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Buffalo Chicken Casserole Recipe

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4.3 from 69 reviews

This Buffalo Chicken Casserole is a comforting, spicy, and cheesy one-pan dish combining tender shredded chicken, fresh vegetables, and fluffy rice simmered in buffalo sauce, topped with melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for a quick and flavorful dinner packed with a punch of heat and creamy goodness.

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Vegetables & Base

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 cup diced onion (120 grams)
  • 1 cup diced carrots (125 grams)
  • 1 cup diced celery (120 grams)
  • 2 cups diced bell pepper (240 grams)

Protein & Grains

  • 3 cups shredded chicken (12 ounces)
  • 1 cup white rice (uncooked, jasmine recommended)

Liquids & Sauces

  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 3/4 cup buffalo sauce

Dairy

  • 1 heaping cup shredded cheddar cheese (3 ounces)

Seasoning & Toppings

  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Optional toppings: green onions, hot sauce, ranch, blue cheese, parsley, avocado

Instructions

  1. Rinse the rice: Place the white rice in a fine mesh strainer and rinse under cold water for 1-2 minutes until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming sticky.
  2. Sauté the vegetables: Heat a large skillet over medium-low heat and add the olive oil. Once hot, add the diced onion, carrots, celery, along with a pinch of salt and pepper. Sauté gently, stirring occasionally, for 4-5 minutes until the vegetables start to soften. Then add the diced bell peppers and cook for another 3-4 minutes until all veggies are tender but still vibrant.
  3. Combine ingredients and simmer: Stir in the rinsed rice and shredded chicken to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Add the chicken broth and buffalo sauce, mixing everything thoroughly so the ingredients are evenly combined and submerged under the liquid. Cover the pan with a lid and increase heat to medium. Let the mixture simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring halfway through to prevent the rice from sticking. Check that the rice is tender and liquid is mostly absorbed.
  4. Melt the cheese: Remove the lid and reduce the heat to low. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. Allow it to melt gently for 1-2 minutes, which also will absorb any remaining moisture.
  5. Serve and garnish: Once the cheese is melted and the casserole is hot and bubbly, serve with your choice of toppings like green onions, hot sauce, ranch dressing, blue cheese crumbles, fresh parsley, or avocado to add extra flavor and texture. Enjoy your hearty buffalo chicken casserole!

Notes

  • Rinsing the rice is important for preventing it from becoming mushy.
  • Use a skillet with a tight-fitting lid to ensure even cooking and proper simmering.
  • The buffalo sauce adds spice and tang, but you can adjust the amount to taste based on your heat preference.
  • Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
  • This recipe can be adapted to use different cheeses or protein substitutes for variation.
  • Author: ELLA
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://ellarecipe.com/buffalo-chicken-casserole-recipe/