If you’re craving something that delivers big flavors wrapped up in comforting layers, this Buffalo Chicken Casserole Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a brilliant blend of tender shredded chicken, spicy buffalo sauce, creamy cheeses, and crispy bacon, all baked together with pasta for a dish that’s rich, flavorful, and utterly irresistible. Whether it’s game day, a family dinner, or a casual get-together, this casserole is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser that everyone will ask you to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is the secret to nailing any dish, and with this Buffalo Chicken Casserole Recipe, each component plays a crucial role in building layers of bold taste, comforting texture, and vibrant color.
- Green onions (2, sliced): Fresh and mild, perfect for a bright, crunchy garnish that lightens the richness.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1½ pounds): The star protein that keeps the casserole hearty and satisfying.
- Bacon (8 slices): Adds irresistible crispness and smoky depth to every bite.
- Penne pasta (8 ounces): Holds the sauce beautifully and adds comforting bulk to the dish, but feel free to swap with your favorite pasta shape.
- Buffalo wing sauce (1 cup): Brings that iconic spicy kick that makes this casserole a total flavor bomb.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Infuses a subtle aromatic warmth that enhances the overall palate.
- Onion powder (1 teaspoon): Complements the garlic for a balanced, savory base.
- Smoked paprika (½ teaspoon): Adds a gentle smokiness that deepens the flavor complexity.
- Salt (½ teaspoon) and black pepper (¼ teaspoon): Essential seasonings that elevate every ingredient.
- Cream cheese (8 ounces, softened): Gives a creamy, luxe texture that tames the heat from the buffalo sauce.
- Ranch dressing (¼ cup): Offers a cool, herby contrast to spicy notes.
- Greek yogurt (¾ cup): Adds tanginess and a nice creamy body with fewer calories than sour cream.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup): Melts beautifully and brings a sharp, cheesy bite.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (1 cup): Provides stretchy, gooey goodness that everyone loves.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Cook the Pasta
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F so it’s ready when the casserole is assembled. Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until just al dente, ensuring it keeps a little bite after baking. Drain and set aside — it will soak up all the delicious sauce later on.
Step 2: Whip Up the Buffalo Sauce Mixture
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 pepper. Stir until everything is well blended, creating a creamy, spicy, and tangy sauce that will coat the chicken and pasta with incredible flavor.
Step 3: Cook and Shred the Chicken
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and sear the chicken breasts for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until they’re golden. Pour in half a cup of water, cover the skillet, and cook until the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F. Once done, shred the chicken finely; this step guarantees that every forkful will be tender and full of flavor.
Step 4: Make the Bacon Crispy
Using the same or a clean skillet, cook the bacon slices until they turn crispy and irresistible. Drain the cooked bacon on paper towels and crumble it into small pieces for the best texture contrast in your casserole.
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
In a 9×13 inch baking dish, evenly distribute the shredded chicken and cooked pasta. Pour your luscious buffalo sauce mixture over everything, stirring gently if needed to get good coverage. Sprinkle the top with shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, and finally, scatter the crumbled bacon over the cheese layer. This layering builds all the textures and flavors up to their full potential.
Step 6: Bake Until Golden and Bubbling
Place the assembled casserole in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. When the cheese is bubbly and golden brown, your Buffalo Chicken Casserole Recipe has reached its peak – warm, melty, and begging to be eaten fresh from the oven.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, sprinkle sliced green onions on top to add a fresh crunch. Serve it with extra buffalo sauce and ranch dressing on the side for dipping or drizzling to customize each bite.
How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Green onions are the perfect finishing touch, adding not only a pop of color but also freshness that balances the richness. You can also toss on some chopped celery or a sprinkle of crumbled blue cheese if you’re feeling indulgent and want to stay true to classic buffalo flavors.
