Buffalo Chicken Quinoa Mac and Cheese

Buffalo Chicken Quinoa Mac and Cheese is a gluten free, protein-packed, spicy alternative to classic mac and cheese!

Craving mac and cheese on the lighter side — plus a little spice?

Behold my gluten free, protein-packed, sizzling Buffalo Chicken Quinoa Mac and Cheese.

Oh yes I did!

A lighter cheese sauce made with flour, milk (not cream!), and freshly shredded cheddar cheese combines with cooked quinoa, chopped chicken, and a drizzle of spicy, buttery buffalo sauce.

It is just as good as it sounds!

All the craveable flavors of mac and cheese, plus the protein and health benefits of quinoa, and sizzling buffalo chicken.

What’s not to love?

Start by cooking 1-1/4 cups rinsed quinoa in water until tender — follow the package directions.

Meanwhile, season 1 chicken breast with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper then saute it in a skillet with nonstick spray. Chop the chicken into bite sized pieces then set it aside.

Next make the cheesy sauce that binds everything together. Start by whisking together milk and flour in a medium-sized skillet or saucepan over medium heat.

Add more milk plus sliced green onions then bring the mixture to a simmer while stirring constantly.

Simmer the mixture for one minute then remove it from the heat and stir in buffalo sauce plus freshly shredded cheddar cheese.

Stir the mixture until the cheese has completely melted, then add the cooked quinoa and chopped chicken.

Pour the mixture into a nonstick-sprayed casserole dish then dot the top with tangy goat cheese. This is my nod to the classic bleu cheese and buffalo flavor combo – I just happen to despise blue cheese!

Broil until golden brown and bubbly then let the quinoa mac and cheese sit for at least 15 minutes to thicken up before serving…if you can wait that long!

I love how the poppy quinoa and bites of chicken give the Buffalo Chicken Quinoa Mac and Cheese texture, while the buffalo sauce and chevre give it such a unique flavor. This is such a treat!

Buffalo Chicken Quinoa Mac and Cheese

5 from 1 vote

by Kristin Porter

Prep: 10

Cook: 20

Total: 30

Servings: 6

GF EF

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Buffalo Chicken Quinoa Mac and Cheese is a gluten free, protein-packed, spicy alternative to classic mac and cheese!

Ingredients

1-1/4 cups quinoa, pre-rinsed
1 chicken breast, pounded to an even thickness
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
salt and pepper
2 Tablespoons gluten free flour
1-1/2 cups 2% milk, divided
2 green onions, chopped
6 Tablespoons Frank’s Buffalo Wing Sauce
1-1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/4 cup goat cheese, crumbled

Directions

Cook quinoa according to package directions then set aside.
Heat a small skillet over medium-high heat then spray with nonstick spray. Season the chicken breast on both sides with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper, then saute for 3-4 min per side or until cooked through. Let the chicken breast rest for 10 minutes then chop into bite-sized pieces and set aside.
Heat a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat. Add the flour and 1/2 cup milk then whisk to combine. Whisk in the remaining milk, and green onions then switch to a spatula and turn the heat up slightly to bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring constantly. Turn the heat back down to medium then simmer gently for 1 minute while stirring.
Remove the pan from the heat then add the buffalo sauce and cheddar cheese. Stir until the cheese is smooth and melted then add the cooked quinoa and chicken and stir to combine.
Preheat the broiler. Pour the chicken and quinoa mixture into a nonstick sprayed baking dish then top with chevre. Broil for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is golden brown and the sauce is bubbly. Let the dish sit for 15 minutes before scooping into bowls then serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 255kcal, Carbohydrates: 28g, Protein: 15g, Fat: 9g, Saturated Fat: 4g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 2g, Trans Fat: 0.1g, Cholesterol: 31mg, Sodium: 608mg, Potassium: 375mg, Fiber: 3g, Sugar: 3g, Vitamin A: 303IU, Vitamin C: 1mg, Calcium: 171mg, Iron: 2mg

Nutritional values are estimates only. Please read our full nutrition information disclaimer.

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