There’s something irresistible about the bold, tangy flavor of buffalo chicken. Whether it’s wings, dips, or sandwiches, buffalo chicken holds a special place in our hearts and our kitchens. But if you’re looking to take things up a notch, this Buffalo Chicken Casserole Recipe might just become your new go-to comfort food. Packed with juicy chicken, creamy cheese, tender pasta or potatoes, and just the right amount of heat, this casserole is hearty, satisfying, and surprisingly easy to make.
Whether you’re hosting a party, meal prepping for the week, or simply want a flavorful family dinner, this dish delivers. In this post, we’ll walk you through every step of making the perfect Buffalo Chicken Casserole. Plus, we’ll share tips, variations, and serving ideas that make this recipe truly stand out.
Why You’ll Love This Buffalo Chicken Casserole
- Crowd-pleaser: Great for family dinners, potlucks, or game day spreads.
- Versatile: Swap ingredients to match dietary needs or preferences.
- Easy to make: With simple steps and common ingredients, anyone can cook this dish.
- Make-ahead friendly: Assemble it ahead of time and bake when needed.
Ingredients Breakdown
Here’s what you’ll need for the base recipe:
Main Ingredients:
- 3 cups cooked and shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works well)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup buffalo wing sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
- 1 cup ranch or blue cheese dressing (your choice)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese (optional, for extra gooeyness)
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions
- 3 cups cooked pasta (penne or rotini) OR 3 cups diced cooked potatoes
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Add-ins:
- 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
- 1 cup cooked and chopped bacon
- 1 cup diced celery for crunch
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Dash of cayenne pepper for extra heat
Preparation Steps
Follow these steps for a foolproof Buffalo Chicken Casserole:
1. Preheat and Prep
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish.
2. Cook Your Base
- If not already cooked, prepare your pasta or potatoes. Drain well.
- Set aside to cool slightly.
3. Make the Buffalo Sauce Mixture
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, buffalo sauce, and ranch or blue cheese dressing. Mix until smooth.
4. Combine Everything
- Add shredded chicken, cooked pasta or potatoes, green onions, and optional ingredients to the sauce mixture.
- Stir in 1.5 cups of cheddar cheese and mozzarella (if using).
- Mix until fully combined.
5. Assemble the Casserole
- Pour the mixture into the prepared casserole dish.
- Sprinkle remaining cheddar cheese evenly on top.
6. Bake
- Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until bubbly and lightly golden on top.
- Remove from oven and let it sit for 5–10 minutes before serving.
Expert Tips for Perfect Results
- Cream cheese tip: Soften your cream cheese to room temperature for easier mixing.
- Pasta alternative: Cauliflower florets make a great low-carb substitute.
- Spice level: Adjust the buffalo sauce to your heat preference.
- Make it crispy: Top with breadcrumbs or crushed crackers for a crunchy topping.
Variations to Try
- Keto Buffalo Chicken Casserole: Replace pasta/potatoes with steamed cauliflower or zucchini noodles.
- Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Casserole: Swap pasta for frozen tater tots and bake until crispy.
- Vegetarian Version: Use plant-based chicken and dairy-free cheese.
- Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese: Double the cheese, use elbow macaroni, and skip the celery.
How to Store and Reheat
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave in portions.
Serving Suggestions
- Sides: Pair with a simple green salad or roasted veggies.
- Toppings: Drizzle with ranch or blue cheese dressing and sprinkle fresh herbs.
- Drinks: A cold beer or lemonade complements the spicy, creamy flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Buffalo Chicken Casserole Recipe is the ultimate way to enjoy your favorite flavors in one easy, satisfying dish. With plenty of room for customization and a crowd-pleasing taste, it’s bound to become a staple in your meal rotation. Whether you’re looking to spice up your weeknight dinners or bring something bold to the potluck table, this casserole is a guaranteed hit.
Buffalo Chicken Casserole Recipe
Description
This bold and creamy Buffalo Chicken Casserole is the perfect fusion of spicy buffalo chicken and hearty comfort food. Packed with shredded chicken, cheesy goodness, and a kick of hot sauce, it’s a one-dish wonder that’s easy to make and irresistibly satisfying. Ideal for game day, meal prep, or a cozy family dinner.
Ingredients
For the Base
For the Topping
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and set aside.
Mix the Creamy Buffalo Sauce
- In a large mixing bowl, combine buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, sour cream, softened cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth.
Combine Main Ingredients
- Add cooked shredded chicken, pasta, and 1.5 cups of shredded cheddar cheese into the buffalo mixture. Stir everything together until well coated.
Transfer to Casserole Dish
- Pour the entire mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
Add the Topping
- In a small bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs with melted butter. Sprinkle over the casserole, then top with remaining cheddar cheese and optional blue cheese crumbles.
Bake
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top.
Cool and Garnish
- Let rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped chives or green onions.
Note
Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in microwave or oven.
Make-Ahead: Assemble casserole and refrigerate overnight. Add topping just before baking.
Variations: Swap pasta for cooked rice or cauliflower rice for a low-carb version. Add chopped celery or bell peppers for crunch.
Spice Level: Adjust buffalo sauce quantity or use mild/hot versions based on your heat preference.
