Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Casserole: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe

Craving the spicy, tangy flavor of buffalo chicken wings but want something heartier and easier to make? Look no further than this Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Casserole! It’s the perfect blend of creamy, cheesy goodness, tender chicken, and that signature buffalo sauce kick, all baked into one irresistible dish. This recipe is not only incredibly delicious but also relatively simple, making it ideal for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or game day gatherings. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this crowd-pleasing casserole.

## Why You’ll Love This Buffalo Chicken Casserole

* **Easy to Make:** This recipe utilizes pre-cooked chicken (rotisserie chicken works perfectly!) and pantry staples, saving you time and effort in the kitchen.
* **Flavor-Packed:** The combination of buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, cheddar cheese, and creamy sauce creates a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
* **Customizable:** Easily adjust the spice level to your preference by choosing your favorite buffalo sauce or adding a pinch of cayenne pepper. You can also customize the ingredients by adding vegetables or different types of cheese.
* **Crowd-Pleasing:** This casserole is always a hit at parties and gatherings. It’s easy to transport and serves a large group.
* **Comfort Food at Its Finest:** Warm, cheesy, and flavorful, this casserole is the ultimate comfort food for a cozy night in.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients you’ll need to make this Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Casserole:

* **Cooked Chicken:** 3 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie chicken, leftover grilled chicken, or boiled chicken work well). Make sure to remove the skin.
* **Pasta:** 1 pound elbow macaroni (or any short pasta shape like penne, rotini, or shells).
* **Cream Cheese:** 8 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
* **Ranch Dressing:** 1 cup ranch dressing (store-bought or homemade).
* **Buffalo Wing Sauce:** 1 cup buffalo wing sauce (choose your preferred heat level – mild, medium, or hot).
* **Cheddar Cheese:** 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided (you can use a combination of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese for a more complex flavor).
* **Monterey Jack Cheese:** 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese, divided.
* **Celery:** 1/2 cup diced celery (optional, but adds a nice crunch).
* **Green Onions:** 1/4 cup chopped green onions (for garnish).
* **Blue Cheese Crumbles:** 1/4 cup blue cheese crumbles (for garnish, optional).
* **Butter:** 2 tablespoons unsalted butter.
* **All-Purpose Flour:** 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour.
* **Milk:** 1 and 1/2 cups milk.
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste.
* **Garlic Powder:** 1 teaspoon garlic powder.
* **Onion Powder:** 1 teaspoon onion powder.

## Equipment You’ll Need

* Large pot for boiling pasta
* 9×13 inch baking dish
* Large skillet or saucepan
* Mixing bowls
* Whisk
* Measuring cups and spoons

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your own Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Casserole:

**1. Prepare the Pasta:**

* Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
* Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package directions until al dente (slightly firm to the bite). This is important because the pasta will continue to cook in the oven.
* Drain the pasta well and set aside.

**2. Make the Creamy Buffalo Sauce:**

* In a large skillet or saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
* Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux. This will help thicken the sauce.
* Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Continue whisking until the sauce begins to thicken.
* Add the softened cream cheese and stir until it is completely melted and incorporated into the sauce. The sauce should be smooth and creamy.
* Stir in the ranch dressing, buffalo wing sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Remember, you can add more buffalo sauce for a spicier kick.
* Simmer over low heat for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is heated through.

**3. Combine Ingredients:**

* In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, shredded chicken, and diced celery (if using).
* Pour the creamy buffalo sauce over the pasta and chicken mixture.
* Stir well to ensure everything is evenly coated with the sauce.

**4. Assemble the Casserole:**

* Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
* Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
* Pour the pasta and chicken mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
* Sprinkle 1 cup of cheddar cheese and 1/2 cup of Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.

**5. Bake the Casserole:**

* Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through.

**6. Garnish and Serve:**

* Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
* Garnish with the remaining cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, green onions, and blue cheese crumbles (if using).
* Serve hot and enjoy!

## Tips for the Best Buffalo Chicken Casserole

* **Don’t Overcook the Pasta:** Cooking the pasta al dente is crucial to prevent it from becoming mushy in the casserole. It will continue to cook in the oven.
* **Use Room Temperature Cream Cheese:** Softened cream cheese will incorporate much more easily into the sauce, resulting in a smoother and creamier texture.
* **Adjust the Spice Level:** Use your favorite buffalo wing sauce and adjust the amount to suit your taste. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
* **Don’t Be Afraid to Experiment:** Feel free to add other ingredients to customize your casserole. Some popular additions include cooked bacon, corn, black beans, or chopped jalapenos.
* **Use High-Quality Cheese:** Opt for high-quality cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese for the best flavor and melting properties. Pre-shredded cheese often contains cellulose, which can prevent it from melting as smoothly.
* **Make Ahead:** You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
* **Reheat Properly:** To reheat leftover casserole, cover it with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave.
* **Add Breadcrumbs:** For a crispy topping, sprinkle breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter over the cheese before baking.
* **Serve with Sides:** This casserole is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with sides like celery sticks, carrot sticks, or a side salad.
* **Use a Cast Iron Skillet:** You can make this casserole entirely in a cast iron skillet. Simply cook the sauce and combine all the ingredients in the skillet, then bake in the oven.

## Variations and Add-Ins

* **Spicy Buffalo Chicken Casserole:** Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or use a hotter buffalo wing sauce.
* **Cool Ranch Buffalo Chicken Casserole:** Use cool ranch dressing instead of regular ranch dressing for a tangier flavor.
* **Vegetarian Buffalo Casserole:** Substitute the chicken with cooked cauliflower florets or chickpeas.
* **Bacon Buffalo Chicken Casserole:** Add crispy cooked bacon to the casserole for a smoky flavor.
* **Buffalo Chicken and Corn Casserole:** Stir in a can of drained corn for added sweetness and texture.
* **Jalapeno Buffalo Chicken Casserole:** Add diced jalapenos for an extra kick of heat.
* **Low-Carb Buffalo Chicken Casserole:** Substitute the pasta with cooked cauliflower rice or shredded zucchini.
* **Different Cheeses:** Experiment with different cheeses, such as Pepper Jack for a spicy kick, or Gouda for a smoky flavor.
* **Add Vegetables**: Incorporate cooked broccoli, bell peppers, or spinach into the casserole for added nutrients and flavor.

## Serving Suggestions

This Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Casserole is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways:

* **As a Main Course:** Serve it as a main course for a satisfying and comforting meal.
* **At Potlucks and Gatherings:** It’s a perfect dish to bring to potlucks, parties, and game day gatherings.
* **As a Game Day Appetizer:** Cut the casserole into small squares and serve as a cheesy buffalo chicken appetizer.
* **With a Side Salad:** Pair it with a fresh side salad to balance out the richness of the casserole.
* **With Celery and Carrot Sticks:** Serve with celery and carrot sticks for dipping in extra ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing.
* **With a Dollop of Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt:** Top with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for added tanginess and creaminess.

## Storage Instructions

* **Refrigerate:** Store leftover Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Freeze:** You can also freeze the casserole for longer storage. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

Please note that the nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used.

* Calories: Approximately 400-500 per serving
* Protein: 30-40 grams per serving
* Fat: 20-30 grams per serving
* Carbohydrates: 20-30 grams per serving

## Conclusion

This Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Casserole is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make and bursting with flavor. With its creamy, cheesy texture, tender chicken, and spicy buffalo sauce, it’s the ultimate comfort food for any occasion. So, gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and get ready to enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal that everyone will love! Don’t forget to experiment with different variations and add-ins to create your own signature buffalo chicken casserole. Enjoy!