Buffalo Chicken Casserole Recipe

Buffalo Chicken Casserole is a hearty, flavorful dish that takes the beloved spicy, tangy profile of Buffalo wings and transforms it into a comforting casserole. It combines tender chicken, creamy sauce, and zesty Buffalo flavor, all layered together for an irresistible meal. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner, a family-friendly dish, or something to serve at your next gathering, this casserole is sure to satisfy everyone at the table.

This dish combines the best elements of comfort food with the bold flavors of Buffalo chicken, making it a crowd-pleasing favorite. Perfect for those who love spicy foods, this casserole is ideal for pairing with side dishes like garlic bread, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad. You can even add some crispy bacon or blue cheese to elevate the dish further.

In this recipe, we’ll guide you through the steps of making Buffalo Chicken Casserole from scratch, along with tips, variations, and serving suggestions. Whether you’re a beginner in the kitchen or an experienced cook, this recipe will help you create a dish full of flavor and comforting warmth.

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the casserole will bake at the right temperature and result in a golden, bubbly, and perfectly melted dish.

Step 2: Cook and Shred the Chicken

If you are using raw chicken breasts or thighs:

1. Heat a pot of water over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts or thighs and cook for about 20 minutes until fully cooked (internal temperature should be 165°F or 74°C).
2. Shred the chicken using two forks, or if you prefer, chop it into small bite-sized pieces.

Alternatively, you can save time by using a store-bought rotisserie chicken. Simply remove the skin and bones, then shred the meat into bite-sized pieces.

Step 3: Prepare the Pasta

Boil your pasta according to package directions until it is al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside. If you want to add a veggie element, now’s the perfect time to cook and chop your broccoli florets. If you’re using frozen broccoli, steam it according to the package directions.

Step 4: Make the Buffalo Sauce

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir for about 30 seconds to allow the spices to bloom in the butter. Next, add the Buffalo sauce, ranch dressing (or blue cheese dressing), and sour cream. Stir everything together and allow the sauce to simmer for about 2-3 minutes until it’s well combined and slightly thickened.

Taste the sauce to check the seasoning and add more salt, pepper, or hot sauce if you want it spicier. The combination of ranch or blue cheese dressing and sour cream balances the heat from the Buffalo sauce, giving it a creamy and slightly tangy flavor profile.

Step 5: Combine the Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cooked pasta, cooked broccoli, and 1 cup of each shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Pour the Buffalo sauce over the top and mix everything together until it’s fully coated with the creamy sauce. You can add in chopped celery here if you want a bit of crunch in every bite.

Step 6: Assemble the Casserole

Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil. Pour the Buffalo chicken mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

Step 7: Prepare the Topping

In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and melted butter. Stir until the breadcrumbs are fully coated. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the casserole. The breadcrumbs will bake into a crispy, golden topping.

Step 8: Bake the Casserole

Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly. If you prefer a crispier topping, broil it for an additional 1-2 minutes at the end of the cooking time, but be sure to watch it carefully so the breadcrumbs don’t burn.

Step 9: Garnish and Serve

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped green onions and crumbled blue cheese (optional) for added flavor and freshness. Serve with additional celery sticks, if desired, to give a crunchy and refreshing contrast to the heat of the casserole.

Serving Suggestions

Buffalo Chicken Casserole is a flavorful, rich dish that can stand on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with various side dishes:

1. Garlic Bread: The rich, buttery flavors of garlic bread complement the spiciness of the Buffalo chicken and make it easy to scoop up any leftover sauce.
2. Garden Salad: A crisp, fresh salad with a light vinaigrette dressing offers a refreshing contrast to the rich casserole.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Roasted carrots, zucchini, or Brussels sprouts add a healthy and flavorful side dish.
4. French Fries or Potato Wedges: For a more indulgent side, crispy fries or roasted potato wedges are the perfect pairing.

Tips for Success

1. Shredding the Chicken: If you’re in a rush, you can use a stand mixer or hand mixer to quickly shred the cooked chicken. Just place the cooked chicken in the mixer bowl and use the paddle attachment on low speed for a couple of seconds.

2. Making It Spicier: If you love heat, add extra hot sauce to the Buffalo sauce or sprinkle red pepper flakes on top before baking. You can also mix in a little extra cayenne pepper to make the casserole fiery.

3. Texture Variations: For added texture, try mixing in some chopped bacon, crumbled tortilla chips, or roasted chickpeas. These ingredients will give a fun crunch to the dish and elevate the flavor.

