If you love bold flavors that bring a little kick to your dinner table, this Buffalo Chicken Casserole Recipe is about to become your new favorite comfort food. Combining tender shredded chicken with a creamy, tangy buffalo sauce and melty cheeses all baked to bubbly perfection, every bite bursts with mouthwatering spice and richness. It’s a crowd-pleaser that takes simple, everyday ingredients and elevates them into a dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, game day gatherings, or any time you want to treat yourself to something truly delicious. Plus, it’s easy to put together, making it ideal for both busy cooks and those who just want to dig into something flavorful without fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but each one plays a vital role in building the layers of flavor, texture, and color in this casserole. From spicy buffalo wing sauce to creamy cheeses and smoky bacon, every component contributes to making this dish irresistibly tasty.
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish): Adds a fresh, mild bite and vibrant color on top.
- 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The hearty protein base that soaks up all the buffalo goodness.
- 8 slices bacon: Crispy, smoky, and crumbled for texture contrast and savory punch.
- 8 ounces penne pasta (or your favorite variety): Provides a tender, chewy foundation to carry the sauce and flavors.
- 1 cup buffalo wing sauce: The star of this recipe, delivering that signature spicy heat.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses a subtle, aromatic depth of flavor.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Rounds out the seasoning with a touch of sweetness.
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika: Adds a smoky warmth that complements the buffalo sauce beautifully.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances and enhances all the other flavors.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Brings a little gentle heat to the dish.
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened: Creates a luscious, creamy texture that tames the spice.
- ¼ cup ranch dressing: Adds cool, tangy notes to the sauce mixture.
- ¾ cup Greek yogurt: Boosts creaminess while keeping the sauce light and fresh.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Provides sharp, melted cheese goodness.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Adds gooey, stretchy cheese pull that everyone loves.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pasta
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F to get it ready for baking. Then, cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until it’s perfectly al dente—it should have a little bite without being mushy, so it holds up beautifully when baked with the other rich ingredients.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Buffalo Sauce
In a large bowl, mix together the buffalo wing sauce, softened cream cheese, ranch dressing, Greek yogurt, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir this combination until it’s smooth and well combined. This sauce is the heart of the Buffalo Chicken Casserole Recipe, blending spicy, creamy, and tangy flavors for that unforgettable taste.
Step 3: Cook and Shred the Chicken
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and sear the chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes on each side to develop a beautiful golden exterior. Next, add half a cup of water, cover the skillet, and let the chicken cook gently until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Once cooked, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces—this makes every forkful full of tender, flavorful chicken coated in buffalo sauce.
Step 4: Crisp Up the Bacon
While the chicken is cooking, crisp the bacon in another skillet until it’s wonderfully crunchy. Drain it on paper towels and crumble it into bite-sized bits. This smoky, crispy bacon will add an amazing texture contrast and a hit of savory flavor that perfectly complements the spicy buffalo chicken.
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
In a 9×13 inch baking dish, evenly spread the shredded chicken and cooked pasta. Pour the creamy buffalo sauce mixture over the top and gently combine everything for even flavor distribution. Then, sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses across the surface, followed by a generous scattering of crumbled bacon to finish this irresistible layer.
Step 6: Bake Until Bubbling and Golden
Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until you see the sauce bubbling lively and the cheese has turned a lovely golden brown. This step melds all the flavors together and creates that fabulous cheesy crust that makes the Buffalo Chicken Casserole Recipe so comforting and satisfying.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Once baked, sprinkle the casserole with the sliced green onions to add a refreshing pop of color and mild onion flavor. Serve warm, optionally with extra buffalo sauce and ranch dressing on the side for anyone who wants to dial up the flavor or add a cooling dip.
How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes like fresh green onions or even a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley can elevate the dish’s presentation and add little bursts of brightness that balance the rich, creamy base. A drizzle of additional ranch or a dash more buffalo sauce can also personalize each serving to taste.
