Introduction
After a long day of work, errands, or taking care of the family, the last thing you want to do is spend hours in the kitchen. But dinner still needs to happen. That’s where this quick buffalo chicken casserole comes in. It is the ultimate comfort food for anyone looking for something easy, flavorful, and satisfying. This recipe brings together juicy shredded chicken, spicy buffalo sauce, and loads of gooey, melted cheese to create a dish that feels indulgent without requiring much effort.
Even better, you only need a handful of simple ingredients and about thirty minutes from start to finish. There is no complicated prep and very little cleanup afterward. Whether you are feeding a hungry family or just need something cozy for yourself, this buffalo chicken casserole is fast, delicious, and endlessly customizable. It is perfect for busy nights when time is short but you still want a homemade meal that delivers big on flavor.
This dish is also ideal for meal prepping. You can make it ahead and reheat it throughout the week. It holds up beautifully in the fridge and even better in your meal plan. Once you try it, you might just find yourself making it on repeat.
Ingredients Needed
The beauty of this recipe is that it uses pantry staples and fridge basics you probably already have on hand. Below is the list of ingredients along with their approximate calorie counts per serving to help you stay on track if you are watching your nutrition.
| Ingredient | Amount | Calories (per serving) |
|---|---|---|
| Cooked chicken breast | 2 cups shredded | 240 |
| Buffalo sauce | 1/2 cup | 50 |
| Cream cheese | 4 ounces | 200 |
| Sour cream | 1/2 cup | 120 |
| Shredded cheddar cheese | 1 cup | 110 |
| Shredded mozzarella cheese | 1 cup | 280 |
| Onion powder | 1 teaspoon | 5 |
| Garlic powder | 1 teaspoon | 5 |
| Paprika | 1 teaspoon | 6 |
| Salt and pepper | To taste | 0 |
| Olive oil | 1 tablespoon | 120 |
Total Calories per Serving (1/4 of casserole): 405
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. While it heats up, grab a 9 by 9 inch baking dish and lightly grease it with olive oil or a quick spray of nonstick cooking spray.
Use cooked chicken breast for best results. If you have leftovers from another meal or a store-bought rotisserie chicken, this is the perfect time to use them. Shred the chicken using two forks or a stand mixer with a paddle attachment. If your chicken is not already cooked, simply bake or pan-cook about one pound of boneless chicken breasts, then shred once cooled.
In a large mixing bowl, combine buffalo sauce, cream cheese, and sour cream. Stir until smooth and creamy. This will be the rich and spicy base that ties the casserole together. Add onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, and salt and pepper. Mix thoroughly so every bite has that signature tangy kick and warmth.
Fold the shredded chicken into the sauce mixture, making sure it is evenly coated. Add half of the cheddar cheese and half of the mozzarella cheese into the mixture and stir again. The cheese melts inside as it bakes and makes the casserole extra creamy.
Transfer everything into your prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly with a spoon or spatula. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheese on top. Bake in your preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes or until the cheese on top is fully melted and bubbly. The edges should start to turn golden brown.
Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it sit for five minutes before serving. This helps everything settle and makes it easier to scoop. Serve it hot and enjoy every cheesy, spicy bite.
Tips for Customizing the Recipe
This buffalo chicken casserole is very flexible. Here are a few ways to make it your own:
You can mix in chopped spinach, diced bell peppers, or grated zucchini to increase the nutrition without changing the flavor too much. Just stir them in with the chicken and sauce before baking.
If you are cutting back on carbs, serve the casserole over cauliflower rice or use spiralized zucchini as a base.
Not a buffalo fan? Swap the buffalo sauce with barbecue sauce for a smoky version or try ranch dressing for a creamy and mild twist.
Add hot sauce, red pepper flakes, or chopped jalapeños if you like more heat in your food.
For those following a keto diet, replace the sour cream with full-fat Greek yogurt. You can also skip any bread-based sides and serve with roasted low-carb vegetables.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Here is the estimated nutritional breakdown per serving, based on dividing the casserole into four equal portions:
- Calories: 405
- Protein: 34 grams
- Carbohydrates: 5 grams
- Fat: 29 grams
- Fiber: 1 gram
- Sodium: 820 milligrams
This dish is high in protein and fat which makes it great for low-carb or high-protein diets.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole is filling enough to serve on its own, but you can always round out the meal with a simple side. Here are a few serving ideas:
A crisp green salad with romaine, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber dressed with lemon vinaigrette or ranch complements the heat of the casserole.
If you want to make it more substantial, serve over brown rice or quinoa. This is especially great if you are feeding kids or teens who need more carbs.
Roasted broccoli, cauliflower, or Brussels sprouts pair wonderfully with the flavors of buffalo sauce and cheese. They also add texture and extra nutrients.
For a casual dinner, serve with a slice of crusty bread to help soak up the creamy sauce.
Conclusion
Buffalo chicken casserole is a quick, easy, and incredibly satisfying dish that belongs in every busy home cook’s recipe rotation. With bold flavors, creamy textures, and just the right amount of spice, this casserole hits the spot every time. It comes together in just about thirty minutes, uses simple ingredients, and can be tailored to suit any dietary preference. Whether you are feeding a family or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is guaranteed to make dinner a breeze. Try it once and it might just become your new go-to comfort food.