Buffalo Chicken Casserole Recipe
Introduction
This Buffalo Chicken Casserole is a flavorful and comforting dish that combines tender chicken, spicy hot sauce, and creamy cheeses with hearty rice. It’s an easy one-pan meal perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless chicken breast, cut into bite-size pieces
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup chopped onions
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 1 1/2 cups long grain rice
- 1/2 cup Frank’s RedHot Sauce
- 2 1/2 cups water or chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
Instructions
- Step 1: Cut the chicken into 1-inch bite-size pieces. Chop the onions, celery, and green onions.
- Step 2: In a large skillet or sauté pan with a lid, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and celery and sauté for 3 to 5 minutes until softened.
- Step 3: Add the chicken pieces, rice, hot sauce, broth, and 1/4 teaspoon salt to the skillet. Stir to combine, then cover the skillet and bring to a boil.
- Step 4: Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the broth is absorbed and there are small air vent holes on the surface of the rice.
- Step 5: Fluff the rice with a fork, then stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled blue cheese, and chopped green onions. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Tips & Variations
- Use chicken broth instead of water for a richer flavor.
- For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce.
- Substitute blue cheese with ranch dressing for a milder, creamy twist.
- Garnish with additional green onions or fresh parsley for color and freshness.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water to keep the casserole moist.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of long grain white rice?
Yes, but cooking times will be longer. You may want to pre-cook the brown rice or add extra liquid and increase simmering time accordingly.
Is it necessary to use both cheddar and blue cheese?
No, you can use just cheddar or substitute the blue cheese with a milder cheese if preferred. Blue cheese adds a classic tangy flavor to complement the buffalo sauce.
PrintBuffalo Chicken Casserole Recipe
This comforting Buffalo Chicken Casserole combines tender chicken, spicy hot sauce, and creamy cheeses with hearty rice and fresh vegetables. Sautéed onions and celery add a savory base, while cheddar and blue cheeses bring that classic buffalo wing flavor in an easy one-pan, stovetop meal perfect for busy weeknights.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Chicken and Vegetables
- 1 1/2 pound boneless chicken breast, cut into bite-size pieces
- 1 cup chopped onions
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
Pan Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 1/2 cups long grain rice
- 1/2 cup Frank’s RedHot Sauce
- 2 1/2 cups water or chicken broth
- 1/4 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
Cheeses
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
Instructions
- Prep Ingredients: Cut the chicken into 1-inch bite-size pieces and chop all the vegetables including onions, celery, and green onions to prepare for cooking.
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large skillet or sauté pan with a lid, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and celery and sauté for 3-5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Add Main Ingredients and Simmer: Add the bite-sized chicken pieces, long grain rice, Frank’s RedHot Sauce, water or chicken broth, and 1/4 teaspoon salt to the skillet. Stir everything together, then cover with the lid. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the rice has absorbed the liquid and creates steam vents on top.
- Finish and Season: Fluff the rice mixture with a fork and stir in shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled blue cheese, and chopped green onions. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed before serving.
Notes
- Using chicken broth instead of water will add extra flavor.
- You can adjust the amount of hot sauce to your spice preference.
- For a creamier texture, cover and let the casserole sit off heat for a few minutes before serving.
- This dish reheats well and makes great leftovers for the next day.
Keywords: buffalo chicken casserole, spicy chicken casserole, one-pan dinner, easy chicken recipe, comfort food
