Save This crowd-pleasing recipe for Mac and Cheese Buffalo Chicken Balls transforms two classic comfort foods into a crispy creamy spicy bite perfect for parties or any game day spread Each bite is packed with gooey cheddar mac and cheese wrapped around tangy buffalo chicken then fried until golden and irresistibly crunchy
These are always the first thing gone at gatherings everyone loves that creamy cheesy middle with the zippy buffalo kick A big batch disappeared at my last game night before I even sat down
Ingredients
- Elbow macaroni: gives you the perfect bite-sized pasta for shaping into balls and holds onto the creamy cheese sauce
- Sharp cheddar cheese: brings a punch of flavor and helps the balls stay gooey inside use a block and grate it yourself for best melt
- Whole milk: ensures a velvety sauce do not substitute with low-fat milk for this recipe
- Unsalted butter: controls the flavor of both sauce and buffalo chicken filling always choose fresh for best results
- All-purpose flour: thickens the cheese sauce and creates the crispy outer coat look for unbleached for a more natural taste
- Salt and black pepper: balance the richness freshly cracked pepper really enhances the cheese
- Cooked chicken breast: finely shredded gives you that classic buffalo chicken texture leftover or rotisserie works great
- Buffalo wing sauce: adds signature tang and spice opt for a brand with real butter for authentic flavor
- Panko breadcrumbs: ensure a super crunchy exterior Japanese panko makes all the difference for crispiness
- Large eggs: help the coating stick to the balls beat thoroughly for best adhesion
- Cooking oil: lets you get that perfect golden fried color choose an oil with high smoke point like vegetable or canola
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
- Boil elbow macaroni in salted water until just al dente Drain thoroughly and set aside so the pasta keeps its shape inside each ball
- Make the Cheese Sauce:
- Melt unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat Sprinkle in all-purpose flour stirring constantly to prevent lumps Cook the mixture for about one minute until it smells slightly nutty
- Thicken the Sauce:
- Gradually whisk in whole milk stirring nonstop As the sauce heats up it will thicken this takes about two to three minutes
- Add Cheese and Seasonings:
- Stir in shredded cheddar cheese along with salt and black pepper Stir gently until the cheese is completely melted and smooth
- Combine Pasta and Cheese Sauce:
- Add the cooked macaroni to the sauce and fold it together so every piece is well coated Spread this mixture onto a baking sheet for even cooling and refrigerate for ten minutes
- Make Buffalo Chicken Center:
- Mix shredded chicken breast with buffalo wing sauce and melted butter in a mixing bowl Stir until the chicken is bright and evenly coated
- Form the Balls:
- Scoop a heaping tablespoon of cooled mac and cheese Flatten it in your hand Place a teaspoon of buffalo chicken mixture in the center Mold the mac and cheese around the chicken sealing it in Repeat until all filling is used
- Freeze the Balls:
- Arrange the balls on a parchment lined tray and freeze about twenty minutes so they hold their shape when coated
- Prepare for Frying:
- Set out three bowls one with flour one with beaten eggs and one with panko breadcrumbs This setup streamlines the coating process
- Coat Each Ball:
- Roll each chilled ball in flour then dip in egg then coat thoroughly with panko breadcrumbs Press gently to adhere the panko for an extra crunch
- Fry to Perfection:
- Heat two inches of oil in a deep pan to three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit Fry the balls in batches making sure not to crowd the pan Turn them to brown evenly Cook for about two to three minutes until golden and crisp Drain on paper towels
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve hot with more buffalo sauce or ranch for dipping These are best enjoyed fresh and crispy
Save I always look forward to adding extra sharp cheddar for that intense cheesy payoff The kids love helping roll the balls and that final crunchy bite is guaranteed to get big smiles every time
Storage Tips
Cool leftovers completely before storing Place in a single layer in an airtight container with parchment between layers so they stay crisp in the fridge up to three days To reheat use an oven or toaster oven at three hundred seventy five degrees until heated through and crispy again The microwave makes them soft You can freeze cooked or uncooked balls for up to three months Thaw in the fridge and reheat in the oven for best texture
Ingredient Substitutions
Try Swiss or Monterey Jack cheese for a milder or slightly nutty flavor Pepper jack brings extra heat Swap rotisserie chicken for freshly cooked for a quicker prep Use gluten free flour and breadcrumbs to accommodate dietary needs making these party friendly for more guests
Serving Suggestions
Serve on a platter with celery sticks and carrot sticks for that classic buffalo touch Offer a trio of dips ranch blue cheese and extra buffalo sauce so everyone gets a custom experience These stand out on appetizer boards alongside other game day treats like sliders or deviled eggs
Cultural Context
This recipe fuses two American favorites mac and cheese and buffalo wings capturing the spirit of game day snacking and crowd pleasing appetizers It has become a staple at Super Bowl parties and potlucks for good reason
Seasonal Adaptations
Add minced green onion or chives for a fresh spring vibe Sprinkle with crumbled bacon for winter gatherings and extra comfort Switch up the dip using herby yogurt sauce in summer for lighter flavor
Success Stories
One reader made these for her tailgate and had strangers asking for the recipe They travel well and hold up for hours after frying Perfect party finger food several friends have used them as a New Years Eve centerpiece and reported rave reviews from adults and kids alike A neighbor used this as a way to get picky eaters to try new flavors and textures with buffalo sauce the familiar mac and cheese made it a hit
Freezer Meal Conversion
Shape and coat the balls as described then freeze on a tray until solid Transfer to freezer bags labeled with the date Fry or bake straight from frozen just add a couple of extra minutes to the cook time This prep ahead trick has saved me so much stress for last minute gatherings
Save Try these for your next celebration for bite-sized comfort food guaranteed to please They freeze well so you always have a delicious snack ready for any last-minute gathering
Kitchen Guide
- → How do you prevent the cheese balls from falling apart during frying?
Chill the shaped balls in the freezer for at least 20 minutes before breading and frying. This firms them up and helps them retain their shape in hot oil.
- → Can you bake instead of fry for a lighter version?
Yes, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15–18 minutes after misting them with oil spray. They’ll be golden and lighter than fried.
- → What’s a good dip to serve with them?
These bites pair deliciously with buffalo sauce, ranch, or blue cheese dressing for added flavor.
- → Can you use store-bought rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken adds convenience and tender texture—just shred finely before combining with buffalo sauce.
- → How can you adjust the heat level?
Reduce buffalo sauce for less spice or substitute with BBQ sauce for a milder, smoky flavor balance.