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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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)
Instructions
- 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.
- Cauliflower Transformation: Steam or microwave cauliflower florets until tender, then meticulously drain to preserve optimal texture, creating a delicate foundation for the casserole.
- 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.
- Creamy Alchemy: Whip cream cheese, sour cream, and ranch dressing into a silky smooth mixture, forming a luxurious binding agent that promises decadent richness.
- 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.
- Cheese Coronation: Blanket the surface with a generous layer of shredded cheese, creating a golden, molten topping that will transform during baking.
- Baking Finale: Nestle the casserole in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, anticipating a bubbling, bronzed surface that signals culinary triumph.
- 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