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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to a toasty 375F (190C), preparing a warm environment for the upcoming culinary creation.
- Coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with a delicate layer of cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Fold the partially cooked cauliflower into the creamy mixture, ensuring each floret is generously coated with the decadent sauce.
- Transfer the buffalo chicken and cauliflower blend into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly to create a uniform layer of deliciousness.
- Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheese across the top, adding a golden, melty crown that will crisp and brown during baking.
- Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, watching for a bubbling, golden-brown surface that signals culinary perfection.
- Once removed from the oven, allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes, letting the flavors meld and the temperature settle before serving.
- 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