If you crave bold flavors that bring comfort and excitement to the dinner table, this Buffalo Chicken Casserole Recipe is your new best friend. Imagine tender shredded chicken bathed in a tangy, creamy buffalo sauce, layered with perfectly cooked pasta and topped with crispy bacon and melted cheese. This dish combines the spicy kick of buffalo wings with the satisfying heartiness of a casserole, making it ideal for game days, family dinners, or whenever you want something that feels both indulgent and approachable. The Buffalo Chicken Casserole Recipe balances heat, creaminess, and texture in every bite, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients just right is the secret to nailing this Buffalo Chicken Casserole Recipe. Every item here is chosen to build layers of flavor and enhance texture, from the spicy buffalo sauce that provides punch to the creamy blend of cheeses that make the dish irresistibly gooey.
- Green onions (2, sliced for garnish): Adds a fresh, mild sharpness and a pop of vibrant color.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1½ pounds): The hearty protein base that soaks up all the saucy goodness.
- Bacon (8 slices): Crispy and salty, it introduces a smoky crunch to every forkful.
- Penne pasta (8 ounces): Holds onto sauce beautifully and adds comforting substance.
- Buffalo wing sauce (1 cup): The spicy backbone that brings zing and character.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Infuses savory depth throughout the dish.
- Onion powder (1 teaspoon): Adds subtle sweetness and layered flavor.
- Smoked paprika (½ teaspoon): Enhances smokiness and warmth without overwhelming heat.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Balances and intensifies all the other flavors.
- Black pepper (¼ teaspoon): Gives a gentle bite that lifts the dish.
- Cream cheese (8 ounces, softened): Contributes creamy richness and helps mellow the spice.
- Ranch dressing (¼ cup): Adds cool tang that pairs perfectly with buffalo sauce.
- Greek yogurt (¾ cup): Offers creaminess with a whisper of tanginess, plus a protein boost.
- Cheddar cheese (1 cup shredded): Brings sharp flavor and golden buttery color to the topping.
- Mozzarella cheese (1 cup shredded): Melts beautifully, creating that irresistible stretchy cheese pull.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Oven and Cook Pasta
Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit so it’s ready to go once the casserole is assembled. Meanwhile, cook your penne pasta according to the package directions until just al dente. This ensures the pasta holds its shape and texture after baking, absorbing just the right amount of sauce.
Step 2: Make Buffalo Sauce Mixture
In a large bowl, whisk together the buffalo wing sauce, softened cream cheese, ranch dressing, Greek yogurt, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy, balancing the tang, spice, and savory notes that define this Buffalo Chicken Casserole Recipe’s flavor profile.
Step 3: Cook Chicken
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and sear the chicken breasts for about 3 to 4 minutes per side to lock in moisture and flavor. Then add half a cup of water, cover the pan, and let the chicken steam gently until it reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit internally. Once cooked, shred the chicken using two forks—it’ll soak up the buffalo sauce beautifully.
Step 4: Cook Bacon
While the chicken finishes, cook the bacon slices in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Drain them on a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess grease and crumble once cool. That smoky crunch adds an amazing texture contrast to the creamy, spicy casserole base.
Step 5: Assemble Casserole
Grab a 9 by 13-inch baking dish and spread an even layer of shredded chicken and cooked pasta across the bottom. Pour the buffalo sauce mixture over the top, ensuring everything is coated generously but evenly. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses all over, then finish with a layer of crumbled bacon for that final flavorful punch.
Step 6: Bake and Garnish
Bake your Buffalo Chicken Casserole Recipe for 25 to 30 minutes until bubbly and beautifully golden brown on top. Once out of the oven, scatter sliced green onions across the surface to add freshness and color. Serve warm with extra buffalo sauce and ranch dressing on the side if you want that extra flavor burst.
