Creamy Buffalo Chicken Cauliflower Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This Creamy Buffalo Chicken Cauliflower Casserole is a flavorful and comforting dish that combines tender cauliflower with spicy buffalo chicken and melty cheese. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner or a crowd-pleasing potluck. Ready in under an hour, it’s an easy way to enjoy bold flavors with a veggie twist.

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, 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 the spicy, creamy goodness!

Tips & Variations

• For extra heat, add a few dashes of hot sauce to the buffalo sauce before mixing.
• Use rotisserie chicken to save time on shredding and cooking.
• Substitute vegan cheese and dressing to make a dairy-free version.
• Try adding a layer of cooked quinoa or rice for a heartier casserole.
• To keep the cauliflower crispy, avoid overcooking it when steaming or blanching.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave or place the casserole back in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through. Avoid reheating multiple times to maintain the best texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cauliflower for this recipe?

Yes, frozen cauliflower can work if you thaw it well and drain any excess water. Fresh cauliflower is best for texture, but frozen is a convenient alternative.

Is this dish very spicy?

The spice level depends on the buffalo sauce you choose. You can adjust the amount of sauce to make it milder or hotter according to your preference.

Creamy Buffalo Chicken Cauliflower Casserole Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 106 reviews

This Creamy Buffalo Chicken Cauliflower Casserole is a delicious, spicy, and comforting dish that combines tender cauliflower florets with shredded chicken in a rich buffalo sauce and creamy ranch dressing. Topped with melted cheddar and mozzarella cheese and garnished with fresh green onions and herbs, this casserole is perfect for a hearty dinner or game day snack.

• Author: Mia
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Vegetables

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

Protein

• 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded

Sauces & Dressings

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

Cheese

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Seasonings

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure the casserole doesn’t stick during baking.
2. Prepare the Cauliflower: Steam or blanch the cauliflower florets until just tender, approximately 5 to 7 minutes. After cooking, drain them thoroughly and pat dry to remove excess moisture, which helps prevent a soggy casserole.
3. Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken with buffalo sauce and your choice of ranch or blue cheese dressing. Add the cooked cauliflower florets and toss everything together so the flavors are evenly distributed. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Assemble the Casserole: Transfer the buffalo chicken and cauliflower mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses over the top to add a creamy, melty cheese layer.
5. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden, and the casserole is heated through.
6. Garnish and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle with chopped green onions and fresh parsley or chives if using. Serve hot to enjoy the spicy, creamy flavors at their best.

Notes

• You can adjust the heat level by adding more or less buffalo sauce according to your preference.
• For a lower-fat version, substitute part of the cheese with reduced-fat varieties and opt for a light ranch dressing.
• Make sure to dry the cauliflower well after steaming to avoid excess moisture in the casserole.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• This casserole can be prepared a day ahead; assemble and refrigerate, then bake just before serving.

Keywords: Buffalo Chicken Casserole, Cauliflower Casserole, Spicy Chicken Casserole, Low Carb Dinner, Comfort Food, Game Day Recipes