Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re a fan of buffalo wings, you’re going to love this casserole. It delivers the same spicy, tangy heat in a hearty and cheesy baked form. It’s simple to put together, feeds a crowd, and is super customizable based on what you have on hand. Whether served with a crisp salad, celery sticks, or over rice or pasta, this dish is a flavorful, filling meal the whole family will love.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
- Cream cheese, softened
- Buffalo wing sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
- Ranch dressing
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Shredded mozzarella cheese
- Cooked rice or pasta (optional for base)
- Green onions, sliced
- Optional: blue cheese crumbles, celery, or jalapeños for topping
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, buffalo sauce, and ranch dressing until smooth and well combined.
- Fold in the shredded chicken, half of the cheddar, and half of the mozzarella. Stir until fully coated.
- If using a rice or pasta base, spread it into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Spread the buffalo chicken mixture over the base or directly into the baking dish if no base is used.
- Top with the remaining shredded cheeses.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until hot and bubbly and the cheese is melted.
- Garnish with sliced green onions, and optionally with blue cheese crumbles or celery before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 6 people.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Variations
- Low-Carb/Keto Version: Skip the rice or pasta and layer the buffalo chicken directly into the dish.
- Add Veggies: Stir in chopped cauliflower, broccoli, or bell peppers before baking.
- Spicier: Add extra hot sauce or diced jalapeños for more heat.
- Blue Cheese Twist: Use blue cheese dressing instead of ranch and top with blue cheese crumbles.
- Creamier: Mix in a splash of heavy cream or sour cream for an extra creamy texture.
- Protein Swap: Use ground chicken or turkey instead of shredded chicken.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, microwave in 1-minute intervals or bake at 350°F for about 15 minutes until warmed through.
This casserole can be frozen before or after baking. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat before serving.
FAQs
Can I use canned chicken for this casserole?
Yes, canned chicken works well in a pinch, though fresh or rotisserie chicken offers the best texture.
Is buffalo sauce the same as hot sauce?
No, buffalo sauce is typically hot sauce mixed with butter or oil for a smoother, richer flavor.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble the casserole, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
What can I serve with Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Casserole?
Serve with celery sticks, carrot sticks, a crisp salad, or garlic bread.
Can I add pasta or rice to the mix?
Yes, mixing in cooked pasta or rice makes the casserole more filling and stretches the servings.
Is this casserole gluten-free?
Yes, if all ingredients (especially sauces and dressing) are gluten-free, the dish is naturally gluten-free.
Can I use a different cheese?
Yes, try Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or Colby for a different flavor profile.
How do I keep the casserole from being too spicy?
Use mild buffalo sauce and add more ranch or cream cheese to mellow the heat.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, store leftovers in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat from thawed for best results.
Conclusion
Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Casserole is a spicy, cheesy, and satisfying dish that transforms buffalo wing flavors into a hearty, oven-baked meal. Whether you’re making it for a party, a family dinner, or just because you’re craving something indulgent, this easy casserole is guaranteed to become a go-to favorite.
PrintCheesy Buffalo Chicken Casserole
Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Casserole is a bold, spicy, and creamy baked dish that transforms classic buffalo wing flavors into a hearty, cheesy, and crowd-pleasing meal. Perfect for game day, weeknight dinners, or potlucks.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie works well)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 2 cups cooked rice or pasta (optional)
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Optional: blue cheese crumbles, chopped celery, diced jalapeños for topping
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, combine softened cream cheese, buffalo sauce, and ranch dressing. Mix until smooth.
- Fold in shredded chicken, 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese, and 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese until well coated.
- If using a rice or pasta base, spread it into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Spread the buffalo chicken mixture over the base or directly into the dish.
- Top with remaining shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, until hot and bubbly.
- Garnish with sliced green onions and optional toppings like blue cheese crumbles or celery before serving.
Notes
- Use mild buffalo sauce and extra cream cheese to reduce heat if preferred.
- Make it ahead and refrigerate before baking for up to 24 hours.
- Substitute blue cheese dressing for ranch for a bolder flavor.
- Add cooked vegetables like broccoli or bell peppers for extra texture.
- Freeze before or after baking for up to 2 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of casserole
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 33g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
