Baked Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese

Ingredients and Weight:

• Buffalo chicken tenders: 1 pound
• Elbow macaroni: 1 pound
• Unsalted butter: 1/2 cup
• All-purpose flour: 1/4 cup
• Whole milk: 3 cups
• Heavy cream: 1 cup
• Grated cheddar cheese: 3 cups
• Grated Monterey Jack cheese: 2 cups
• Blue cheese crumbles: 1/2 cup
• Celery, finely chopped: 1/4 cup
• Carrots, finely chopped: 1/4 cup
• Hot pepper sauce (such as Frank's): 1/4 cup
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Preparation Time:

20 minutes

Cooking Time:

45 minutes

Difficulty Level:

3 (Moderate)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Boil macaroni according to package instructions and drain.
3. In a large skillet, cook chicken tenders over medium heat until done.
4. In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
5. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute.
6. Gradually whisk in milk and heavy cream.
7. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes, or until thickened.
8. Remove from heat and stir in cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack cheese until melted.
9. Add buffalo chicken, blue cheese crumbles, celery, carrots, hot pepper sauce, salt, and pepper.
10. Stir in cooked macaroni.
11. Pour mixture into an 9x13 inch baking dish.
12. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.

Nutritional Information:

• Calories: 450
• Fat: 25 grams
• Saturated Fat: 15 grams
• Cholesterol: 100 milligrams
• Sodium: 700 milligrams
• Carbohydrates: 40 grams
• Protein: 30 grams

Dish Characteristics:

• Creamy and cheesy
• Buffalo chicken adds a spicy and savory flavor
• Blue cheese crumbles and vegetables add extra texture and flavor

User Comments:

• "This dish is the perfect comfort food! The buffalo chicken and macaroni and cheese are a match made in heaven."
• "The hot pepper sauce adds a nice kick without being overpowering."
• "The blue cheese crumbles and vegetables give the dish a nice crunch and freshness."
• "This is a great dish to make for a crowd. It's easy to prepare and everyone loves it."
• "I highly recommend trying this recipe. It's sure to become a favorite."

Special Precautions and Tips:

• If you don't have buffalo chicken tenders, you can use regular chicken tenders and toss them in buffalo sauce.
• If you don't have heavy cream, you can substitute milk.
• You can adjust the amount of hot pepper sauce to your desired level of spiciness.