buffalo chicken mac and cheese

How To Make buffalo chicken mac and cheese

• Step 1
  Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
• Step 2
  Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the elbow macaroni al dente according to package instructions. Use a spider strainer to move the cooked pasta to a rimmed baking sheet.
• Step 3
  Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until soft, stirring frequently. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the garlic, cooking for 1 minute.
• Step 4
  Melt the butter in the pot. Sprinkle in the flour, stirring and cooking for 2 minutes. Slowly stir in the milk and simmer until thickened.
• Step 5
  Stir in the salt and black pepper. Whisk in the cheese in several increments, stirring until melted.
• Step 6
  Use an immersion blender on low for 30-60 seconds to create a super smooth cheese sauce.
• Step 7
  Stir in the cooked pasta, buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, and cooked chicken. Spoon the mixture into the prepared dish.
• Step 8
  Melt the butter in a medium skillet over low heat. Add the panko breadcrumbs and toast for 4-5 minutes, or until golden brown, stirring frequently. Add the garlic in the last minute of toasting.
• Step 9
  Sprinkle the bread crumbs over the casserole and bake for 15 minutes.
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