Jalapeño Buffalo Chicken Casserole Recipe

Get ready to meet your new favorite weeknight dinner: Jalapeño Buffalo Chicken Casserole. This recipe takes all the bold, fiery flavors of buffalo chicken and makes them shine in a comfort food classic that will have everyone begging for seconds. Juicy chicken, colorful veggies, and that unmistakable kick from fresh jalapeños come together in a creamy, tangy sauce for something that’s equal parts energizing and soothing. Whether you’re cooking for spice-lovers, craving a low-carb casserole, or just looking to shake up your dinner rotation, Jalapeño Buffalo Chicken Casserole is about to become a staple around your table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of everyday ingredients, you’ll quickly see how each one works overtime to deliver both flavor and texture. From the fiery punch of jalapeño to the cool richness of coconut cream, everything here serves a purpose in this irresistible Jalapeño Buffalo Chicken Casserole!

• Chicken breast, cooked and shredded: Lean, protein-rich chicken forms the heart of our casserole and soaks up all the zesty sauce.
• Frozen cauliflower rice: This sneaky swap keeps things lighter without sacrificing that classic casserole feel.
• Jalapeños, finely diced: Bring on the heat! Fresh jalapeños give the casserole its lively kick and vibrant color.
• White or yellow onion, diced: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth that balances the spicy buffalo sauce.
• Red pepper, diced: Boosts color and adds mellow, slightly sweet crunch to every bite.
• Shredded or finely diced carrots: Nestle in extra flavor and a hint of natural sweetness, plus great texture contrast.
• Canned coconut cream, thick part only: Provides a luscious, dairy-free creaminess to the buffalo sauce.
• Buffalo sauce: The star of the show, bringing a tangy, spicy punch that defines this casserole.
• Ranch: A cool, herby counterpoint to the spicy buffalo for balance and richness.
• Minced garlic: For a savory backbone that ties all the bold flavors together.
• Salt: Enhances every ingredient and deepens the overall flavor.
• Black pepper: Provides gentle heat and rounds out the seasoning.
• Optional garnishes: green onion, extra jalapeños: The perfect way to finish with freshness and extra color!

How to Make Jalapeño Buffalo Chicken Casserole

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start off by preheating your oven to 400 degrees F. This ensures the casserole bakes evenly and gets those nicely browned edges. If you love a slightly caramelized top, this temperature works its magic!

Step 2: Layer Chicken and Vegetables

Grab your favorite large casserole dish and add in the shredded chicken, cauliflower rice, jalapeños, onion, red pepper, and carrots. Toss them lightly with your hands or a spoon to evenly distribute all the good stuff—this will help every bite be full of color and variety.

Step 3: Mix Up the Creamy Buffalo Sauce

In a separate small bowl, combine the minced garlic, salt, black pepper, coconut cream, buffalo sauce, and ranch dressing. Whisk everything together with a fork until the sauce is silky and blended. This is where those layers of creamy tang and heat come together beautifully.

Step 4: Assemble and Mix

Pour your creamy sauce mixture all over the chicken and veggies in the casserole dish. Use tongs or two forks to gently toss everything together until every nook and cranny is generously coated with sauce. Then smooth the top into an even layer—it’s almost ready for the oven!

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide your casserole dish onto the center rack and bake for 45 minutes. If you crave a golden, slightly crisped top, let it go a touch longer. The aromas filling your kitchen will let you know something amazing is about to come out of the oven!

Step 6: Add Finishing Touches

Once baked, let the casserole cool for just a minute before adding a generous drizzle of buffalo sauce or ranch over the top. Then sprinkle with green onion and extra jalapeño, if desired, for freshness and an extra pop of heat.

How to Serve Jalapeño Buffalo Chicken Casserole

Garnishes

This casserole truly comes alive with a few simple garnishes. A handful of chopped green onions adds brightness and a mild, oniony crunch. Extra jalapeño slices let those who love a challenge crank the heat up to their liking, and a final drizzle of ranch or buffalo sauce gives that irresistible, restaurant-inspired look.

Side Dishes

Jalapeño Buffalo Chicken Casserole is amazing on its own, but it loves a good sidekick! Try serving with a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette or some fluffy cauliflower mash. A side of celery sticks or carrot sticks will echo the flavors in the dish and bring that classic buffalo wing vibe to your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re hosting friends or want to switch things up, try spooning the casserole into individual ramekins for a bistro-style presentation. Serve as a filling for lettuce wraps or baked potatoes for a fun twist. Leftovers also make spectacular stuffed peppers or are delicious loaded onto a hearty baked sweet potato.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Jalapeño Buffalo Chicken Casserole keeps like a dream in the fridge! Simply scoop any extra into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. The flavors meld even more as it sits, often making the second-day serving even more craveable.

Freezing

To freeze, let the casserole cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe dish or divide into portions. Cover tightly with foil or a well-fitting lid and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture and flavor.

Reheating

When you’re ready to enjoy again, simply reheat portions in the microwave on medium power until hot throughout, or pop the casserole back in a 350-degree oven, covered, until piping hot. A splash of extra ranch or buffalo sauce on top can help revive that fresh-baked creaminess.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooked chicken breast?

Absolutely! Using a store-bought rotisserie chicken makes this casserole even faster to prepare, and the pre-seasoned meat adds another dimension of flavor.

Is there a way to make this Jalapeño Buffalo Chicken Casserole less spicy?

Definitely. For a milder version, simply reduce the number of jalapeños or use just one. You can also use a mild buffalo sauce, or add a bit more ranch to the sauce mixture to mellow out the heat.

What can I use instead of coconut cream?

You can sub in full-fat Greek yogurt, sour cream, or regular cream cheese for a different creamy texture, though the flavor will shift a bit. Each of these makes the sauce thick and luscious!

Is this casserole suitable for meal prep?

Yes! Jalapeño Buffalo Chicken Casserole is perfect for making ahead. It stores and reheats beautifully, so you can prep on Sunday and enjoy easy, flavorful lunches or dinners all week long.

Can I add cheese to this casserole?

If you love a cheesy finish, sprinkle some shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack on top before baking. It melts into the buffalo sauce and adds irresistible gooey, bubbly goodness.

Final Thoughts

Jalapeño Buffalo Chicken Casserole is bursting with color, flavor, and that signature buffalo zing—it’s a dinner that truly excites! I hope you’ll give it a try, make it your own, and watch it become a repeat request at your table. Happy cooking, and enjoy every delicious, spicy forkful!

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