Dinner, Lunch, Side Dishes
Buffalo Chik’n Mac n’ Cheese
Recipe by Ninja Test Kitchen
Tip: Cooking Mode
Try our super simple cooking mode. Ideal when you’re busy running around the kitchen
This plant based chicken macaroni and cheese is the ultimate comfort food for vegetarians and vegans. Soy curls are a terrific plant-based chik’n, but frozen plant-based chik’n strips work great, too! For the plant-based milk, try soy or oat for an especially creamy texture.
Compatible with
Cooking mode
Step-by-step instruction without your screen going to sleep
LEVEL 1 (BOTTOM OF POT)
- 2 tablespoons vegan butter, divided
- 2 cloves garlic, peeled, minced
- 1/2 cup diced celery
- 12 ounces dry elbow macaroni
- 1 3/4 cup vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce, divided
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup plant-based milk
- 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
LEVEL 2 (TOP LAYER OF RACK)
- 4 ounces dry soy curls (or 12 ounces/360g vegan chicken strips)
- 2 cups warm water
TOPPING (optional)
- 1/4 cup vegan ranch dressing
Utensils
- Aluminum Foil
- Small Bowl
- Silicone-Tipped Tongs
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Step 1
In a small bowl, add all Level 2 ingredients. Set aside to rehydrate, about 8 to 10 minutes.
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Step 2
Close lid and move slider to AIR FRY/STOVETOP. Select SEAR/SAUTÉ and set to 4. Open lid and select START/STOP to begin preheating. Allow unit to preheat for 5 minutes.
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Step 3
After 5 minutes, add butter to pot. Once it melts, add garlic and celery and sauté until softened, about 3 minutes.
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Step 4
Add the macaroni, vegetable broth, and 1/4 cup Buffalo sauce to the pot and stir to combine.
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Step 5
Drain the soy curls and return to the small bowl. Add the garlic powder, remaining butter, and remaining 1/4 cup Buffalo sauce and stir to combine.
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Step 6
Place the bottom layer of the Deluxe Reversible Rack in the higher position and cover with aluminum foil, then place the rack in the pot. Place the soy curls on the rack.
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Step 7
Close the lid and move slider to STEAMCRISP. Select STEAM & CRISP, set temperature to 450°F and set time to 15 minutes. Press START/STOP to begin cooking (PrE will display for approx. 6 minutes as the unit steams, then the timer will start counting down).
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Step 8
After cooking for 7 minutes, open the lid, toss the soy curls with silicone-tipped tongs, close the lid, and continue cooking.
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Step 9
When cooking is complete, remove the rack with the soy curls. Add the soy curls to the macaroni, along with the plant-based milk and nutritional yeast. Stir until evenly combined.
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Step 10
Close lid and move slider to AIR FRY/STOVETOP. Select SEAR/SAUTÉ and set to 4. Open lid and select START/STOP to begin cooking. Cook for an additional 3 minutes.
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Step 11
Serve macaroni with a drizzle of vegan ranch dressing.
