Incredible Creamy Buffalo Chicken Cauliflower Casserole Recipe

My latest culinary adventure with buffalo chicken cauliflower casserole brings serious comfort to weeknight dinners.

Spicy flavors dance through tender cauliflower florets, creating a lighter twist on classic comfort food.

Hearty protein and zesty sauce combine in unexpected ways that surprise you.

Cauliflower provides a nutritious base for this crowd-pleasing dish that feels indulgent without heavy calories.

Crispy edges and melted cheese promise satisfaction in every single bite.

Weeknight cooking suddenly becomes more exciting with this simple yet impressive meal.

You’ll want to make extra for lunch tomorrow, trust me.

Why Buffalo Cauliflower Chicken Casserole Stands Out

• Transform classic buffalo chicken into a low-carb, veggie-loaded dish that satisfies cravings while sneaking in extra nutrition from cauliflower.
• Enjoy the bold buffalo flavors everyone loves, reimagined as a creamy, cheesy casserole that appeals to both kids and adults at family dinners or potlucks.
• Easily adapt the recipe by adjusting spice levels, adding different cheeses, or throwing in extra proteins to match your taste preferences and dietary needs.

Everything You Need for Buffalo Chicken Casserole

• Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that adds hearty flavor and substance to the casserole.
• Cauliflower Florets: Low-carb vegetable base with a mild taste that absorbs other flavors well, fresh or frozen options work great.

• Cream Cheese: Provides rich, smooth texture and tangy base for the sauce.
• Sour Cream: Adds extra creaminess and subtle tang to the dish.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Melts beautifully and offers sharp, classic cheese flavor.

• Buffalo Sauce: Classic spicy sauce that gives the casserole its signature kick, choose mild or hot based on preference.
• Ranch Seasoning Mix: Provides herbs and zesty flavor to enhance the overall taste.
• Garlic Powder: Adds depth and aromatic background to the casserole.
• Salt and Black Pepper: Essential seasonings for balancing and enhancing other flavors.
• Green Onions: Fresh topping that adds color and mild onion flavor, optional garnish.

Instructions for This Spicy, Cheesy Bake

Preheat and Prepare the Baking Dish

Turn on the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and coat the inside with a light layer of cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Prep the Cauliflower

Break down a fresh cauliflower head into bite-sized florets. Steam or microwave the pieces until they’re slightly tender, which takes about 5 minutes. Make sure to drain any excess water completely to keep the casserole from becoming watery.

Shred the Chicken

Take cooked chicken breasts and use two forks to pull the meat apart into soft, stringy pieces. You want the chicken to be evenly shredded and ready to mix with other ingredients.

Mix the Creamy Buffalo Sauce

• Cream cheese
• Sour cream
• Buffalo hot sauce
• Ranch dressing
• Shredded cheddar cheese

Whisk these ingredients together until smooth and well blended, creating a spicy and tangy sauce.

Combine Cauliflower and Chicken

Gently fold the shredded chicken and steamed cauliflower into the creamy buffalo sauce. Ensure every piece is well coated with the spicy mixture.

Layer in Baking Dish

Transfer the cauliflower and chicken mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread it evenly across the surface.

Top with Additional Cheese

Sprinkle extra shredded cheddar or a blend of cheeses on top for a golden, bubbly finish.

Bake to Perfection

Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. The top should turn golden brown and the edges should be slightly bubbling.

Cool and Serve

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This helps the sauce set and makes serving easier. Garnish with chopped green onions or fresh parsley if desired.

Tips to Master the Cauliflower Base

• Drain Cauliflower Completely: Pat steamed cauliflower florets with paper towels to remove excess moisture, preventing a watery casserole.
• Customize Spice Levels: Adjust buffalo sauce amount to match your heat preference, using mild or extra-hot sauce based on individual taste.
• Boost Protein Options: Swap chicken with rotisserie, canned, or leftover grilled chicken for convenient protein variations.
• Make It Vegetarian: Replace chicken with plant-based alternatives like tofu, tempeh, or chickpeas for a meat-free version of the casserole.
• Prep Ahead Strategy: Assemble the casserole earlier in the day and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for easy meal planning.

How to Store and Reheat Buffalo Chicken Casserole

• Store leftover casserole in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Pack cooled casserole in freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags, keeping it fresh for 2-3 months.
• Warm at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil for 15-20 minutes until heated through, preventing dryness.
• Quickly reheat individual portions on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway to ensure even heating.

