Satisfy your family’s spicy-cheesy cravings with this delicious all-American meal.
I grew up an hour away from Buffalo, NY—home of the famous spicy Buffalo chicken wings. Since the 1960s, Buffalo sauce has been growing in popularity. What was once just a “Yankee” thing is now coveted by chefs and foodies all over the States. That means it’s not just about chicken wings anymore! You can easily work Buffalo sauce into an appetizer like a veggie platter, or a big oven-baked meal like Buffalo chicken casserole.
Buffalo chicken casserole transforms the buttery, spicy sauce many of us know and love into a filling one-dish meal. It has whole wheat penne pasta for a happy little carb boost, plus melty cheese on top to satisfy all those cravings. And the beauty of Buffalo sauce is that it’s not too hot, but just right to kick your dinner up a notch. In my opinion, this is the perfect dish to pass at a potluck. It’s got “party” written all over it!
What exactly is in Buffalo sauce?
Don’t worry—no buffaloes were harmed in the making of this sauce! Named after the city in New York State, Buffalo sauce typically contains hot sauce, butter, and vinegar. This triumphant trio of spice, fat, and acid plays like a beautiful harmony on the tongue, and can be used in all kinds of dishes, not just chicken. I’ve made Buffalo Cauliflower Bites, for example, and they’re lip-smacking delicious too. So, don’t be afraid to try it. This iconic sauce has become popular over the last few decades for a reason!
How do I store leftovers?
Make sure the Buffalo chicken casserole has cooled to room temperature, and then cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. If there’s only a small amount left, transfer it to an airtight container. Refrigerate leftovers for 3-4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months before thawing in the fridge overnight. To reheat, use an oven-safe dish to pop it in the oven at 350°F and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until it’s completely warm. I like to add a splash of chicken broth to mine so that it doesn’t dry out while reheating.
Serving suggestions
While Buffalo chicken casserole can be a complete meal by itself, there are some sides you just can’t say “no” to! Got a cookout coming up? Dish out this casserole with some Veggie Skewers, Apple Coleslaw, and/or Sweet Potato Cornbread. Otherwise, keep it simple by crafting some Potato Rolls, Garlic Toast, or Steamed Asparagus as a tasty complement.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces whole grain penne pasta
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 3/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 3/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Neutral oil, for cooking chicken
- 1 1/4 cups Buffalo wing sauce
- 8 ounces low-fat cream cheese, softened
- 1/3 cup low-fat ranch dressing
- 3/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Green onions, thinly sliced for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Boil salted water and cook pasta until al dente, then drain.
- Season the chicken cubes with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. In a large skillet over medium heat, heat a small amount of oil and sauté the chicken pieces until they are fully cooked, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F. Set aside.
- In a bowl, whisk Buffalo wing sauce, cream cheese, ranch dressing, and Greek yogurt until smooth.
- Combine the browned chicken and drained pasta with the sauce. Stir gently until everything is well-coated, then add in the shredded mozzarella cheese and mix to combine.
- Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is melted.
- Remove the casserole from the oven. Garnish with sliced green onions and serve warm.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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