Are you ready to elevate your comfort food game? Dive into the irresistible world of Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese—a dish that combines the creamy goodness of mac and cheese with the bold, spicy kick of buffalo chicken. In just 15 minutes, you can whip up a hearty meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or game day gatherings. With tender shredded chicken enveloped in a rich, cheesy sauce, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Don’t miss out on the chance to impress your taste buds and your guests—let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, shredded
- 8 oz macaroni pasta
- 1 cup buffalo sauce
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup cream cheese
Instructions
- Prepare ingredients by cutting chicken breast into even-sized pieces and measuring out all other ingredients precisely.
- Place chicken breast pieces into the Instant Pot, then pour chicken broth around the chicken to ensure proper liquid coverage for pressure cooking.
- Close the Instant Pot lid, set valve to sealing position, and select "Pressure Cook" mode at high pressure for 8 minutes to fully cook the chicken.
- Once cooking completes, quickly release pressure using quick release method and remove chicken, shredding it using two forks into bite-sized pieces.
- Add macaroni pasta, buffalo sauce, and remaining chicken broth into the Instant Pot, stirring to combine ingredients evenly.
- Close lid again, set to "Pressure Cook" for 4 minutes, ensuring pasta will cook perfectly within the liquid mixture.
- After cooking, perform quick pressure release and open lid, then immediately stir in shredded cheddar cheese and cream cheese until completely melted and smooth.
- Fold in shredded chicken, mixing thoroughly to distribute throughout the mac and cheese.
- Let mixture rest for 2-3 minutes to allow sauce to thicken and flavors to meld together.
- Serve hot, optionally garnishing with additional buffalo sauce, green onions, or blue cheese crumbles for extra flavor.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, consider shredding your chicken breast in advance or using rotisserie chicken for a quicker option. This can cut down on prep time significantly!
- Perfect Pasta: Make sure to stir the macaroni pasta thoroughly with the buffalo sauce and chicken broth to prevent it from sticking together during cooking.
- Pressure Cooking: Always ensure the Instant Pot lid is sealed properly before starting the pressure cook cycle. This helps achieve the right cooking pressure for perfectly cooked chicken and pasta.
- Cheese Melting: For an extra creamy texture, allow the cheddar and cream cheese to sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before adding them to the pot. This helps them melt more easily.
- Flavor Enhancements: Don’t hesitate to customize your dish! Add in some sautéed vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for added nutrition, or adjust the amount of buffalo sauce to suit your spice preference.
- Garnish for Style: Elevate your presentation by garnishing with chopped green onions or a sprinkle of blue cheese crumbles. This not only adds flavor but also makes your dish visually appealing!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 520kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 40g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 120mg
