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Healthy buffalo chicken mac & cheese recipe

Healthy Buffalo Chicken Mac And Cheese

Cozy up with a bowl of this cheesy and healthy buffalo chicken mac and cheese with crispy roasted broccoli. This nutritious and rich dish is the perfect lighter version of classic mac and cheese: it's creamy, gluten-free, and perfectly spiced! 
5 from 4 votes
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Serving 8 servings

Ingredients
 

  • 12 fusilli or elbow pasta
  • 2 medium chicken breasts
  • cup medium buffalo sauce, more to taste
  • 12 oz fresh broccoli florets, one medium head
  • 1 Tbsp of olive oil
  • 1 Tbsp butter
  • ¼ cup yellow onion, minced
  • 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour, gluten free if needed
  • 1 + 1/2 cups unsweetened almond milk
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar, or vegan cheddar
  • 1 tsp salt, more to taste
  • 1 tsp black pepper

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 425°F. Line and grease a baking tray.
  • Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water to keep the pasta from sticking together. Set to the side.
  • Meanwhile, season chicken with salt and pepper. Place chicken in a large pot and cover with 1 inch of water. Bring to a boil then reduce heat and let simmer until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 F or is no longer pink in the center. About 12 to 16 minutes. Remove chicken from water and use two forks to shred chicken. Add in buffalo sauce. Set to the side.
  • Meanwhile, prepare medium size broccoli florets, spray with avocado oil, or drizzle olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast in the oven for 15 - 20 minutes. Set to the side when done.
  • While the brocolli is roasting, place a large skillet on the stovetop. Heat to medium and melt butter. Add flour and cook over low heat for 2 minutes stirring with a whisk. 
  • Add minced onion and cook for another 2 minutes. Add chicken broth, almond milk, salt, and pepper. Continue whisking. Increase heat to medium-high, bring the mixture to boil, cook for 5 minutes until becomes smooth and thick.
  • Once thick, remove from heat, add cheese and mix until cheese is melted. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
  • Add in cooked macaroni, roasted broccoli florets, and buffalo chicken. Taste and adjust seasonings.
  • Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

Almond Milk: Can substitute with milk of choice.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Can substitute with your favorite shredded cheese. Vegan cheese works too.
Buffalo Sauce: Can substitute with Frank's Red Hot Sauce.

Nutrition

Calories: 376kcal | Carbohydrates: 38g | Protein: 23g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 30mg | Sodium: 515mg | Potassium: 441mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 623IU | Vitamin C: 46mg | Calcium: 236mg | Iron: 1mg
Course Lunch & Dinner
Cuisine American
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