If you’re looking for a comforting, protein-packed dinner with a spicy kick, this Creamy Buffalo Chicken Casserole is about to become a new favorite. Made with tender chicken, creamy cottage cheese, buffalo sauce, cheddar cheese, and cauliflower rice, this easy casserole delivers all the bold flavors of buffalo chicken wings in a wholesome, family-friendly meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich, creamy, and loaded with flavor
- High-protein and low-carb friendly
- Perfect for meal prep
- Easy one-dish dinner
- Packed with vegetables
- Great for busy weeknights
- Naturally gluten-free
- Customizable spice level
Ingredients
Casserole
- Olive oil
- 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast or chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- ½ cup finely diced celery
- ½ cup finely diced carrots
- 16 ounces cottage cheese (2% or 4%)
- ¼ cup buffalo wing sauce, plus extra for topping
- 2 garlic cloves, peeled
- ½ teaspoon dried dill
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon celery salt
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Cayenne pepper, optional
- ⅓ cup chopped green onions
- 12 ounces frozen cauliflower rice
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
For Garnish
- Extra buffalo sauce
- Ranch dressing (optional)
- Chopped green onions
- Fresh parsley
Instructions
Prepare the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- If time allows, lightly salt the chicken and let it rest while preparing the remaining ingredients.
Make the Creamy Buffalo Sauce
- Add cottage cheese, buffalo sauce, garlic, dill, parsley, onion powder, celery salt, salt, pepper, and cayenne (if using) to a food processor.
- Blend until completely smooth and creamy.
- Set aside.
Cook the Chicken
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add enough olive oil to lightly coat the pan.
- Add chicken, celery, and carrots.
- Season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Cook undisturbed for 3 minutes.
- Stir and continue cooking for another 3 minutes until lightly browned.
- The chicken does not need to be fully cooked at this stage.
Prepare the Cauliflower Rice
- Thaw the cauliflower rice in the microwave or on the stovetop.
- Place it in a clean kitchen towel.
- Squeeze out as much moisture as possible.
Assemble the Casserole
- Add the cooked chicken mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Add cauliflower rice and green onions.
- Pour the buffalo cottage cheese mixture over everything.
- Stir until evenly combined.
- Spread into an even layer.
Bake
- Cover with foil.
- Bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
- Return to the oven and bake uncovered for 10 minutes.
- Switch the oven to broil for 2–4 minutes until the cheese becomes golden and bubbly.
Serve
- Drizzle with additional buffalo sauce.
- Add ranch dressing if desired.
- Garnish with green onions or fresh parsley.
- Serve warm.
Tips & Tricks
- Chicken thighs create an extra juicy casserole.
- Don’t skip squeezing moisture from the cauliflower rice.
- Blend the cottage cheese thoroughly for the creamiest texture.
- Add extra buffalo sauce for more heat.
- Use pepper jack cheese for a spicy variation.
- Fresh celery adds a traditional buffalo chicken flavor profile.
Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Difficulty: Easy
- Dietary Notes: Gluten-Free, Low-Carb, High Protein
Notes
- Substitute Greek yogurt for part of the cottage cheese if desired.
- Add chopped spinach for extra vegetables.
- Great for meal prep lunches.
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing pairs perfectly with this casserole.
Nutrition (Approximate Per Serving)
- Calories: 360
- Protein: 39g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fat: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 720mg
FAQ
Can I make Creamy Buffalo Chicken Casserole ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate before baking.
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely. Rotisserie chicken works well and saves time.
Is this casserole spicy?
It has moderate heat. Reduce the buffalo sauce or omit cayenne for a milder version.
Can I freeze it?
Yes. Freeze before or after baking for up to 3 months.
What can I use instead of cauliflower rice?
Cooked white rice, brown rice, or broccoli rice work well.
Why use cottage cheese?
Cottage cheese creates a creamy, high-protein sauce without relying entirely on heavy cream.
Storage
Refrigerator
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer
Freeze tightly covered for up to 3 months.
Reheating
Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
Similar Recipes
Creamy Buffalo Chicken Casserole
Creamy Buffalo Chicken Casserole combines tender chicken, buffalo sauce, cottage cheese, and cheddar cheese.
Ingredients
Casserole
- Olive oil
- 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast or chicken thighs cut into bite-sized pieces
- ½ cup finely diced celery
- ½ cup finely diced carrots
- 16 ounces cottage cheese 2% or 4%
- ¼ cup buffalo wing sauce plus extra for topping
- 2 garlic cloves peeled
- ½ teaspoon dried dill
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon celery salt
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Cayenne pepper optional
- ⅓ cup chopped green onions
- 12 ounces frozen cauliflower rice
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
For Garnish
- Extra buffalo sauce
- Ranch dressing optional
- Chopped green onions
- Fresh parsley
Instructions
Prepare the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- If time allows, lightly salt the chicken and let it rest while preparing the remaining ingredients.
Make the Creamy Buffalo Sauce
- Add cottage cheese, buffalo sauce, garlic, dill, parsley, onion powder, celery salt, salt, pepper, and cayenne (if using) to a food processor.
- Blend until completely smooth and creamy.
- Set aside.
Cook the Chicken
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add enough olive oil to lightly coat the pan.
- Add chicken, celery, and carrots.
- Season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Cook undisturbed for 3 minutes.
- Stir and continue cooking for another 3 minutes until lightly browned.
- The chicken does not need to be fully cooked at this stage.
Prepare the Cauliflower Rice
- Thaw the cauliflower rice in the microwave or on the stovetop.
- Place it in a clean kitchen towel.
- Squeeze out as much moisture as possible.
Assemble the Casserole
- Add the cooked chicken mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Add cauliflower rice and green onions.
- Pour the buffalo cottage cheese mixture over everything.
- Stir until evenly combined.
- Spread into an even layer.
- Bake
- Cover with foil.
- Bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
- Return to the oven and bake uncovered for 10 minutes.
- Switch the oven to broil for 2–4 minutes until the cheese becomes golden and bubbly.
- Serve
- Drizzle with additional buffalo sauce.
- Add ranch dressing if desired.
- Garnish with green onions or fresh parsley.
- Serve warm.
Notes
- Substitute Greek yogurt for part of the cottage cheese if desired.
- Add chopped spinach for extra vegetables.
- Great for meal prep lunches.
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing pairs perfectly with this casserole.
Conclusion
This Creamy Buffalo Chicken Casserole delivers everything you love about buffalo chicken in a hearty, wholesome casserole. With tender chicken, creamy buffalo sauce, vegetables, and melted cheddar cheese, it’s an easy dinner that’s satisfying, protein-packed, and perfect for meal prep.