Buffalo Chicken Skillet Casserole Recipe

Buffalo chicken is a beloved dish with its perfect combination of spicy, tangy heat and rich, creamy textures. Whether served as wings, sandwiches, or dip, the bold flavors are irresistible. This Buffalo Chicken Skillet Casserole takes everything you love about buffalo chicken and transforms it into a comforting, one-pan meal that is easy to prepare, hearty, and family-friendly.

With tender chicken, creamy ranch dressing, spicy buffalo sauce, and a golden, cheesy topping, this casserole is perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or even game day gatherings. It’s a delicious blend of flavors and textures that will satisfy your cravings for spicy, cheesy comfort food.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. One-Pan Meal: This casserole is made in one skillet, making cleanup a breeze.
2. Cheesy and Creamy: The combination of melted cheese and creamy ranch dressing makes this dish decadent and delicious.
3. Spicy and Tangy: The buffalo sauce brings the perfect level of heat and tanginess to complement the richness of the cheese and ranch.
4. Quick and Easy: With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, this casserole is ready in under an hour.
5. Perfect for Leftovers: Make it ahead of time and enjoy it for multiple meals.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Cook the Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil or butter in a large cast iron skillet or oven-safe pan over medium heat. Add the diced chicken breast (or thighs) to the pan. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it is browned on all sides and fully cooked through.
2. Set Aside: Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. You can use the same pan for the rest of the recipe to retain the flavorful bits from cooking the chicken.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

1. Sauté the Onion and Garlic: In the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook over medium heat for about 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 3: Combine the Chicken and Sauce

1. Add the Chicken Back to the Skillet: Return the cooked chicken to the pan with the sautéed onions and garlic. Stir everything together to combine.
2. Add the Buffalo Sauce and Ranch Dressing: Pour in the buffalo sauce and ranch dressing. Stir to coat the chicken and onions in the creamy, spicy sauce. Let everything simmer for 2-3 minutes on low heat, allowing the flavors to meld together.
3. Optional – Add Rice or Corn: If you’re using rice or corn, add them to the skillet at this stage. Stir until well incorporated.

Step 4: Add the Cheese

1. Add the Shredded Cheeses: Sprinkle both mozzarella cheese and cheddar cheese over the chicken mixture. Stir until the cheese is evenly distributed and starts to melt, creating a creamy texture.
2. Simmer Until Combined: Let the mixture simmer on low heat for another 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted and the sauce is thickened.

Step 5: Prepare the Topping

1. Make the Topping: In a small mixing bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, Parmesan cheese, and paprika. Stir to combine, making sure the breadcrumbs are coated with the butter and cheese.
2. Add Topping to Casserole: Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the chicken and cheese mixture in the skillet.

Step 6: Bake the Casserole

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Bake: Place the skillet in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes or until the breadcrumbs are golden brown and the casserole is bubbling at the edges.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

1. Garnish: Once the casserole is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped green onions for a fresh burst of flavor. If you’re a fan of blue cheese, sprinkle some crumbled blue cheese on top for an extra creamy and tangy finish.
2. Serve: Serve the casserole immediately with your favorite sides. It pairs well with a fresh green salad, steamed vegetables, or even a side of crispy baked fries for an indulgent meal.

Tips for Success

1. Use Leftover Chicken: This recipe is a great way to repurpose leftover rotisserie chicken or cooked chicken breasts. Simply shred or dice the chicken and add it to the pan in place of fresh chicken.
2. Adjust Spice Levels: If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of buffalo sauce and mix in a little more ranch dressing to balance the heat. Conversely, if you love extra spice, increase the buffalo sauce or add some chili flakes.
3. Add Vegetables: Add more vegetables for extra nutrition and flavor. Bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini work well in this casserole.
4. Make It Low-Carb: Skip the rice and corn for a low-carb version, or substitute cauliflower rice for a lighter option.
5. Double the Recipe: This casserole is great for feeding a crowd, so consider doubling the recipe and baking it in a larger skillet or baking dish.

Variations

1. Buffalo Chicken with Bacon: Add crisp bacon bits to the casserole for an added smoky, savory flavor that pairs wonderfully with the spicy buffalo sauce.
2. Buffalo Chicken with Blue Cheese: For a classic buffalo chicken flavor, add crumbled blue cheese into the sauce mixture or sprinkle it over the top before baking.
3. Vegetarian Option: Swap the chicken for tofu or chickpeas for a plant-based version that still packs tons of flavor.
4. Cheesy Garlic Parmesan: Add garlic powder and extra Parmesan cheese to the breadcrumb topping for an added burst of flavor.
5. Spicy Ranch: Make a spicy ranch dressing by mixing ranch dressing with a little extra hot sauce for a zesty twist.

Final Thoughts

The Buffalo Chicken Skillet Casserole is an ideal meal for those who crave bold, zesty flavors combined with the comforting textures of a cheesy casserole. The combination of tender chicken, spicy buffalo sauce, creamy ranch, and melted cheese creates a rich and savory dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table. Plus, it’s versatile enough to be customized with your favorite ingredients, making it a perfect dish for any occasion.

Yield: 4

Buffalo Chicken Skillet Casserole Recipe

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Buffalo chicken is a beloved dish with its perfect combination of spicy, tangy heat and rich, creamy textures. Whether served as wings, sandwiches, or dip, the bold flavors are irresistible. This Buffalo Chicken Skillet Casserole takes everything you love about buffalo chicken and transforms it into a comforting, one-pan meal that is easy to prepare, hearty, and family-friendly.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes

Total Time 40 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cubed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup cooked rice (or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option)
• 1/2 cup buffalo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1/2 cup ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese (optional, for added flavor)
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions or cilantro (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken
   Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
   Add the cubed chicken breast (or thighs) and season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika (if using).
   Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through.
   Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
   
2. Sauté the Vegetables
   In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook for about 3-4 minutes, until softened.
   Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
   
3. Assemble the Casserole
   Add the cooked rice (or cauliflower rice) to the skillet with the onions and garlic. Stir to combine.
   Pour in the buffalo sauce and ranch or blue cheese dressing, stirring to coat evenly.
   Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, mixing it into the rice and sauce mixture.
   Top the casserole with shredded cheddar cheese, mozzarella, and crumbled blue cheese (if using).
   
4. Bake the Casserole
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
   Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
   
5. Garnish and Serve
   Remove the skillet from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
   Garnish with chopped green onions or cilantro for a fresh touch.
   Serve immediately and enjoy your Buffalo Chicken Skillet Casserole!

Notes

Rice Options: You can substitute the rice with quinoa, pasta, or even mashed cauliflower for a low-carb alternative.

Buffalo Sauce: Adjust the amount of buffalo sauce to your desired spice level. For a milder version, use a combination of buffalo sauce and ranch dressing.

Cheese Variations: Feel free to mix in other cheeses like gouda, Monterey Jack, or cream cheese for a creamier texture.