Get ready to spice up your dinner routine with this mouthwatering Creamy Buffalo Chicken Casserole! Bursting with flavor and oozing with cheesy goodness, this dish is the ultimate comfort food that will have your taste buds dancing with delight. In just 45 minutes, you can whip up a satisfying meal that serves six, perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in. Whether you're a buffalo sauce aficionado or just looking for a new recipe to impress your guests, this casserole is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Dive into this recipe and discover how easy it is to create a dish that's both creamy and fiery!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1 cup buffalo sauce
- 1 cup cream cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that your casserole cooks evenly and thoroughly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked shredded chicken and buffalo sauce. Stir well until the chicken is evenly coated with the sauce.
- Add the cream cheese to the bowl. If the cream cheese is too firm, you can microwave it for about 20 seconds to soften it, making it easier to mix. Stir until the cream cheese is fully incorporated into the chicken and buffalo sauce mixture.
- Next, fold in the cooked rice. Ensure that the rice is evenly distributed throughout the mixture for a balanced flavor in every bite.
- Stir in half of the shredded cheddar cheese and half of the chopped green onions. Reserve the remaining cheese and green onions for topping the casserole later.
- Transfer the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly. This will help it cook uniformly.
- Sprinkle the reserved cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole. This will create a delicious, cheesy crust as it bakes.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 20 minutes. This will help the flavors meld together.
- After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Once done, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. This will make it easier to serve.
- Garnish the top with the remaining chopped green onions for a fresh, flavorful finish.
- Serve the creamy buffalo chicken casserole warm, and enjoy with your favorite sides or on its own!
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, you can shred the chicken and prepare the buffalo sauce mixture a day in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake.
- Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese! Adding a blend of mozzarella and pepper jack can give an extra kick and creaminess to the casserole.
- Add Veggies: For a healthier twist, consider folding in some steamed broccoli or spinach to the mixture. This not only boosts the nutrition but also adds vibrant color.
- Spice Control: If you're sensitive to heat, start with a milder buffalo sauce or mix it with some ranch dressing to tone down the spiciness while still enjoying that signature flavor.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair your casserole with a crisp green salad or some garlic bread for a complete meal that balances the richness of the dish.
- Leftover Magic: This casserole makes fantastic leftovers! Simply reheat in the oven or microwave, and it tastes just as delicious the next day.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 249kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 16g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 58mg
