Buffalo Chicken Casserole Recipe
Introduction
Buffalo Chicken Casserole is a comforting dish that combines tender chicken, spicy hot sauce, and creamy cheeses with fluffy rice. It’s an easy one-pan meal perfect for weeknights when you want bold flavors without the fuss.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pound 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 3-5 minutes until softened.
- Step 3: Stir in the chicken pieces, rice, hot sauce, broth, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Mix well, then cover the skillet and bring to a boil.
- Step 4: Reduce heat to low and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the broth is absorbed and small air vent holes appear on top of the rice.
- Step 5: Fluff the rice with a fork. Stir in the cheddar cheese, blue cheese, and green onions. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed before serving.
Tips & Variations
- For extra creaminess, stir in a few tablespoons of sour cream or cream cheese before adding the cheeses.
- Swap celery for bell peppers for a slightly sweeter flavor and added color.
- Use chicken broth instead of water for a richer taste.
- Adjust the amount of hot sauce to suit your preferred spice level.
Storage
Store any 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 water to keep it moist.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this casserole?
Yes, you can use cooked chicken; just add it in during the last few minutes of cooking to warm through without overcooking.
Is this casserole freezer-friendly?
It can be frozen, but the texture of the rice and cheese may change slightly. For best results, reheat gently and stir well after thawing.
PrintBuffalo Chicken Casserole Recipe
A flavorful and hearty Buffalo Chicken Casserole combining tender chicken, spicy hot sauce, sautéed vegetables, and melty cheeses with fluffy rice, all cooked together in one skillet for an easy and delicious meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Chicken and Vegetables
- 1 1/2 pound boneless chicken breast, cut into bite-size pieces
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup chopped onions
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
Rice and Sauce
- 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)
Cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
Instructions
- Prep Chicken and Vegetables: Cut the chicken into 1-inch bite-size pieces and chop all the vegetables thoroughly to ensure even 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, sautéing for 3-5 minutes until they soften and become fragrant.
- Add Chicken and Rice Mixture: To the skillet, add the chicken pieces, long grain rice, Frank’s RedHot Sauce, broth or water, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Stir everything together to combine.
- Cook Covered: Cover the skillet with a lid and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for 15 minutes or until the broth is fully absorbed and you see vent holes where steam escapes through the rice.
- Mix in Cheeses and Green Onions: Remove the lid and fluff the rice with a fork. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled blue cheese, and chopped green onions. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper to taste, then serve hot.
Notes
- You can substitute water with chicken broth for added depth of flavor.
- If you prefer less heat, reduce the amount of hot sauce or use a milder variety.
- Cooking times may vary slightly depending on your skillet and stovetop, so monitor the rice for doneness.
- For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of cream or milk with the cheeses.
Keywords: Buffalo Chicken Casserole, spicy chicken casserole, one pan chicken recipe, comfort food, cheesy chicken rice casserole
