Sizzling Buffalo Chicken Cauliflower Casserole Recipe To Enjoy

Comfort food takes a delightful twist with this buffalo chicken cauliflower casserole that packs a flavorful punch.

Spicy buffalo sauce mingles perfectly with tender chicken and roasted cauliflower, creating a mouthwatering dish that satisfies cravings.

Creamy cheese and crisp textures combine in every single bite, making this recipe a true crowd-pleaser.

The classic buffalo flavor emerges through a carefully balanced blend of ingredients that transform ordinary weeknight meals.

Protein-rich and low-carb, this casserole offers a healthier alternative to traditional buffalo chicken dishes.

Each forkful delivers a zesty explosion of taste that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Prepare to fall in love with this irresistible and guilt-free comfort meal.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 410 kcal

Servings: 6

What Goes Into Buffalo Chicken Cauliflower Casserole

• Cauliflower Florets: Nutritious vegetable base that provides a low-carb alternative to traditional pasta, packed with fiber and rich in vitamins.
• Cream Cheese: Creates luxurious, velvety texture and adds tangy richness to the casserole.
• Ranch Seasoning Mix: Delivers zesty, herbal flavor profile and helps bind ingredients together.

• Shredded Chicken: Lean protein that adds substantial heartiness and makes the dish more filling.
• Buffalo Sauce: Brings signature spicy kick and vibrant red color with classic tangy heat.
• Sour Cream: Contributes additional creaminess and helps balance the buffalo sauce's intensity.

• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Melts beautifully and creates golden, crispy top layer with sharp, savory notes.
• Green Onions: Adds fresh, mild onion flavor and bright pop of color as a finishing touch.
• Crumbled Blue Cheese: Optional ingredient that introduces bold, pungent taste for cheese enthusiasts.

Tools to Whip Up Buffalo Chicken Cauliflower Casserole

• Large mixing bowl: Needed for combining chicken, cauliflower, and creamy sauce ingredients.
• 9×13-inch baking dish: Perfect for assembling and baking the casserole.
• Cutting board: For chopping cauliflower and preparing ingredients.
• Chef's knife: Sharp and essential for precise vegetable and chicken cutting.
• Colander: Great for draining steamed cauliflower and ensuring no excess water remains.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient measurements.
• Whisk: Helps blend sauce ingredients smoothly and eliminate lumps.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Useful for stirring and mixing casserole components.

How to Build a Buffalo Chicken Cauliflower Casserole

• Warm Up The Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 375°F, getting it ready for a delicious adventure.

• Prepare The Baking Dish

Grab a 9×13-inch dish and give it a quick spritz of cooking spray to prevent any sticky situations.

• Soften The Cauliflower

Toss those white florets into a steamer or microwave, cooking them just until they start to become tender – about 5 minutes. Make sure to drain off any extra liquid so your casserole doesn’t turn into a soggy mess.

• Mix The Creamy Base

In a large bowl, blend together shredded chicken, cream cheese, buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, and a sprinkle of shredded cheese. This mixture is going to be your flavor explosion.

• Combine And Layer

Gently fold the steamed cauliflower into your creamy mixture, ensuring every floret gets coated with that spicy, tangy goodness. Pour everything into your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.

• Top And Bake

Shower the top with more shredded cheese and a light dusting of green onions. Slide the dish into the hot oven and bake for about 25 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly with golden edges.

• Rest And Serve

Let the casserole cool for a few minutes after pulling it from the oven. This helps it set and makes serving easier. Dish up and enjoy your spicy, creamy creation!

Flavor Twists for Your Buffalo Chicken Cauliflower Bake

• Flavor Boost: Add a splash of ranch seasoning or blue cheese crumbles for an extra tangy kick that elevates the buffalo chicken profile.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prep the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve – perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.
• Protein Power Swap: Replace chicken with rotisserie chicken, shredded turkey, or plant-based chicken alternatives for flexible meal options that suit different dietary needs.
• Low-Carb Champion: Skip breadcrumbs and use crushed pork rinds or almond flour as a crispy topping for a keto-friendly version that maintains delicious crunch and texture.
• Dairy-Free Delight: Substitute cream cheese with cashew cream or dairy-free cream cheese, and use nutritional yeast instead of regular cheese to create a vegan-friendly adaptation that doesn't compromise on rich, creamy flavor.

