Go Back
- 1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into small florets - 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (preferably rotisserie for added flavor) - 1/2 cup buffalo sauce (adjust according to your desired spice level) - 1 cup cream cheese, softened at room temperature - 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided - 1/2 cup ranch dressing - 1 cup celery, diced into small pieces - 1/2 cup green onions, sliced (both white and green parts) - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for a crunchy topping) - Fresh parsley, finely chopped, for garnish When making Buffalo Chicken Cauliflower Casserole, the ingredients are key. I love using fresh produce and quality proteins. The cauliflower is the star of this dish. It provides a great base. You want to cut it into small florets for even cooking. Cooked chicken is next. I prefer rotisserie chicken for flavor. It saves time and adds richness. The buffalo sauce brings the heat. Adjust it to your liking. For creaminess, I use softened cream cheese. It blends well with the other ingredients. Shredded sharp cheddar cheese is essential. It adds a strong, cheesy flavor. Ranch dressing gives a nice coolness to balance the spice. Celery adds a nice crunch. Green onions lend a fresh taste. Salt and pepper are necessary for seasoning. If you want extra crunch, breadcrumbs are optional. Fresh parsley adds color and freshness as a garnish. Each ingredient plays a role in making this dish tasty and satisfying. {{ingredient_image_2}} - Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish. - In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add the cauliflower florets and cook for 5-7 minutes until tender. Drain and set aside to cool. - In a large bowl, mix shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, cream cheese, half the cheddar cheese, ranch dressing, diced celery, and sliced green onions. Stir until smooth. - Gently fold the drained cauliflower into the chicken mixture. Make sure the florets are well coated. Taste and add salt and pepper to your liking. - Pour the mix into the greased baking dish. Spread it out evenly. Top with the remaining cheddar cheese. For extra crunch, sprinkle breadcrumbs on top if you want. - Place the dish in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown. Once done, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley for freshness. - Adjusting spice levels with buffalo sauce: Buffalo sauce can be spicy. Start with a little. Taste the mix. If it’s not hot enough, add more sauce a bit at a time. This way, you can control the heat to suit your taste. - Importance of using rotisserie chicken: Rotisserie chicken adds great flavor. It’s already cooked, which saves time. The seasoning from the chicken also enhances the whole dish. If you don’t have rotisserie, cook your chicken with spices for extra taste. - Presentation ideas with ranch dressing: Serve the casserole hot from the baking dish. Drizzle ranch dressing on top for a creamy touch. You can also place a small bowl of ranch next to the casserole for dipping. Arrange some celery sticks on the side for crunch. - Sides that pair well with the casserole: This casserole goes well with a fresh salad. A simple green salad with lemon dressing works great. You can also serve it with crispy tortilla chips. They add a fun crunch and balance the creamy casserole. Pro Tips Choose the Right Chicken: Using rotisserie chicken not only saves time but also adds a depth of flavor that will enhance the overall taste of the casserole. Adjusting Spice Levels: Feel free to modify the amount of buffalo sauce based on your spice preference. Start with less if you're unsure, and add more to taste. Homemade Ranch Dressing: For a fresher taste, consider making your own ranch dressing. It’s easy and can enhance the flavor profile of your casserole. Make Ahead: This casserole can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just bake it when you're ready to serve for an easy meal. {{image_4}} You can switch out some ingredients to fit your taste or needs. - Alternative proteins: If you want a different protein, use cooked turkey or tofu. Both options work well in this dish and keep it tasty. - Dairy-free options: For a dairy-free meal, swap cream cheese and cheddar with vegan versions. You can find plenty of plant-based cheeses that melt nicely. Adding extra flavors can make this casserole even better. - Additional spices: Try adding paprika, garlic powder, or onion powder to boost the taste. These spices add a nice kick and depth. - Adding vegetables: You can mix in bell peppers or spinach for more color and nutrition. Both veggies pair well with the buffalo flavor and add crunch. Feel free to get creative! Each change can make your Buffalo Chicken Cauliflower Casserole unique and delightful. To store your Buffalo Chicken Cauliflower Casserole, let it cool first. This step helps keep the texture right. Place the leftovers in an airtight container. You can use plastic containers or glass ones. Make sure they seal well to keep the flavors in. You can keep the casserole in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to enjoy it later, check for any signs of spoilage. If it smells funny or looks off, it’s best to toss it. Freezing is a great option if you want to save some for later. First, let the casserole cool completely. Then, cut it into servings for easier thawing. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. After that, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. This keeps the casserole fresh for about 2 to 3 months. When you're ready to eat, thaw the casserole in the fridge overnight. You can reheat it in the oven or microwave. Just make sure it's heated all the way through before serving. Can I make this casserole ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare this casserole in advance. Just follow all the steps, but instead of baking it, cover it and store it in the fridge. When you're ready to enjoy it, bake it straight from the fridge. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time. What can I use instead of ranch dressing? If you want a different flavor, you can use blue cheese dressing, Greek yogurt, or even a homemade dressing. Just make sure it has a creamy texture to blend well with the other ingredients. Is it possible to make this dish spicy? Absolutely! You can add more buffalo sauce to increase the heat. If you like extra spice, try adding some diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes to the mix. How can I reheat leftovers effectively? To reheat, use an oven set to 350°F (175°C). Cover the casserole with foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 15-20 minutes or until hot. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal. Caloric content per serving Each serving of this casserole has around 350-400 calories. This can change based on the type of chicken and cheese you use. Healthier ingredient options To make it lighter, try using low-fat cream cheese and dressing. You can also swap in grilled chicken or add more veggies like spinach or zucchini for extra nutrients. This blog post shared a simple and tasty buffalo chicken casserole recipe. We covered the main ingredients, preparation steps, and helpful tips for the best results. You learned about variations for flavor and dietary needs, plus how to store leftovers. In the end, this dish is easy to make and fun to share. Try it for your next meal! You’ll love how delicious and adaptable it can be. Enjoy cooking and eating this great recipe!

Buffalo Chicken Cauliflower Casserole

A spicy and creamy casserole made with cauliflower, shredded chicken, and buffalo sauce, topped with cheese and optional breadcrumbs.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6

Ingredients
  

  • 1 medium head cauliflower, cut into small florets
  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (preferably rotisserie)
  • 0.5 cup buffalo sauce
  • 1 cup cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
  • 0.5 cup ranch dressing
  • 1 cup celery, diced
  • 0.5 cup green onions, sliced
  • to taste salt and freshly cracked black pepper
  • 0.25 cup breadcrumbs (optional)
  • for garnish fresh parsley, finely chopped

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a baking dish by greasing it lightly with cooking spray or olive oil.
  • In a large pot, bring water to a rapid boil. Carefully add the cauliflower florets and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until they are tender but still slightly firm. Drain the cauliflower and set it aside to cool.
  • In a spacious mixing bowl, add the shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, softened cream cheese, half of the shredded cheddar cheese, ranch dressing, diced celery, and sliced green onions. Stir vigorously until the ingredients are thoroughly combined into a smooth mixture.
  • Take the drained cauliflower and gently fold it into the chicken mixture, ensuring the florets are well coated and evenly distributed. Taste the mixture and season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper as needed.
  • Transfer the combined mixture into the greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Top with the remaining shredded cheddar cheese and, if desired, sprinkle breadcrumbs over the cheese for an extra crunchy texture.
  • Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the top is beautifully golden brown.
  • Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes to cool slightly. Before serving, garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Notes

Serve with extra buffalo sauce and ranch dressing on the side.
Keyword buffalo chicken, casserole, cauliflower, comfort food