Buffalo Chicken Mac Burrito – The Ultimate Flavor Bomb

If you love bold flavors, cheesy goodness, and spicy heat, then the Buffalo Chicken Mac Burrito is your next must-try meal. This epic creation combines crispy fried chicken, creamy mac and cheese, fiery buffalo sauce, and crunchy waffle fries, all wrapped in a buttery grilled tortilla. It’s the ultimate comfort food with a spicy twist, inspired by the famous version from Elm Street Diner in Norwalk, Connecticut.

In this article, we’ll break down how to make this over-the-top burrito at home (Buffalo Chicken Mac Burrito), with step-by-step instructions, pro tips, and a few delicious variations. Get ready to elevate your burrito game!
Buffalo Chicken Mac Burrito – The Ultimate Flavor Bomb

Ingredients
To recreate this masterpiece, you’ll need:
For the Fried Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 egg
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Mac & Cheese:
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Waffle Fries:
- 1 cup frozen waffle fries
- Salt to taste
For the Fried Mozzarella Bites:
- 8 oz mozzarella cheese, cut into cubes
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 egg, beaten
- ½ cup flour
- Oil for frying
For the Buffalo Sauce:
- ½ cup hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon honey
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
For Assembly:
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup ranch dressing
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (optional)
- 2 tablespoons butter (for grilling)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Make the Fried Chicken
- In a bowl, soak the chicken breasts in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for extra tenderness).
- In a separate bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne.
- Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, let the excess drip off, then coat it in the flour mixture. Dip it in a beaten egg, then coat it again in the flour mixture for extra crispiness.
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan to 350°F. Fry the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Drain on a paper towel and chop into bite-sized pieces.
2. Prepare the Mac & Cheese
- Cook the macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute.
- Gradually add milk and heavy cream, whisking until smooth. Cook for 2-3 minutes until thickened.
- Stir in shredded cheddar cheese, salt, and black pepper until melted and creamy. Add the cooked macaroni and mix well.
3. Cook the Waffle Fries
- Bake or air-fry waffle fries according to package instructions until crispy.
4. Make the Fried Mozzarella Bites
- In a small bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder.
- Coat the mozzarella cubes in flour, dip them in the beaten egg, then coat them with the breadcrumb mixture.
- Heat oil to 350°F and fry until golden brown, about 30 seconds per side. Drain on paper towels.
5. Prepare the Buffalo Sauce
- In a bowl, whisk together hot sauce, melted butter, honey, and garlic powder. Set aside.
6. Assemble the Burrito
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Butter one side of each tortilla.
- Flip the tortilla over (buttered side down) and sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese in the center.
- Add chopped fried chicken, a drizzle of buffalo sauce, fried mozzarella bites, waffle fries, and a generous scoop of mac and cheese. Drizzle with ranch dressing and more buffalo sauce.
- Carefully fold in the sides, then roll it up tightly into a burrito.
7. Grill the Burrito
- Heat a skillet over medium heat. Place the burrito seam-side down and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, pressing gently until golden brown and crispy.
8. Garnish & Serve
- Slice the burrito in half and drizzle with extra buffalo sauce.
- Garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh touch.
Pro Tips for the Best Buffalo Chicken Mac Burrito
✅ Double Coating for Extra Crunch – Dipping the chicken in flour, then egg, then flour again ensures an ultra-crispy texture.
✅ Use Freshly Grated Cheese – Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting. Grate your own for the creamiest mac and cheese.
✅ Air Fry the Waffle Fries – This keeps them extra crispy without excess grease.
✅ Wrap Tightly – A loose burrito will fall apart. Roll it firmly and grill it seam-side down first to seal everything in.
✅ Use a Syringe for Extra Buffalo Sauce – Just like the viral version, injecting buffalo sauce into the burrito takes it over the top.
Variations & Customizations
- Spicy Lover’s Edition – Add sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of sriracha for extra heat.
- BBQ Twist – Swap buffalo sauce for BBQ sauce and use smoked gouda in the mac and cheese.
- Veggie Option – Use crispy cauliflower bites instead of chicken for a vegetarian-friendly version.
- Extra Crunch – Add crushed Doritos or hot Cheetos inside the burrito for a unique texture.
The Buffalo Chicken Mac Burrito is the perfect fusion of comfort food and bold flavors. Whether you’re making it for game day, a weekend indulgence, or just because you love epic food, this burrito will blow your mind. Try it out and take your taste buds on a wild ride!
Would you make this at home? Let us know how it turns out!