Creamy Buffalo Chicken Casserole: The Ultimate Easy & Spicy Comfort Food Recipe
Prepare to tantalize your taste buds with this incredibly easy and creamy buffalo chicken casserole! This satisfying dish is brimming with tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, a generous kick of zesty hot sauce, and an abundance of bubbly, melted cheese. It’s designed for maximum flavor with minimal effort, coming together in just around 30 minutes of active prep time before baking to golden perfection. Perfect for a busy weeknight meal or a comforting weekend feast, this casserole promises to be a new family favorite that delivers all the iconic flavors of buffalo wings in a hearty, convenient pasta bake.
Why This Easy Creamy Buffalo Chicken Casserole is a Must-Try
This recipe isn’t just another casserole; it’s a brilliant transformation of classic buffalo chicken dip into a wholesome, filling, and incredibly satisfying main course. Think of all the creamy, spicy, cheesy goodness you love in the dip, but now perfectly paired with pasta to create a complete meal. This buffalo chicken pasta bake brings an irresistible combination of textures and flavors to your dinner table, making it an instant crowd-pleaser.
What makes this creamy buffalo chicken casserole truly shine is its simplicity and adaptability. It’s a fantastic solution for those evenings when you need a hearty, flavorful dinner without spending hours in the kitchen. The dish combines the tangy heat of buffalo sauce with the rich creaminess of cream cheese and condensed soup, all balanced by savory ranch seasoning and plenty of mozzarella. The result is a comforting, spicy chicken casserole that can be customized to your preferred level of heat. Whether you like it mild and mellow or fiery and bold, this recipe allows you to adjust the spice to suit every palate in your household. It’s a guaranteed hit for family dinners, potlucks, or game day gatherings, offering a delicious twist on beloved comfort food.
Essential Ingredients for Your Spicy Chicken Casserole
Crafting this ultimate creamy buffalo chicken casserole requires a handful of readily available ingredients, many of which you likely already have in your pantry or fridge. The beauty of this recipe lies in its straightforward nature, blending simple components to create a complex and satisfying flavor profile. Below, you’ll find a detailed list of what you’ll need, along with helpful notes and substitution ideas to ensure your buffalo chicken pasta bake turns out perfectly every time. For precise measurements and step-by-step instructions, make sure to check out the printable recipe card available at the end of this post.
Ingredient Deep Dive & Smart Substitution Ideas
Let’s take a closer look at the key ingredients that make this buffalo chicken casserole so incredibly delicious, along with some flexible substitution suggestions to help you tailor the recipe to your preferences or what you have on hand.
PASTA – While we’ve chosen ziti pasta for its excellent ability to hold the creamy sauce and bits of chicken, this casserole is remarkably versatile when it comes to pasta shapes. Feel free to use your favorite medium-sized pasta for this dish. Excellent alternatives include spaghetti (broken into shorter pieces for easier serving), penne, rigatoni, or mostaccioli. The key is to cook the pasta al dente according to package instructions. This ensures that it retains a slight bite and doesn’t become mushy during the baking process, providing a satisfying texture that complements the rich sauce.
CHICKEN – This recipe is a fantastic way to use up leftover cooked chicken! Whether you have cooked chicken breast, shredded chicken, or cubed rotisserie chicken, any variety will work beautifully. Using pre-cooked chicken is one of the secrets to how quickly this casserole comes together, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights. If you’re cooking chicken specifically for this dish, simply boil, bake, or pan-fry chicken breasts until cooked through, then shred or dice them. About 2-3 large chicken breasts will yield the 3 cups needed.
HOT SAUCE – The quintessential “buffalo” flavor comes from the hot sauce. Our recipe calls for ½ cup of hot sauce, which provides a balanced and robust kick without being overwhelmingly spicy for most palates. This amount delivers that classic tangy, savory, and spicy buffalo taste we all love. We highly recommend using Frank’s RedHot sauce for its iconic flavor profile, but you can certainly experiment with other cayenne pepper-based hot sauces. If you crave more heat, feel free to increase the amount of hot sauce or drizzle extra over the top after baking. Conversely, if you prefer just a subtle hint of buffalo flavor with minimal spice, reduce the hot sauce to ¼ cup. This flexibility allows everyone to enjoy this buffalo chicken pasta casserole just the way they like it.
CREAM OF CELERY SOUP – This condensed soup is a secret weapon for achieving incredible creaminess and depth of flavor in casseroles. It acts as a rich binding agent, ensuring your casserole is never dry. You can easily substitute cream of chicken soup for the cream of celery if that’s what you have available or prefer. It’s crucial not to dilute the condensed soup with milk or water before adding it to the mixture, as the recipe relies on its concentrated thickness to create the perfect creamy consistency.
CREAM CHEESE – Softened cream cheese is another essential ingredient for achieving that luxurious, velvety texture and a delightful tang that cuts through the richness, balancing the heat of the buffalo sauce. Make sure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature for easier blending into the sauce mixture, preventing lumps and ensuring a smooth, cohesive sauce base.
