Name: Buffalo Chicken Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups cooked shredded chicken; 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce; 8 ounces cream cheese (softened); 1/2 cup ranch dressing; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 2 cups cooked elbow macaroni or cauliflower florets; 2 green onions (sliced); Salt and black pepper to taste; Chopped parsley or additional green onions for garnish (optional)

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Get ready to fall in love with comfort food all over again with this Buffalo Chicken Casserole Recipe! It’s the perfect marriage of spicy buffalo chicken, creamy ranch, and melty cheese all tucked into a warming casserole that’s as easy to put together as it is irresistible. Whether you’re feeding a crowd on game day or just looking to spice up a weeknight dinner, this crowd-pleasing meal is sure to become a fast favorite at your table.

Buffalo Chicken Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Buffalo Chicken Casserole Recipe pulls its weight, combining to create an explosion of flavor, texture, and comfort. You’ll love how straightforward the shopping list is, yet the payoff is anything but ordinary.

Cooked shredded chicken: Rotisserie chicken keeps things quick, juicy, and packs in tons of savory flavor.
Bottled buffalo wing sauce: The star of the show, giving your casserole that punchy, signature heat.
Softened cream cheese: Brings ultra-creamy richness and tames the spice just enough.
Ranch dressing: Infuses the dish with tangy, herby notes that balance out the bold buffalo sauce perfectly.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Delivers that classic sharp, gooey cheese pull everyone craves.
Shredded mozzarella cheese: Adds stretch and subtle creaminess to the cheesy topping.
Cooked elbow macaroni or cauliflower florets: The base for your casserole—use pasta for classic comfort, or cauliflower for a lower-carb twist.
Sliced green onions: Sprinkle in freshness, mild bite, and a burst of color.
Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning and coaxing out every last bit of flavor.
Chopped parsley or additional green onions: The perfect finishing touch for a pop of green and a little extra flair.

How to Make Buffalo Chicken Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Fire up your oven to 375°F. Getting it nice and hot ensures your casserole bakes evenly and gets bubbly without drying out. While it preheats, grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and make for easy serving later.

Step 2: Stir Together the Creamy Base

In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked shredded chicken, buffalo wing sauce, softened cream cheese, and ranch dressing. Stir these together until the mixture is buttery-smooth and fully combined, making sure every bite gets coated with that creamy, spicy goodness.

Step 3: Add the Cheeses and Mix-Ins

Toss in your cooked macaroni (or cauliflower for the low-carb version), cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, and those fresh sliced green onions. Mix everything together thoroughly, so the cheese starts to melt into the mixture and the green onions get evenly distributed. Season generously with salt and black pepper to taste.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

Scoop the mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. This step might look humble now, but just wait until it hits the oven—the scent alone will let everyone know something extra special is on the menu tonight.

Step 5: Bake and Finish

Bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the casserole is hot and bubbling around the edges. If you’d like a crispier, golden top, add an extra sprinkle of cheese and broil for a couple minutes right at the end. Let it rest for 5 minutes to set up before garnishing with chopped parsley or extra green onions and serving up generous scoops!

How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

For that finishing restaurant-worthy touch, sprinkle your Buffalo Chicken Casserole Recipe with a flurry of fresh chopped parsley or extra sliced green onions. The pop of color makes each serving look as irresistible as it tastes and adds a fresh contrast to the rich, cheesy casserole.

Side Dishes

This casserole is satisfyingly rich, so pair it with something crisp and cool! A green salad tossed in vinaigrette, celery sticks, or some crunchy carrot coins make for refreshing sidekicks that balance the heat. If you want to keep it hearty, serve with roasted vegetables or garlic bread.

Creative Ways to Present

Spoon the casserole into individual ramekins for party-perfect single servings, or offer it as a show-stopping main course for a potluck. You could even stuff spoonfuls into bell pepper halves or bake in mini muffin tins for fun, bite-sized appetizers with all the same big flavors!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers are a breeze! Let your Buffalo Chicken Casserole Recipe cool to room temperature, then cover tightly with foil or transfer to an airtight container. It keeps in the fridge for up to three days, making it perfect for quick lunches or busy weeknights.

Freezing

If you want to freeze for later, assemble the casserole but don’t bake it. Wrap the dish securely in plastic wrap and foil, then stash it in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes as needed.

Reheating

For best results, reheat portions in the oven at 350°F, covered loosely with foil to keep everything moist and melty. You can also microwave individual servings, but the oven is the way to go for reviving that bubbly, cheesy topping!

FAQs

Can I make Buffalo Chicken Casserole Recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble everything up to a day ahead, cover, and refrigerate. When you’re ready, simply bake as directed. It’s a real timesaver for entertaining or busy nights.

Is it possible to make this gluten-free?

Definitely! Just use gluten-free pasta, or opt for steamed cauliflower florets for a naturally gluten-free, low-carb base. Double-check your buffalo sauce and ranch dressing labels for hidden gluten, just to be safe.

What’s the best chicken to use?

Rotisserie or leftover roast chicken is ideal, but any cooked, shredded chicken (including poached or baked breasts or thighs) will work beautifully in this Buffalo Chicken Casserole Recipe.

How can I make this dish spicier?

Bump up the heat by choosing a hotter buffalo sauce or adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mix. For true spice lovers, a few dashes of hot sauce over the top before serving works wonders!

Can I add other veggies or mix-ins?

Absolutely! Stir in chopped bell peppers, frozen peas, or a handful of corn for added flavor, crunch, and color. The casserole is endlessly adaptable to whatever you have on hand.

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to give this Buffalo Chicken Casserole Recipe a try! It’s such a cozy, flavorful twist on classic buffalo chicken, and it always brings rave reviews at my table. Grab these simple ingredients, get creative with your favorite mix-ins, and watch this comforting casserole become an instant family favorite!

Buffalo Chicken Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 29 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the spicy and cheesy goodness of this Buffalo Chicken Casserole. Packed with shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, cream cheese, and cheddar, this dish is a flavorful twist on a classic comfort food.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Casserole:

3 cups cooked shredded chicken
1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce
8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
1/2 cup ranch dressing
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
2 cups cooked elbow macaroni or cauliflower florets
2 green onions (sliced)
Salt and black pepper to taste
Chopped parsley or additional green onions for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F.
Prepare the filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, softened cream cheese, and ranch dressing. Mix until creamy.
Add remaining ingredients: Stir in the cooked macaroni or cauliflower, cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, and green onions. Season with salt and pepper.
Bake: Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. Bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly.
Rest and garnish: Let it rest for 5 minutes before garnishing with parsley or green onions.