Name: Buffalo Chicken and Rice Casserole
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs; 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked); 2 cups chicken broth; 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce; 1/2 cup ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing; 4 oz cream cheese, softened; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided; 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; Salt, to taste; Black pepper, to taste; Chopped green onions or parsley (optional, for garnish)

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you love buffalo wings, you’ll love this casserole. It packs all the flavor of classic buffalo chicken but with the convenience of a bake-and-serve dish. It’s rich, creamy, cheesy, and has just the right amount of heat. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to prepare — everything comes together in one dish, making cleanup a breeze.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
Long-grain white rice
Chicken broth
Buffalo wing sauce
Ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing
Cream cheese
Shredded cheddar cheese
Mozzarella cheese
Garlic powder
Onion powder
Salt and pepper
Green onions or parsley (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large bowl, mix together chicken broth, buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, and softened cream cheese until smooth.
Stir in uncooked rice, garlic powder, onion powder, and shredded cheeses (reserving some cheese for topping).
Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
Season chicken with salt and pepper, then nestle the pieces into the rice mixture.
Cover tightly with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
Remove foil, top with remaining cheese, and bake uncovered for another 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender.
Let rest for 5 minutes, then garnish with chopped green onions or parsley before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes approximately 4 to 6 servings.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 60 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Variations

Swap dressings: Use blue cheese dressing instead of ranch for a stronger, tangy flavor.
Use rotisserie chicken: Stir in shredded cooked chicken instead of raw; reduce baking time by 15 minutes.
Add veggies: Mix in celery, corn, or chopped bell peppers for added texture and flavor.
Make it spicier: Add extra buffalo sauce or a dash of cayenne pepper for more heat.
Make it low-carb: Swap rice for riced cauliflower, adjusting the liquid and bake time accordingly.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes or warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
This casserole can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, shredded rotisserie or leftover cooked chicken works well. Just stir it in with the rice mixture and reduce the bake time slightly.

Is buffalo chicken casserole spicy?

It has a mild to moderate heat depending on the buffalo sauce used. You can adjust the spice level by adding more or less sauce.

Can I use brown rice instead of white?

Yes, but you’ll need to increase the liquid slightly and extend the bake time to ensure it cooks fully.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely. Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours in advance. Add 10 minutes to the baking time if starting from cold.

What kind of cheese works best?

A mix of sharp cheddar and mozzarella gives great melt and flavor. You can also add Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a twist.

Can I freeze this casserole?

Yes, it freezes well. Let it cool completely before wrapping tightly. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

What goes well with buffalo chicken casserole?

It pairs well with a green salad, celery sticks, or roasted vegetables to balance the richness and heat.

Can I add pasta instead of rice?

This recipe is designed for rice, but you can try substituting cooked pasta for the rice and reduce the liquid. Bake uncovered until bubbly.

How do I keep the rice from getting mushy?

Make sure to use long-grain white rice and avoid overbaking. Keep the foil tightly sealed for the first half of cooking.

What if the casserole is too thick?

Add a splash of chicken broth or milk while stirring during reheating to bring back the creamy consistency.

Conclusion

Buffalo Chicken and Rice Casserole is a delicious twist on classic comfort food, bringing bold flavor and creamy texture together in one easy dish. With simple ingredients and straightforward prep, it’s perfect for busy nights, casual get-togethers, or anytime you crave that spicy buffalo flavor in a satisfying baked meal.

Buffalo Chicken and Rice Casserole

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Buffalo Chicken and Rice Casserole is a bold, creamy, and cheesy one-pan dish that combines tender chicken, fluffy rice, and spicy buffalo flavor for a comforting and satisfying meal. Perfect for weeknights, game day, or feeding a crowd.

Author: Laura
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: 4–6 servings
Category: Dinner
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Halal

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
In a large bowl, whisk together chicken broth, buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, and softened cream cheese until smooth.
Stir in uncooked rice, garlic powder, onion powder, 3/4 cup cheddar cheese, and 1/4 cup mozzarella cheese.
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
Season chicken with salt and pepper, then nestle it into the rice mixture.
Cover tightly with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
Remove foil, sprinkle remaining cheddar and mozzarella over the top, and bake uncovered for an additional 15–20 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and rice is tender.
Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with green onions or parsley if desired.

Notes

Use rotisserie or pre-cooked chicken to reduce baking time by 15 minutes.
Add chopped celery, bell peppers, or corn for added texture and nutrition.
Use blue cheese dressing instead of ranch for a tangier flavor.
To make it spicier, increase the buffalo sauce or add cayenne pepper.
Swap rice for cauliflower rice for a lower-carb version (adjust liquid and bake time).

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 portion (approx. 1/6 of casserole)
Calories: 520
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 880mg
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 13g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 36g
Cholesterol: 105mg