4. Make Ahead Option: You can prepare the casserole in advance and refrigerate it before baking. Simply assemble the casserole and cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil. When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C), remove the cover, and bake for 30-35 minutes until heated through.

5. Freezing Instructions: To freeze the casserole, assemble it as usual, but instead of baking it, cover it tightly and place it in the freezer. It will keep for up to 3 months. When ready to cook, bake the frozen casserole at 375°F (190°C) for 45-60 minutes, or until bubbly and heated through.

Variations

1. Gluten-Free Buffalo Chicken Casserole:

   • Use gluten-free pasta and ensure the breadcrumbs are gluten-free as well. There are many options for gluten-free panko breadcrumbs available in stores.

2. Low-Carb Buffalo Chicken Casserole:

   • Substitute the pasta with zucchini noodles (zoodles) or cauliflower rice for a low-carb version of this casserole. The cauliflower rice works especially well to mimic the texture of the pasta while keeping the dish healthy and light.

3. Vegan Buffalo Chicken Casserole:

   • For a vegan version, swap out the chicken for a plant-based protein, such as tempeh or chickpeas. Use vegan cheese and sour cream in place of the dairy products. You can find vegan Buffalo sauce and dressing at most grocery stores to keep the flavor intact.

4. Buffalo Chicken and Rice Casserole:

   • Instead of pasta, use cooked rice for a slightly different texture and flavor. The rice will absorb the Buffalo sauce and give the casserole a comforting, hearty feel.

5. Adding Extra Vegetables:

   • If you want to add more veggies, consider adding diced bell peppers, spinach, or even corn to the casserole for extra flavor and nutrition. These vegetables blend in well with the creamy Buffalo sauce.

Conclusion

Buffalo Chicken Casserole is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines all the elements you love about Buffalo wings in a creamy, cheesy casserole form. It’s perfect for any occasion, from a weeknight dinner to a game-day feast, and its versatility allows you to customize it to suit your taste. Whether you make it spicy, tangy, or with extra veggies, you’re sure to have a dish that everyone will love.

By following the detailed steps, tips, and variations in this recipe, you can create a dish that will impress your family and friends every time. Enjoy the bold flavors of Buffalo sauce and creamy cheese in every bite of this delicious casserole!

Yield: 6

Buffalo Chicken Casserole Recipe

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Buffalo Chicken Casserole is a hearty, flavorful dish that takes the beloved spicy, tangy profile of Buffalo wings and transforms it into a comforting casserole. It combines tender chicken, creamy sauce, and zesty Buffalo flavor, all layered together for an irresistible meal. Whether you're looking for a weeknight dinner, a family-friendly dish, or something to serve at your next gathering, this casserole is sure to satisfy everyone at the table.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 3 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced)
• 1 cup cooked rice (white, brown, or cauliflower rice)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of cheddar and mozzarella)
• 1/2 cup ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing (your choice)
• 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce (adjust based on heat preference)
• 1/2 cup frozen or fresh corn kernels (optional)
• 1/2 cup chopped green onions (optional)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (for topping)
• 2 tablespoons melted butter (for topping)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven:
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
   
2. Prepare the casserole mixture:
   In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cooked rice, ranch or blue cheese dressing, buffalo wing sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir in the shredded cheese, frozen or fresh corn, and chopped green onions (if using).
   
3. Transfer to the baking dish:
   Pour the chicken and rice mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
   
4. Prepare the topping:
   In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with the melted butter. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the casserole.
   
5. Bake the casserole:
   Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly, and the top is golden brown and crispy.
   
6. Serve:
   Once the casserole is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with extra green onions or a drizzle of ranch/blue cheese dressing, if desired. Serve warm.

Notes

• Chicken: You can use rotisserie chicken for a quick option, or cook and shred chicken breasts or thighs.
• Rice alternatives: You can swap the rice for quinoa, cauliflower rice, or even pasta for a different twist.
• Buffalo sauce level: Adjust the amount of buffalo sauce to suit your spice tolerance. For a milder flavor, use less sauce or add a bit more ranch dressing.
• Make it ahead: You can prepare this casserole ahead of time and store it in the fridge (unbaked) for up to 1 day. When ready to bake, just pop it in the oven and add an extra 5 minutes to the cooking time.
• Toppings: Add a dollop of sour cream or extra crumbled blue cheese on top when serving for extra flavor.