If you love the spicy kick of buffalo wings but want something hearty, cheesy, and totally comforting, this Buffalo Chicken Casserole Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. It brings together tender chicken, zesty buffalo sauce, creamy cheeses, and crispy bacon for that perfect balance of flavors and textures you won’t be able to resist. Whether it’s weeknight dinner or game day, this casserole delivers warmth and excitement in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for simple, everyday ingredients that each play a vital role in building layers of flavor and texture. From the spicy buffalo wing sauce that defines the dish to the creamy cheeses and crunchy bacon, every ingredient shines here.
- Green onions, sliced: A fresh, mild garnish that brings bright color and a subtle oniony crunch.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1½ pounds): The hearty protein base that soaks up all the buffalo flavor beautifully.
- Bacon (8 slices): Adds smoky, crispy texture that contrasts the creamy elements perfectly.
- Penne pasta (8 ounces): Or your favorite pasta shape, providing a comforting bite that carries the sauce well.
- Buffalo wing sauce (1 cup): The star of the show, providing that signature spicy tang.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Enhances overall flavor with a subtle depth.
- Onion powder (1 teaspoon): Complements the garlic and adds a gentle sweetness.
- Smoked paprika (½ teaspoon): Brings smoky warmth and a hint of color.
- Salt (½ teaspoon) and black pepper (¼ teaspoon): Essential seasonings that balance the dish.
- Cream cheese (8 ounces, softened): Gives a luscious, creamy texture that tames the heat and holds everything together.
- Ranch dressing (¼ cup): Adds herbaceous coolness and helps round out the flavors.
- Greek yogurt (¾ cup): A tangy, creamy ingredient that lightens the dish without sacrificing richness.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup): Sharp and melty, it boosts the cheesiness factor.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (1 cup): Gooey and stretchy, the perfect cheese partner for the cheddar.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F, then cook the pasta according to the package directions until it’s just al dente. This will help it maintain structure in the casserole without getting mushy after baking. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Buffalo Sauce Mixture
In a large bowl, combine the buffalo wing sauce, softened cream cheese, ranch dressing, Greek yogurt, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Whisk everything together until you have a smooth, creamy sauce that will coat the chicken and pasta beautifully.
Step 3: Cook and Shred the Chicken
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and sear the chicken breasts for 3 to 4 minutes on each side to get a nice golden crust. Add about ½ cup of water, cover the skillet, and let the chicken steam until it reaches 165°F internally. Once cooked, shred the chicken with two forks so it mixes evenly throughout the casserole.
Step 4: Cook and Crumble the Bacon
In a separate skillet, cook the bacon until it’s crispy and golden brown. Transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease, then crumble it into bite-sized pieces. The bacon’s crunch and salty punch add an irresistible layer to this dish.
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
Grab a 9×13 inch baking dish and evenly spread the shredded chicken and cooked pasta across the bottom. Pour your buffalo sauce mixture over everything, ensuring every bit is coated. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses generously on top, then finish with crumbled bacon for that extra pop of flavor and texture.
Step 6: Bake Until Bubbly and Golden
Pop the casserole into the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown around the edges. This step melds all the flavors together and gives you that warm, comforting finish.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, sprinkle the casserole with fresh sliced green onions. These little touches add freshness and a lovely pop of color, making the dish even more enticing.
How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Adding sliced green onions on top is a simple but effective way to brighten this rich casserole. You can also offer extra buffalo sauce or ranch dressing on the side for dipping or drizzling over each serving, elevating the flavor and letting everyone customize their heat level.
Side Dishes
This casserole shines on its own, but pairing it with crisp, refreshing sides balances the richness. Think a crunchy celery and carrot sticks platter or a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette. These sides keep the meal feeling fresh and complete.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, serve the casserole in individual ramekins or small cast iron skillets, letting guests enjoy their own personal portion. Alternatively, scoop it over baked potatoes or inside warm pita bread for a fun, portable twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover buffalo chicken casserole keeps wonderfully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors develop even more after sitting, making for an even tastier meal the next day.
Freezing
This casserole freezes beautifully. Cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers or wrap tightly in foil and plastic wrap. It will last up to 2 months in the freezer without losing flavor or texture.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw the casserole overnight in the fridge if frozen. Warm individual servings in the microwave or reheat the entire dish covered with foil at 350°F until heated through and bubbly again. Adding a splash of ranch or buffalo sauce during reheating can freshen the flavors.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut that can save time and add extra flavor. Just shred the chicken and fold it into the sauce mixture when assembling the casserole.
Is there a way to make this casserole less spicy?
Yes! Simply reduce the amount of buffalo wing sauce or use a mild version. You can also add more cream cheese or ranch dressing to mellow out the heat without sacrificing flavor.
What other types of pasta work well in this recipe?
Penne is great because it holds the sauce nicely, but you can use rotini, fusilli, or even elbow macaroni. Just be sure to adjust cooking times to keep the pasta al dente.
Can I substitute the bacon with something else?
If you want to skip the bacon, toasted breadcrumbs or crispy fried onions can add a similar crunchy texture. For a vegetarian twist, roasted veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms pair wonderfully too.
How do I make this recipe dairy-free?
For a dairy-free version, swap cream cheese, ranch dressing, Greek yogurt, and cheeses with plant-based alternatives. Nutritional yeast can add cheesiness, and coconut yogurt or dairy-free ranch keep the creamy texture intact.
Final Thoughts
This Buffalo Chicken Casserole Recipe is a total game changer when you want that classic buffalo wing flavor but in a cozy, cheesy casserole form. It’s easy to prepare, full of vibrant flavors, and perfect for sharing with family or friends. Give it a try and watch it quickly become a favorite go-to meal in your home!
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Buffalo Chicken Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Buffalo Chicken Casserole is a flavorful and comforting dish combining tender shredded chicken with spicy buffalo wing sauce, creamy cheeses, and crispy bacon. Pasta is mixed in and baked until bubbly and golden, making it a perfect meal for game day or a casual dinner.
Ingredients
Meat and Protein
- 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 slices bacon
Pasta
- 8 ounces penne pasta (or your favorite variety)
Sauces and Dairy
- 1 cup buffalo wing sauce
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup ranch dressing
- ¾ cup Greek yogurt
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Spices and Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Garnish
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare Pasta: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente, then drain and set it aside.
- Make the Buffalo Sauce Mixture: In a large bowl, thoroughly combine the buffalo wing sauce, softened cream cheese, ranch dressing, Greek yogurt, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until you have a smooth, well-mixed sauce.
- Cook and Shred Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear each side for 3-4 minutes to develop a nice crust. Add ½ cup water, cover the skillet, and cook until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Remove the chicken and shred it with forks or chop finely.
- Cook Bacon: In another skillet, cook the bacon slices over medium heat until crispy. Drain on paper towels and crumble the bacon into small pieces.
- Assemble the Casserole: In a 9×13 inch baking dish, evenly distribute the shredded chicken and cooked pasta. Pour the buffalo sauce mixture over the top, spreading it to cover everything. Sprinkle shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses evenly on top, then scatter the crumbled bacon over the cheese layer.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is melted and golden brown on top.
- Garnish and Serve: Once baked, remove from the oven and sprinkle with sliced green onions. Serve warm, optionally with extra buffalo sauce and ranch dressing on the side.
Notes
- You can substitute penne with any pasta shape you prefer, such as rotini or fusilli.
- Adjust the buffalo wing sauce quantity based on your preferred spice level.
- For a lower fat version, use reduced-fat cheeses and yogurt.
- Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently in the oven or microwave before serving.