Side Dishes
This casserole shines as a hearty main, but pairing it with crisp celery sticks or a simple garden salad provides a refreshing crunch. If you prefer something more filling, roasted vegetables or creamy mashed potatoes complement the spicy, creamy nature brilliantly.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving this at a party or potluck, consider baking the casserole in individual ramekins for a personalized touch. Another fun idea is to offer mini versions in tortilla cups for a handheld appetizer experience. Either way, this Buffalo Chicken Casserole Recipe is sure to wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Buffalo Chicken Casserole can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to deepen, so you might even enjoy it more the next day!
Freezing
For longer storage, this casserole freezes wonderfully. Assemble it completely but don’t bake, then wrap tightly in foil and plastic wrap. It will keep well for up to 3 months; just thaw overnight before baking.
Reheating
Reheat portions in the microwave until warm or bake leftovers covered with foil at 350°F until heated through to keep the casserole moist and melty. Adding a splash of water or extra sauce before reheating helps maintain creaminess.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut if you want to skip the cooking step and still have tender, flavorful meat for your casserole.
What can I substitute for buffalo wing sauce if I don’t have any?
You can mix hot sauce with melted butter to mimic the classic buffalo sauce flavor. Adjust the ratio to your preferred spice level.
Is it possible to make this dish spicier?
Definitely! Add extra buffalo sauce, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or even diced jalapeños to boost the heat to your liking.
Can I use different kinds of cheese?
Yes! While cheddar and mozzarella are classic here, pepper jack or Monterey Jack work well too and can add even more flavor complexity.
How do I make this recipe vegetarian?
Swap the chicken and bacon for hearty veggies like cauliflower or mushrooms, use a plant-based cheese alternative, and keep the buffalo sauce for that spicy kick.
Final Thoughts
This Buffalo Chicken Casserole Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug wrapped in bold, spicy, and cheesy goodness. It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner but special enough to impress your guests. So grab those ingredients, get cooking, and prepare to fall head over heels for one of the coziest, most flavorful casseroles you’ll ever make.
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Buffalo Chicken Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Buffalo Chicken Casserole is a creamy, spicy, and cheesy baked dish featuring tender shredded chicken, crispy bacon, and penne pasta tossed in a tangy buffalo wing sauce blend. It’s topped with melted cheddar and mozzarella cheeses and garnished with fresh green onions for an extra pop of flavor. Perfect for game day or a comforting family dinner, this casserole combines bold buffalo flavors with creamy textures in one satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Chicken and Bacon
- 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 slices bacon
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
Pasta
- 8 ounces penne pasta (or your favorite variety)
Buffalo Sauce Mixture
- 1 cup buffalo wing sauce
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup ranch dressing
- ¾ cup Greek yogurt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Cheese Topping
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Cook Pasta: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Meanwhile, cook the penne pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make Buffalo Sauce Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the buffalo wing sauce, softened cream cheese, ranch dressing, Greek yogurt, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Cook Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear for 3-4 minutes on each side to develop a nice golden crust. Then add ½ cup water, cover the skillet, and cook the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), about 8-10 minutes more depending on thickness. Remove chicken from skillet and shred it finely using two forks.
- Cook Bacon: In a separate skillet, cook the bacon slices over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon and drain on paper towels. Once cooled, crumble the bacon into small pieces.
- Assemble Casserole: In a 9×13 inch baking dish, evenly spread the shredded chicken and cooked pasta. Pour the buffalo sauce mixture over the top and stir lightly to combine without fully mixing. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses over the top, then evenly distribute the crumbled bacon across the surface.
- Bake: Place the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and garnish with sliced green onions. Serve hot, optionally with extra buffalo sauce and ranch dressing on the side for added flavor.
Notes
- You can substitute different pasta shapes like rotini or farfalle if you prefer.
- For a spicier kick, add some cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the buffalo sauce mixture.
- Use Greek yogurt or sour cream interchangeably for the creamy component.
- Make sure not to overcook the chicken to keep it juicy and tender.
- Leftovers reheat well in the oven or microwave but may need extra sauce to prevent drying out.