Ways to Serve Buffalo Chicken Cauliflower Casserole

• Flavor Explosion Plate: Serve this spicy casserole over a bed of crisp mixed greens for a refreshing contrast to the rich, creamy buffalo chicken.
• Game Day Gathering Platter: Slice into squares and pair with cool ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping, perfect for sports watching or casual get-togethers.
• Protein Power Meal: Top with extra crumbled blue cheese, sliced green onions, and a drizzle of hot sauce to elevate the dish and add extra layers of flavor and texture.
• Leftover Magic Remix: Transform remaining casserole into a tasty wrap by spreading onto tortillas with fresh lettuce and a touch of sour cream for a quick lunch option.

Store and Reheat Buffalo Chicken Cauliflower Casserole

• Smart Portioning: Divide leftovers into individual meal-prep containers for easy grab-and-go lunches throughout the week, ensuring quick and delicious reheating.
• Refrigeration Strategy: Store any unused casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, maintaining optimal flavor and texture when sealed properly.
• Freezing Technique: Wrap the casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in the oven at 350F for 20-25 minutes.
• Reheating Magic: Warm individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or reheat the entire casserole in the oven, covering with foil to prevent drying out and preserve moisture.

Hearty Buffalo Chicken Cauliflower Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Classic buffalo chicken cauliflower casserole blends spicy comfort with wholesome ingredients. Hearty and satisfying, this dish promises rich flavors you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
• 1 large head cauliflower, cut into florets (or 4 cups frozen cauliflower)
• ½ cup buffalo sauce (such as Franks RedHot)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 4 oz (½ block) cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup ranch dressing (or blue cheese dressing)
• ¼ cup crumbled blue cheese (optional)
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsps fresh parsley or green onions, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Ignite the oven to 375F (190C), setting the stage for a culinary adventure with a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly coated with cooking spray.
2. Cauliflower Transformation: Steam or microwave cauliflower florets until tender, then meticulously drain to preserve optimal texture, creating a delicate foundation for the casserole.
3. Flavor Fusion: Merge shredded chicken with buffalo sauce in a capacious mixing bowl, crafting a bold and zesty flavor profile that will electrify the entire dish.
4. Creamy Alchemy: Whip cream cheese, sour cream, and ranch dressing into a silky smooth mixture, forming a luxurious binding agent that promises decadent richness.
5. Composition: Gently incorporate the cauliflower into the creamy buffalo mixture, ensuring each morsel is lavishly embraced by the vibrant sauce, then transfer to the prepared baking dish.
6. Cheese Coronation: Blanket the surface with a generous layer of shredded cheese, creating a golden, molten topping that will transform during baking.
7. Baking Finale: Nestle the casserole in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, anticipating a bubbling, bronzed surface that signals culinary triumph.
8. Finishing Touch: After removing from the oven, allow a brief 5-minute rest to harmonize flavors, then embellish with chopped green onions or chives for a fresh, herbaceous flourish.

Notes

• Prevent Watery Texture: Steam cauliflower briefly and drain thoroughly to avoid excess moisture, ensuring a thick and creamy casserole consistency.
• Customize Spice Level: Adjust buffalo sauce quantity to control heat intensity, allowing personalization for different spice tolerances.
• Protein Flexibility: Substitute shredded chicken with rotisserie chicken, turkey, or plant-based alternatives like tofu for varied dietary preferences.
• Enhance Cheese Selection: Experiment with different cheese blends like pepper jack, sharp cheddar, or a mix to create unique flavor profiles and depth.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 900mg
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 32g
• Cholesterol: 105mg