What ingredients do I need to make Buffalo Chicken Helper from scratch?

To make Buffalo Chicken Helper at home, you will need cooked chicken (shredded or diced), pasta such as elbow macaroni, buffalo wing sauce, cream cheese or a similar creamy base, shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese, garlic powder, and chicken broth. Optional ingredients include diced celery or green onions for extra flavor and crunch. Combining these ingredients creates a spicy, creamy pasta dish reminiscent of the popular boxed version but with fresher, customizable flavors.

How do I make Buffalo Chicken Helper spicy but not too hot?

To control the spice level, start with a milder buffalo wing sauce or use less of the hot sauce and gradually add more to taste. You can also balance the heat by increasing the amount of dairy ingredients like cream cheese or adding sour cream, which helps tone down spiciness. If you want extra flavor without heat, consider adding smoked paprika or a small amount of garlic powder.

Can I prepare Buffalo Chicken Helper in advance and reheat it later?

Yes, Buffalo Chicken Helper can be made ahead. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, warm it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or broth to restore creaminess and prevent drying out. For longer storage, it can be frozen for up to 2 months—thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

What are some easy sides to serve with Buffalo Chicken Helper?

Popular side dishes for Buffalo Chicken Helper include fresh celery and carrot sticks, which complement the spicy flavor and add crunch. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the dish. You might also serve garlic bread or tortilla chips to scoop up any extra sauce, making the meal more satisfying.

Is Buffalo Chicken Helper a kid-friendly meal?

Buffalo Chicken Helper can be kid-friendly if the spice level is adjusted. Use less buffalo sauce or opt for a milder version to suit younger palates. You can also add extra cheese or cream to mellow the heat. This dish provides protein and carbs in one pot, making it a convenient option for family meals that kids often enjoy, especially when served with familiar sides like veggies or fruit.

Buffalo Chicken Helper: 30 Minute One Pot Spicy Dinner

Name: Buffalo Chicken Helper
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: – 2 Tbsp Olive oil; – 2-3 medium Onions, chopped; – 1 lb (≈ 450 g) Chicken breast, boneless skinless, diced; – to taste Salt and black pepper; – 1 tsp Chili powder; – 1 tsp Paprika; – 1 tsp Garlic powder; – 2 cups (≈ 200 g) Short-cut pasta (e.g., penne or rotini); – 1½ cups (≈ 150 g) Fresh broccoli florets, chopped; – 1½ cups (≈ 360 ml) Milk (any drinking variety); – ½ cup (≈ 120 ml) Water; – 1 Tbsp Ketchup; – ¼ cup (≈ 60 ml) Pickled jalapeños, drained and chopped; – ½ cup (≈ 120 ml) Salsa; – ⅓ cup (≈ 80 ml) Hot sauce; – 6 Tbsp (≈ 85 g) Unsalted butter; – 1½-2 cups for stirring (≈ 170-225 g) plus ½ cup for topping (≈ 55 g) Shredded cheddar cheese; – for garnish Green onions, sliced; – for garnish Fresh cilantro, chopped

Description

🔥 This one‑pot Buffalo Chicken Helper packs bold heat and creamy cheese for a quick, satisfying dinner.
🥦 Combined with broccoli and pasta, it delivers a balanced, comforting meal with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

– 2 Tbsp Olive oil

– 2-3 medium Onions, chopped

– 1 lb (≈ 450 g) Chicken breast, boneless skinless, diced

– to taste Salt and black pepper

– 1 tsp Chili powder

– 1 tsp Paprika

– 1 tsp Garlic powder

– 2 cups (≈ 200 g) Short-cut pasta (e.g., penne or rotini)

– 1½ cups (≈ 150 g) Fresh broccoli florets, chopped

– 1½ cups (≈ 360 ml) Milk (any drinking variety)

– ½ cup (≈ 120 ml) Water

– 1 Tbsp Ketchup

– ¼ cup (≈ 60 ml) Pickled jalapeños, drained and chopped

– ½ cup (≈ 120 ml) Salsa

– ⅓ cup (≈ 80 ml) Hot sauce

– 6 Tbsp (≈ 85 g) Unsalted butter

– 1½-2 cups for stirring (≈ 170-225 g) plus ½ cup for topping (≈ 55 g) Shredded cheddar cheese

– for garnish Green onions, sliced

– for garnish Fresh cilantro, chopped

Instructions

1-Alright, let’s dive right in preparing this Buffalo Chicken Helper is as fun as it is easy! First, I start by pre-heating the oven to 425°F (220°C) so everything’s ready to go. Then, in a large oven-safe pot, I heat the olive oil over medium-high heat and add the chopped onions and diced chicken breast, seasoning with salt and pepper before searing until browned, which takes about 10 minutes.

2-Next, I sprinkle in the chili powder, paprika, and garlic powder, stirring for another minute to let those flavors bloom. Now, add the uncooked pasta and chopped broccoli florets, giving it a gentle stir to mix everything together. Pour in the water and milk, stir in the ketchup and a pinch of salt, and bring it to a gentle boil.

3-Reduce the heat and simmer, stirring often, for about 5 minutes until the pasta is al dente you might need to add a bit more liquid if it’s not quite there. Then, mix in the chopped jalapeños, salsa, hot sauce, and butter until it all melts and coats everything nicely. Stir in 1½-2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese until it’s melted and creamy, remove from the heat, and top with the remaining ½ cup of cheese.

4-Finally, pop the pot into the oven and bake for 5-10 minutes until the cheese is melted and lightly golden. Serve it hot, garnished with sliced green onions and chopped cilantro for that fresh finish. For a one-pot buffalo chicken helper recipe like this, I always suggest storing extras for later if you’re meal-prepping just reheat gently to keep it tasty.

Notes

🍗 Let the chicken marinate briefly in the spice mix for extra flavor, even if just 10 minutes.
🌶️ Adjust the heat by varying the amount of hot sauce or jalapeños to suit your tolerance.
🧂 Stir the pasta frequently while it simmers to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: One‑pot bake
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 649

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