Spicy Buffalo Chicken Casserole
This Spicy Buffalo Chicken Casserole is the perfect blend of creamy, cheesy, and spicy flavors, offering a comforting and satisfying meal in one dish. Tender shredded chicken is combined with buffalo sauce, cream cheese, and melted cheese, then baked to perfection. It’s an easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or game day. You can also customize the spice level to suit your preference, making it a versatile and delicious meal everyone will love.
Equipment
- 9x13-inch baking dish (1)
- Medium mixing bowl (1)
- Large mixing bowl (1)
- Measuring cups and spoons (1 set)
- Forks for shredding chicken (2)
- Spatula (1)
- Oven (1)
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 1 cup buffalo sauce 8 oz
- 8 oz cream cheese 1 package
- 1 cup sour cream 8 oz
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese divided, 6 oz
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese divided, 6 oz
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder 1 tsp
- 1 teaspoon onion powder 1 tsp
- 1 teaspoon paprika 1 tsp
- ¼ cup green onions chopped, for garnish
- Optional toppings: Crispy bacon blue cheese crumbles, or extra ranch dressing
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
- Cook the chicken: Boil or bake the chicken until fully cooked (about 25-30 minutes in the oven or 12-15 minutes when boiling). Shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces using two forks.
- Prepare the buffalo sauce: In a medium bowl, combine the buffalo sauce and cream cheese. Stir until smooth. You can warm the sauce slightly to help it blend better.
- Mix the casserole: In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, buffalo sauce mixture, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and half of the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese. Stir until well combined.
- Assemble the casserole: Transfer the chicken mixture to the prepared baking dish. Spread it evenly and top with the remaining shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly with a golden brown top. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Garnish and serve: Garnish with chopped green onions or any optional toppings like crispy bacon or blue cheese crumbles. Serve hot with ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side.
Notes
Recipe Notes
- Make Ahead: This casserole can be assembled the night before and refrigerated. When ready to bake, simply pop it in the oven and cook as directed.
- Substitutions: You can swap the chicken for rotisserie chicken to save time. If you want to reduce the calories, try using reduced-fat cream cheese and sour cream.
- Spice Level: Adjust the buffalo sauce amount to suit your taste. For a milder version, use less sauce or combine with a bit of ranch dressing.
- Freezing: This casserole can be frozen before or after baking. If freezing, wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and store for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 20-25 minutes.