Creamy Buffalo Chicken Cauliflower Casserole Recipe

Introduction

Creamy Buffalo Chicken Cauliflower Casserole combines bold buffalo flavors with tender cauliflower and juicy chicken in a rich, cheesy dish. This low-carb, high-protein casserole satisfies comfort food cravings without the usual carbs, making it perfect for family dinners or meal prep.

A white rectangular baking dish filled with a creamy cauliflower cheese bake, showing at least three layers: the bottom layer has melted orange cheddar cheese sauce, the middle layer consists of tender cauliflower pieces lightly browned at edges, and the top layer is drizzled with a smooth white cheese sauce scattered with small green parsley leaves. The dish sits on a soft beige cloth, placed on a rustic wooden surface, with a small white bowl of extra cheese sauce blurred in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 1 large head of cauliflower, cut into florets
  • 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
  • 1 cup buffalo sauce (adjust to taste)
  • 1/2 cup ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 3 green onions, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley or chives, chopped, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. Step 2: Steam or blanch the cauliflower florets until just tender, about 5-7 minutes. Drain well and pat dry to remove excess moisture.
  3. Step 3: In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, and ranch or blue cheese dressing. Add the cauliflower florets, tossing to coat evenly. Season with salt and pepper.
  4. Step 4: Transfer the cauliflower and chicken mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses evenly over the top.
  5. Step 5: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the casserole is heated through.
  6. Step 6: Remove from the oven and sprinkle with chopped green onions and fresh parsley or chives if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

  • For extra heat, add crushed red pepper flakes or more buffalo sauce to the mix.
  • Top with crushed pork rinds or crispy fried onions before baking for added crunch.
  • Use plant-based chicken substitutes and dairy-free cheese to make this dish vegetarian or dairy-free.
  • Add extra creaminess with a dollop of sour cream or additional cream cheese.
  • Include extra vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini for more flavor and nutrients.
  • Try adding crumbled cooked bacon for a smoky twist.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To freeze, wrap tightly in foil or place in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or warm the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.

How to Serve

The casserole dish is white and filled with creamy buffalo chicken cauliflower, showing two layers. The bottom layer is a rich orange color from the buffalo sauce mixed with cooked chicken and cauliflower, which look soft and slightly chunky. On top, there is a thick layer of melted white cheese melting over the orange base and cauliflower florets, with small green herb leaves scattered around in the first image and chopped green onions sprinkled in the second image. The texture of the cheese is smooth and gooey, covering the dish unevenly but fully. The surface beneath the dish is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Yes, rotisserie chicken works well and saves time. Simply shred or dice it and add directly to the casserole mixture.

Is this recipe keto-friendly?

Absolutely. Using cauliflower instead of pasta or rice keeps this casserole low in carbs, making it suitable for a keto diet.

Print
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Creamy Buffalo Chicken Cauliflower Casserole Recipe


  • Author: Matteo
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Diet: Low Carb

Description

Creamy Buffalo Chicken Cauliflower Casserole combines spicy buffalo-flavored chicken and tender cauliflower in a rich, cheesy, creamy casserole. This low-carb, high-protein dish features a blend of buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, and melted cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, making it a comforting, flavorful meal perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep.


Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables

  • 1 large head of cauliflower, cut into florets
  • 3 green onions, chopped
  • Fresh parsley or chives, chopped, for garnish (optional)

Proteins

  • 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced

Dairy & Dressings

  • 1 cup buffalo sauce (adjust to taste)
  • 1/2 cup ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Seasonings & Others

  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon oil (for cooking chicken)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375-400°F (190-200°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly with non-stick cooking spray or oil to prevent sticking.
  2. Prepare the Cauliflower: Rinse and chop the cauliflower into small, bite-sized florets for even cooking. Optionally, blanch the florets in boiling water for 2-3 minutes to soften, then drain well and pat dry to remove excess moisture.
  3. Cook the Chicken: Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced chicken seasoned lightly with salt and pepper. Cook until no longer pink inside, about 6-8 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
  4. Make the Creamy Buffalo Sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine buffalo sauce, softened cream cheese (optional warming for easier mixing), and ranch dressing. Whisk or stir until smooth and creamy.
  5. Combine the Ingredients: To the sauce, add the cooked chicken, blanched cauliflower, half of the shredded cheddar cheese, and half of the mozzarella cheese. Stir gently until all ingredients are well coated with the creamy buffalo sauce.
  6. Assemble the Casserole: Transfer the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheese evenly over the top to create a melty cheese crust.
  7. Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is bubbly, melted, and lightly golden on top.
  8. Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven and sprinkle chopped green onions and fresh parsley or chives over the top for a fresh, colorful garnish. Serve hot and enjoy the creamy, spicy flavors.

Notes

  • Make It Extra Spicy: Add crushed red pepper flakes or extra buffalo sauce for intensified heat.
  • Add Crunch: Top with crushed pork rinds or crispy fried onions before baking for a texture contrast.
  • Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
  • Freezing: Wrap tightly or place in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months; thaw overnight before reheating.
  • Reheating: Microwave individual servings for 1-2 minutes or reheat the whole casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
  • Variations: Use plant-based chicken for a vegetarian version; add extra sour cream for creaminess; include additional veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms; add crumbled bacon for smoky flavor.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: buffalo chicken casserole, cauliflower casserole, low carb casserole, keto dinner, creamy buffalo chicken, cheesy buffalo casserole, spicy chicken dish, healthy comfort food

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