Pairing Suggestions for This Bold Casserole

• Select a crisp, hoppy pale ale or wheat beer to cut through the rich, spicy buffalo sauce and complement the creamy texture of the casserole.
• Create a cool cucumber and blue cheese salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the heat and provide a refreshing contrast to the warm, spicy casserole.
• Prepare a homemade or store-bought ranch dressing as a cooling accompaniment that enhances the buffalo chicken flavors and offers a smooth, tangy counterpoint.
• Whip up a creamy coleslaw with a hint of apple cider vinegar to add crunch and a slight tanginess that complements the casserole's rich, spicy profile.

Buffalo Chicken Casserole Variations

• Vegetarian Buffalo Cauliflower Bake: Replace chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas, using the same buffalo sauce marinade for a protein-packed meat-free version.
• Low-Carb Keto Buffalo Casserole: Substitute cauliflower with zucchini or broccoli pieces, keeping the creamy buffalo sauce and adding extra cheese for higher fat content.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Use coconut cream instead of regular cream, swap dairy cheese with nutritional yeast or vegan cheese alternatives, maintaining the spicy buffalo flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Option: Ensure buffalo sauce is gluten-free, use almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs for topping, and verify all ingredients are certified gluten-free to accommodate sensitive diets.

Casserole Questions You Might Have

• What is buffalo sauce made of?

Buffalo sauce is a simple mixture of hot sauce (typically Frank’s RedHot) and melted butter, creating a spicy and tangy coating for chicken or vegetables.

• Can I make this casserole spicier?

Yes, you can adjust the heat by adding more hot sauce or using a spicier variety like Sriracha or adding red pepper flakes to increase the heat level.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

The recipe can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free hot sauce, ensuring all other ingredients are gluten-free, and substituting regular flour with almond or gluten-free flour if a thickener is needed.

• How can I add more protein to this dish?

You can increase protein by adding shredded rotisserie chicken, diced grilled chicken, or even crumbled bacon on top of the casserole before baking.

Creamy Buffalo Chicken Cauliflower Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Spicy, cheesy Buffalo Chicken Cauliflower Casserole brings zesty comfort to dinner tables with its bold flavors and hearty ingredients. Creamy sauce and tender cauliflower meld perfectly, promising a satisfying meal that delivers serious flavor without guilt.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein:

• 2 cups cooked shredded chicken

Vegetable Base:

• 1 large head cauliflower, cut into florets (or 4 cups frozen cauliflower)

Cheese and Dairy:

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 4 ounces (½ block) cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup ranch dressing (or blue cheese dressing)
• ¼ cup crumbled blue cheese (optional)

Sauce and Seasoning:

• ½ cup buffalo sauce (such as Franks RedHot)
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Garnish:

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or green onions, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to a toasty 375F (190C), preparing a warm environment for the upcoming culinary creation.
2. Coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with a delicate layer of cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.
3. Transform the cauliflower florets into a tender canvas by gently steaming or microwaving for approximately 5 minutes, then carefully drain any excess moisture to maintain a perfect texture.
4. In a spacious mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken with tangy buffalo sauce, creating a fiery and flavorful base that will infuse the entire casserole with zesty excitement.
5. Whisk together cream cheese, sour cream, and ranch dressing until smooth, forming a luxurious and creamy binding element that will elevate the dish’s richness.
6. Fold the partially cooked cauliflower into the creamy mixture, ensuring each floret is generously coated with the decadent sauce.
7. Transfer the buffalo chicken and cauliflower blend into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly to create a uniform layer of deliciousness.
8. Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheese across the top, adding a golden, melty crown that will crisp and brown during baking.
9. Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, watching for a bubbling, golden-brown surface that signals culinary perfection.
10. Once removed from the oven, allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes, letting the flavors meld and the temperature settle before serving.
11. Garnish with chopped green onions or fresh chives, adding a pop of color and a hint of fresh herbaceous flavor to complete the dish.

Notes

• Choose fresh, firm cauliflower for the best texture and remove excess moisture to prevent a soggy casserole.
• Adjust buffalo sauce intensity by mixing different hot sauce brands or adding more or less to suit personal heat preferences.
• For a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream and use reduced-fat cheese to lower calorie content.
• Create a gluten-free option by using almond flour or crushed pork rinds as a crispy topping alternative to traditional breadcrumbs.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 410
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 1100 mg
• Fat: 27 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg