• 1 Tbsp whole wheat flour
• 1/2 tsp granulated garlic
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup shredded asiago or parmesan cheese
• 1 1/2 cups shredded buffalo chicke (see recipe at the bottom)
• 1 Tbsp bread crubs

Instructions  

1 ~ Preheat oven to 350 degrees

2 ~ In a medium to large pot, over medium heat, whisk together chicken stock, milk, and flour. Whisk until flour is completely dissolved.

3 ~ Cook until bubbly, about 5-7 minutes

4 ~ Stir in granulated garlic, onion powder, salt, and both cheeses. Stir until smooth, about 3 minutes. Remove from heat.

5 ~ Place pasta in and 8x8 baking pan coated with cooking spray. Mix shredded chicken in with pasta. Pour cheese sauce over pasta and chicken then stir until it is all evenly coated.

6 ~ Sprinkle bread crumbs over top and bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes, or until bubbly. Let sit for 3 minutes then enjoy.

Slow Cooker Buffalo Shredded Chicken

• 6 Chicken breasts
• 1 (1.5 oz) packet of ranch seasoning/dressing mix
• 1 (12 oz) bottle Frank's Hot Sauce
• 1/2 cup chicken stock
• 1 Tbsp butter

1 ~ Place chicken breasts in slow cooker.  Sprinkle ranch seasoning over chicken then pour in hot sauce and chicken stock.  Turn chicken a few times until it is coated and liquids and seasoning are mixed together. 

2 ~ Cook on low for 5-6 hours.  Take chicken out and shred.  While chicken is out add in 1 Tbsp of butter and let it melt.  Add shredded chicken back to slow cooker and coat with liquid.  

Note: This recipe can be made completely ahead of time aqnd frozen into portion to be used in later recipes.

I hope everyone enjoys this recipe.  It has become a family favorite for us!