Looking for a tasty and satisfying meal? Look no further than 1 package (340 g) Buffalo Style Chicken Mac & Cheese! This dish is full of flavor and only has 640 calories, making it a great option for those watching their calorie intake.
In addition to being low in calories, Buffalo Style Chicken Mac & Cheese is also a great source of protein, with 25 grams per serving. It's also rich in calcium, iron, and other important nutrients that your body needs to stay healthy and strong.
Whether you're looking for a quick and easy dinner or need a crowd-pleasing dish for your next party or event, Buffalo Style Chicken Mac & Cheese is sure to impress. Read on to learn more about this delicious meal and how to make it yourself.
An Overview of the Dish
Buffalo Style Chicken Mac & Cheese is a delicious and hearty meal that combines creamy macaroni and cheese with spicy buffalo chicken. This dish is perfect for those who love a little bit of heat in their food, and it can be customized to suit a variety of tastes and preferences. To make the dish, you'll need a few simple ingredients, including macaroni pasta, shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, cheddar cheese, and a few basic seasonings. The dish is easy to prepare and can be ready in just a few minutes, making it a great option for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. Overall, Buffalo Style Chicken Mac & Cheese is a versatile and delicious dish that's sure to satisfy your cravings for both comfort food and something a little bit spicier.
Calories and Macronutrients
One serving of Buffalo Style Chicken Mac & Cheese (340 g) contains 640 calories. Of these, 200 come from fat, while 50 come from carbohydrates and 25 come from protein. The dish is also rich in calcium, with 35% of your daily recommended intake in each serving. It's also a good source of iron and other essential vitamins and minerals. When preparing the dish, you can make some small modifications to reduce its calorie count or adjust its macronutrient balance. For example, you could use a low-fat cheese or skim milk to reduce the fat content, or add more vegetables to increase the fiber and nutrient content. Experiment with different combinations and find the one that works best for you!
Ingredients Used
To make Buffalo Style Chicken Mac & Cheese, you'll need the following ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked macaroni pasta
- 1 cup shredded cooked chicken
- 1/4 cup buffalo sauce
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Combine these ingredients in a large mixing bowl and mix until fully combined. Transfer to a baking dish and bake at 375 degrees for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Preparation Details
To prepare Buffalo Style Chicken Mac & Cheese, start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees F. Cook the macaroni pasta according to package instructions and set aside. In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, milk, cheddar cheese, and seasonings. Mix everything together until fully combined. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious and satisfying meal!
Here's a closer look at the nutrient content of Buffalo Style Chicken Mac & Cheese per serving (340 g):
- calories: 640
- Total Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
- Sodium: 1210 mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Dietary Fiber: 3 g
- Sugars: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Calcium: 35% of daily intake
- Iron: 15% of daily intake
Keep in mind that these values may vary slightly depending on your specific ingredients and preparation methods. Use this information as a rough guide and adjust accordingly to meet your nutritional needs.
Serving Size
One package (340 g) of Buffalo Style Chicken Mac & Cheese serves about 3-4 people, depending on appetite and portion sizes. If you're hosting a larger group, you may want to double or triple the recipe to ensure everyone gets a serving. When serving the dish, consider pairing it with a side salad or some steamed veggies to round out the meal and boost its nutrient content. You can also garnish with some extra shredded cheese or chopped green onions for added flavor and visual appeal. Enjoy your Buffalo Style Chicken Mac & Cheese hot and fresh out of the oven, or store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Simply reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Possible Alternatives
If you want to switch up the flavor or texture of Buffalo Style Chicken Mac & Cheese, there are plenty of possible alternatives to try. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Replace the chicken with ground beef or turkey for a heartier meal.
- Use a different cheese, such as pepper jack or Gouda, for a more complex flavor profile.
- Add some chopped jalapenos or bell peppers to the mix for added texture and color.
- Use a different type of pasta, such as fusilli or penne, to change the dish's shape and texture.
- Experiment with different spice blends, such as cumin or curry, to add some global flavors to the dish.
Have fun exploring different ingredients and flavor combinations to make the dish your own!
Suggested Garnishes
Looking for some suggested garnishes to take your Buffalo Style Chicken Mac & Cheese to the next level? Here are a few ideas to try:
- Chopped green onions or scallions
- Chopped fresh parsley or cilantro
- Crumbled bacon or ham
- Extra hot sauce or buffalo sauce
- Shredded cheese, such as Parmesan or asiago
These garnishes can add some texture, color, and flavor to your dish, and can help balance out the richness of the mac and cheese. Try a few different combinations and see what works best for you!
Serving Suggestions
Wondering how to serve Buffalo Style Chicken Mac & Cheese? Here are a few suggestions to get you started:
- Pair with a simple green salad dressed with lemon juice and olive oil.
- Serve with some roasted veggies or steamed broccoli for added nutrition.
- Enjoy with a cold beer or a crisp white wine to balance out the heat of the buffalo sauce.
These serving suggestions can help you create a balanced and satisfying meal that everyone will love. Feel free to experiment with your own combinations and find what works best for you!
Storage Instructions
If you have any leftover Buffalo Style Chicken Mac & Cheese, you can easily store it for later. Simply transfer the leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you're ready to reheat, you can either zap it in the microwave or warm it up in the oven for a melty, cheesy texture. Just make sure to heat it thoroughly to avoid any foodborne illnesses. Enjoy your leftovers as a quick and easy lunch or dinner option, or use them as a base for new recipes (such as tacos or quesadillas) for added versatility.
FAQs about Buffalo Style Chicken Mac & Cheese
1. How many servings are in a package of Buffalo Style Chicken Mac & Cheese?
There are approximately 2 servings in a package of Buffalo Style Chicken Mac & Cheese.
2. Is Buffalo Style Chicken Mac & Cheese spicy?
Yes, it is spicy due to the addition of buffalo sauce. If you are sensitive to spice, you may want to avoid this dish.
3. What is the cooking time for Buffalo Style Chicken Mac & Cheese?
The cooking time for Buffalo Style Chicken Mac & Cheese is typically around 15-20 minutes in the oven, but it may vary depending on your oven and altitude. Be sure to follow the instructions on the package for best results.
4. What are the ingredients in Buffalo Style Chicken Mac & Cheese?
The ingredients may vary depending on the brand, but typically include cooked macaroni, chicken, buffalo sauce, cheese sauce or shredded cheese, and breadcrumbs for topping.
5. How many calories are in a serving of Buffalo Style Chicken Mac & Cheese?
One serving, which is half the package, contains approximately 320 calories. However, if you consume the entire package, it contains 640 calories.