Side Dishes
This Buffalo Chicken Casserole pairs wonderfully with simple sides that complement its bold flavors. Crisp celery sticks, carrot sticks, or a fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette provide a nice crunch and help refresh the palate. You could also serve it alongside roasted vegetables or even some crusty bread to soak up any extra sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the casserole in individual ramekins or small cast iron skillets for personal portions. You could also layer it over a bed of cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option or spoon it into baked potato halves for a hearty twist. Whatever your style, this dish is versatile enough to shine in many presentations.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Buffalo Chicken Casserole keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When stored properly, the flavors will mellow and deepen, making your next meal just as enjoyable as the first.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, this casserole freezes well. Cool it completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. To enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F until warmed through to preserve the creamy texture and crispy cheese topping. Microwaving works too but can sometimes make the cheese a bit rubbery. Adding a splash of water or ranch dressing when reheating can help keep it moist and delicious.
FAQs
Can I use shredded pre-cooked chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Using shredded rotisserie or pre-cooked chicken can save time. Just make sure it’s well-coated with the buffalo sauce mixture so every bite is flavorful.
How spicy is the Buffalo Chicken Casserole Recipe?
The heat level mainly comes from the buffalo wing sauce and can be adjusted to your liking. Use a milder sauce for less heat or add extra if you love things fiery. The cream cheese and yogurt help balance the spice nicely.
What type of pasta works best for this casserole?
Penne is great because its shape holds the sauce well, but you can swap in other sturdy pastas like rotini, rigatoni, or even elbow macaroni depending on your preference or pantry staples.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
With some ingredient substitutions, yes. Use dairy-free cream cheese, ranch, and cheese alternatives. Keep in mind the texture and flavor will be different, but it can still be delicious!
Is this recipe good for meal prep or freezing?
Definitely! The Buffalo Chicken Casserole Recipe is perfect for meal prep because it reheats well without losing flavor or texture, making it an easy grab-and-go option for busy days.
Final Thoughts
This Buffalo Chicken Casserole Recipe truly hits all the right notes for fans of spicy, cheesy, comforting meals. It’s easy enough to make any night of the week but special enough to impress friends and family. If you’re ready to indulge in a dish that’s bursting with flavor and warmth, give this recipe a try—you won’t regret it!
Print
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 comforting and flavorful dish combining tender shredded chicken with zesty buffalo wing sauce, creamy cheeses, and crispy bacon. Perfect for a hearty family dinner, it layers cooked penne pasta with a tangy, spicy buffalo sauce mixture, topped with melted cheddar and mozzarella cheese, then baked to bubbly perfection. Garnished with fresh green onions, it delivers a delicious blend of creamy, spicy, and savory flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 ounces penne pasta (or your favorite variety)
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup ranch dressing
- ¾ cup Greek yogurt
- 1 cup buffalo wing sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Spices & Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Other Ingredients
- 8 slices bacon
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat and cook pasta: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Meanwhile, cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Prepare buffalo sauce mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the buffalo wing sauce, softened cream cheese, ranch dressing, Greek yogurt, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Cook and shred chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear them for about 3-4 minutes on each side until browned. Add ½ cup of water to the skillet, cover it, and cook the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Remove the chicken and shred it using two forks.
- Prepare the bacon: In a separate skillet, cook the bacon slices until they are crispy. Then, drain on paper towels and crumble into small pieces.
- Assemble the casserole: In a 9×13 inch baking dish, evenly spread the shredded chicken and cooked pasta. Pour the prepared buffalo sauce mixture evenly over the top. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses evenly, and then top with the crumbled bacon pieces.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is golden brown on top.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with sliced green onions. Serve warm with extra buffalo sauce and ranch dressing on the side, if desired.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, add extra buffalo wing sauce or chopped jalapeños.
- You can substitute Greek yogurt with sour cream if preferred.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free.
- Make sure the chicken is fully cooked to safe internal temperature before shredding.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