How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Sliced green onions are the classic finishing touch, adding a crisp, mildly pungent brightness that cuts through the rich, creamy layers. If you’re feeling adventurous, you could also sprinkle some chopped fresh cilantro or a light drizzle of blue cheese dressing to elevate the flavors further.
Side Dishes
This casserole is hearty on its own, but for balance and variety, serve it alongside crisp celery sticks or a simple leafy green salad with a zesty vinaigrette. The cool crunch perfectly complements the spicy warmth, making each bite refreshing and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For an informal gathering, serve portions in individual ramekins or mini cast iron skillets for a rustic feel. You can also turn leftovers into loaded buffalo chicken bowls with brown rice and steamed veggies, creating a whole new way to enjoy the Buffalo Chicken Casserole Recipe beyond the classic presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Buffalo Chicken Casserole Recipe fresh by transferring leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerating for up to 3 days. This way, you enjoy the bold flavors without losing that satisfying texture.
Freezing
If you want to prep meals in advance, this casserole freezes well. Assemble the dish but don’t bake it—cover it tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as usual for a tasty, stress-free dinner option.
Reheating
To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave or place the whole casserole in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until heated through and bubbly again. Adding a sprinkle of extra cheese before reheating can bring back the golden, gooey appeal.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver and adds extra flavor. Just shred the meat and use it in place of the cooked chicken breasts when assembling your Buffalo Chicken Casserole Recipe.
What can I substitute for buffalo wing sauce?
If buffalo wing sauce is hard to find, mix equal parts hot sauce and melted butter as a simple substitute to achieve that signature tangy, spicy flavor.
Is there a way to make this casserole less spicy?
To tone down the heat, reduce the amount of buffalo wing sauce or swap some of it with more ranch dressing or Greek yogurt. This keeps the creamy texture while mellowing the spice.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Of course! While penne works great for catching sauce, any sturdy pasta like rotini, rigatoni, or even elbow macaroni will work well in this Buffalo Chicken Casserole Recipe.
How do I make this recipe gluten-free?
Simply swap the penne pasta for your favorite gluten-free pasta variety. Just be sure to double-check that the buffalo wing sauce and other condiments are gluten-free to keep the dish safe for your needs.
Final Thoughts
This Buffalo Chicken Casserole Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that brings together bold flavors, creamy textures, and a satisfying crunch in every bite. Whether you’re feeding family or entertaining friends, it’s a dish that feels special yet is surprisingly easy to pull off. I can’t wait for you to dive into this saucy, cheesy, spicy comfort food and make it a staple in your recipe collection. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll become a go-to favorite!
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Buffalo Chicken Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Buffalo Chicken Casserole combines tender shredded chicken, spicy buffalo wing sauce, creamy cheese, and crispy bacon layered over pasta, then baked to bubbly perfection. It’s a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for game day or a satisfying family dinner.
Ingredients
Protein
- 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 slices bacon
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
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Garnish
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Cook Pasta: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente, then 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. Mix thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Cook Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear each side for 3 to 4 minutes until browned. Pour in ½ cup of water, cover the skillet, and continue cooking until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Remove the chicken and shred it finely using two forks.
- Cook Bacon: In a separate skillet, cook the bacon slices over medium heat until crispy. Drain on paper towels and crumble once cooled.
- Assemble Casserole: In a 9×13 inch baking dish, evenly spread the shredded chicken and cooked pasta. Pour the buffalo sauce mixture over the chicken and pasta, spreading it to cover evenly. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese on top, then finish with the crumbled bacon.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese on top turns golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and garnish with sliced green onions. Serve warm, optionally with extra buffalo wing sauce and ranch dressing on the side for dipping.
Notes
- Use penne or any sturdy pasta that holds sauce well.
- For extra heat, add a dash of cayenne pepper to the buffalo sauce mixture.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- To reduce fat, use turkey bacon or skip bacon altogether.
- If preferred, shredded rotisserie chicken can replace cooking and shredding fresh chicken breasts.
