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- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken - 1 cup buffalo sauce - 1 cup cooked quinoa - 1 cup ranch dressing - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese I love using cooked shredded chicken. It makes the dish hearty and easy to prepare. You can use leftover chicken or buy a rotisserie chicken for speed. The buffalo sauce adds a spicy kick. Choose a mild or medium sauce based on your taste. Quinoa is a great base. It’s packed with protein and gives the casserole a nice texture. Ranch dressing adds creaminess and balances the heat from the sauce. Finally, the shredded cheddar cheese melts on top, creating a delicious crust. - 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese - Fresh parsley for garnish - Chopped green onions You can add blue cheese for extra flavor. It gives a tangy kick that pairs well with buffalo sauce. Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness. Chopped green onions can also add a nice crunch. These ingredients aren’t required, but they can make your casserole special. - Salt and pepper - Garlic powder - Onion powder Simple seasonings can elevate your dish. Salt and pepper are must-haves. They enhance the flavors of the chicken and sauces. Garlic powder gives a nice depth, while onion powder adds sweetness. Feel free to adjust these to match your taste! {{ingredient_image_1}} First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step warms up the oven for even cooking. While it heats, grab a 9x13-inch casserole dish and grease it to prevent sticking. Next, take a large mixing bowl. Add the following main ingredients: - 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded - 1 cup buffalo sauce - 1 cup cooked quinoa - 1 cup ranch dressing - 1 cup chopped celery - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - Salt and pepper to taste Stir these ingredients well until they blend nicely. This mixture is the heart of your casserole. Now, transfer your chicken mixture into the greased casserole dish. Spread it out evenly so each bite has great flavor. On top of your mixture, sprinkle: - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese If you love blue cheese, now is the time to add: - 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese (optional) Bake this in your preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes. Look for the cheese to bubble and turn a light golden color. This shows it’s ready. Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven. Let it cool for a few minutes. This cooling time helps with serving. Before serving, garnish with: - Chopped green onions - Fresh parsley (optional) This adds a fresh look and taste to your dish. Enjoy your delicious buffalo chicken casserole! To ensure even cooking of your chicken and quinoa, you should shred the chicken into small, bite-sized pieces. This size helps it cook more evenly. Also, make sure your quinoa is fully cooked before mixing it in. This will keep the casserole from being too dry. Choosing the right buffalo sauce is key. I recommend starting with a mild sauce if you are new to it. You can always add more heat later! If you like a bit of tang, look for sauces that have vinegar in them. This adds a nice punch to the dish. Pair your casserole with crunchy veggies or a fresh green salad. Celery sticks and carrot sticks are great options. They add a nice crunch and balance the heat of the dish. You can also top the casserole with fresh parsley or green onions for color and flavor. For drinks, I suggest a cold beer or a light white wine. These drinks match well with the spicy flavor of the casserole. If you prefer non-alcoholic drinks, try a lemon-lime soda or iced tea. Both options work well to cool down the heat. You can make this casserole ahead of time. To freeze, let it cool completely after baking. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. This keeps it fresh for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge. To reheat, place it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C). Bake until it is heated through and the cheese is bubbly, about 20 to 30 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal! Pro Tips Tip Title 1: Use rotisserie chicken for a quick and easy option that adds great flavor to your casserole. Tip Title 2: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving to allow it to set, making it easier to cut and serve. Tip Title 3: For a spicier kick, add extra buffalo sauce or incorporate jalapeños into the mixture. Tip Title 4: Pair with a side salad for a complete meal that balances the richness of the casserole. {{image_2}} You can make Buffalo chicken casserole lighter. Try swapping rice with quinoa or cauliflower rice. Quinoa adds protein and fiber. Cauliflower rice lowers carbs. It still tastes great! For ranch dressing, look for low-fat options. Many brands offer tasty, lower-calorie choices. You won't lose flavor, just some fat. It’s a smart swap for health. You can adjust the heat level. Choose spicy or mild buffalo sauce based on your taste. This changes the whole dish! If you like a kick, go for the spicy. If you prefer milder flavors, stick with mild sauce. Adding veggies can change the dish too. Mix in chopped bell peppers or carrots. They add color and crunch. Plus, they boost nutrition. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different veggies! You can make this dish vegetarian-friendly. Swap the chicken with beans or lentils. This keeps it hearty and filling. You can also use plant-based cheese for creaminess. Meal prep is easy with these swaps. Make it ahead for busy days. Just follow the same steps, and you have a tasty meal! To store leftovers, let the casserole cool first. Then, transfer it to an airtight container. Make sure it is sealed well. This keeps your dish fresh and tasty. In the fridge, your Buffalo Chicken Casserole lasts about 3 to 4 days. If you want to enjoy it later, freezing is a great option. To freeze the casserole, first, let it cool completely. Cut it into portions for easy storage. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place the wrapped pieces in a freezer-safe bag. Make sure to label the bag with the date. For best taste, use it within 2 to 3 months. When you are ready to eat, thaw the casserole overnight in the fridge. This helps keep the texture nice. You can also run cold water over the sealed bag to speed up the thawing. You have two good options for reheating: the microwave and the oven. For the microwave, place a portion in a safe dish. Cover it with a paper towel to keep moisture in. Heat it for 1 to 2 minutes, checking often. For the oven, preheat to 350°F (175°C). Put the casserole in a baking dish and cover it with foil. Heat for about 20 minutes. This method gives you a nice, crispy top. Choose the method that works best for you! What can I substitute for ranch dressing? You can use blue cheese dressing or plain yogurt instead. Both add creaminess. You might also try a mix of sour cream and buttermilk for a tangy flavor. Each option will change the taste, but all work well in this dish. How do I make buffalo chicken casserole spicier? To add heat, use hotter buffalo sauce. You can also mix in chopped jalapeños or red pepper flakes. Another option is to add a dash of hot sauce directly into the mixture. Just remember to keep tasting as you go! How long does it take to bake buffalo chicken casserole? It takes about 25 to 30 minutes to bake. You want the cheese to be bubbly and lightly golden. Make sure you keep an eye on it in the oven. Every oven is different! How long can I store cooked quinoa in the fridge? Cooked quinoa can last about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. This buffalo chicken casserole is simple and tasty. You only need a few main ingredients. With chicken, quinoa, buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, and cheese, it’s sure to please. You can even add options like blue cheese and herbs. Think about serving ideas and variations for special diets. Remember, this dish is easy to make ahead and store. Use these tips to enjoy it later. Dive into this recipe and enjoy a great meal!

Buffalo Chicken Casserole

A spicy and creamy casserole featuring shredded chicken, quinoa, and plenty of cheese.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
  • 1 cup buffalo sauce
  • 1 cup cooked quinoa
  • 1 cup ranch dressing
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup chopped celery
  • 1 cup chopped green onions
  • 0.5 cup crumbled blue cheese
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for garnish fresh parsley

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, cooked quinoa, ranch dressing, chopped celery, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir until evenly mixed.
  • Transfer the mixture into a greased 9x13-inch casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.
  • Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top of the chicken mixture.
  • If using, sprinkle blue cheese crumbs evenly over the cheese layer.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
  • Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
  • Garnish with chopped green onions and parsley before serving.

Notes

Adjust the buffalo sauce to your preferred spice level.
Keyword buffalo chicken, casserole, comfort food