Description
These Loaded Buffalo Mac & Cheese Nuggets are the ultimate party appetizer—spicy, cheesy, and crisped to perfection. Made with real cheese, shredded chicken, and fiery Buffalo sauce, they’re a bold twist on comfort food.
Ingredients
2 cups cooked elbow macaroni
1 cup shredded rotisserie chicken
1 cup sharp cheddar, shredded
1/2 cup mozzarella, shredded
2 oz cream cheese
1/3 cup Buffalo sauce
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1 cup flour
2 eggs, beaten
1.5 cups breadcrumbs
Oil for frying or spray for baking
Instructions
1. Mix macaroni, chicken, cheeses, Buffalo sauce, and seasonings until combined.
2. Chill mixture for 30 minutes, then shape into small balls.
3. Place on a tray and freeze for 1 hour until firm.
4. Set up breading station with flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs.
5. Coat each nugget in flour, then egg, then breadcrumbs.
6. For frying: Heat oil to 350°F and fry 2–3 minutes per side.
7. For baking: Preheat oven to 400°F and bake 20–25 minutes.
8. For air fryer: Cook at 375°F for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway.
9. Serve with ranch or blue cheese dip.
Notes
Freeze unbaked nuggets for up to 2 months.
Use gluten-free breadcrumbs for a GF version.
Swap chicken for cauliflower for vegetarian option.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Fried, Baked, or Air Fried
- Cuisine: American, Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2–3 nuggets
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 290mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 30mg