RANCH SEASONING MIX – A packet of dry ranch seasoning mix adds a complex layer of herbaceous, savory, and slightly tangy flavor that pairs wonderfully with buffalo chicken. It contributes to the signature “buffalo ranch” profile that many find irresistible. If you don’t have a packet on hand, you can create a homemade blend using dried parsley, dill, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper, adjusting to taste.
MOZZARELLA CHEESE – What’s a casserole without plenty of cheese? Grated mozzarella cheese is used both in the sauce mixture and as a glorious topping, providing that irresistible melty, stretchy, and bubbly finish. Mozzarella is a classic choice for its mild flavor and excellent melting properties. You could also experiment with a blend of mozzarella and cheddar cheese for a sharper flavor, or even a Monterey Jack for extra creaminess. Divided cheese ensures that you get cheesy goodness throughout the casserole and a golden, bubbly crust on top.
With these ingredients at the ready, you’re well on your way to creating a truly spectacular and easy buffalo chicken casserole!
Step-by-Step: Crafting Your Creamy Buffalo Chicken Casserole
Embark on a culinary adventure with these straightforward step-by-step photos and instructions, designed to guide you through making this incredible buffalo chicken casserole. We’ve broken down each part of the process to ensure success, even for beginner cooks. For your convenience, you can easily Jump to Recipe at the bottom of this post to get the printable version of this recipe, complete with all measurements and detailed instructions.
- Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the oven is at the correct temperature when your casserole is ready to bake, allowing for even cooking and a beautifully bubbly finish.
- Cook Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook your chosen pasta (like ziti) to al dente according to the package directions. Cooking pasta al dente is crucial here, as it will continue to cook slightly in the oven and you want it to retain a pleasant texture, not become mushy. Once cooked, drain the pasta thoroughly and set it aside.
- Prepare the Creamy Sauce Base: In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, condensed soup (cream of celery or chicken), dry ranch seasoning mix, and buffalo hot sauce. Use a hand mixer or a sturdy whisk to thoroughly blend these ingredients until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This forms the incredibly creamy and flavorful foundation of your casserole. The softened cream cheese will integrate easily, creating a luscious sauce.
- Incorporate Cheese and Chicken: Now, add ½ cup of the grated mozzarella cheese and the cooked, diced chicken into the sauce mixture. Gently stir until the chicken and cheese are evenly distributed throughout the creamy buffalo base. This ensures every bite of your casserole is packed with flavor and protein.
- Combine with Pasta: Carefully add the cooked and drained pasta to the mixing bowl with the chicken and sauce mixture. Fold everything together gently until the pasta is thoroughly coated with the creamy buffalo sauce. Ensure the mixture is evenly combined, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Spread the entire buffalo chicken pasta mixture evenly into a greased 9×13 casserole dish. Lightly greasing the dish prevents sticking and makes for easier serving and cleanup.
- Top with Remaining Cheese: Generously sprinkle the remaining grated mozzarella cheese over the top of the casserole. This layer of cheese will melt into a golden, bubbly crust during baking, adding another dimension of flavor and texture.
- Bake to Perfection: Cover the casserole dish loosely with aluminum foil. Bake for approximately 30 minutes, or until the casserole is gloriously bubbly around the edges and the cheese on top is completely melted and lightly golden. The foil helps to ensure the casserole heats through evenly without the top browning too quickly.
- Garnish and Serve: Once out of the oven, let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with an extra drizzle of hot sauce for an added kick and a sprinkle of sliced green onions for fresh flavor and color. Serve warm and enjoy your homemade creamy buffalo chicken casserole!
Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips for the Best Buffalo Chicken Casserole
Ensuring your creamy buffalo chicken casserole turns out perfectly every time, and making the most of your leftovers, is easy with a few expert tips and answers to common questions. Here’s what you need to know:
Leftovers of this delicious buffalo chicken pasta bake can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the casserole for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen, then place in a 300°F (150°C) oven until thoroughly warmed through, covering with foil if needed to prevent drying out. A splash of milk or cream can also be added when reheating if it appears a bit dry.
If you prefer a buffalo chicken casserole with an even more luscious and saucier consistency, consider adding ½ cup of milk or heavy cream to the sauce mixture along with the other ingredients in step 3. This will thin out the sauce slightly and result in an extra creamy finish, without sacrificing the rich buffalo flavor. You can also experiment with a bit more cream cheese if you desire a thicker, richer sauce.
Absolutely! This casserole is an excellent make-ahead meal. You can assemble the entire dish (steps 1-7) up to 24 hours in advance. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove it from the fridge about 30 minutes prior to baking to allow it to come closer to room temperature, then bake as directed. You might need to add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if it’s still very cold.
The best chicken for this creamy buffalo chicken casserole is any cooked chicken that is shredded or diced. Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut, offering tender, flavorful meat with minimal effort. Cooked chicken breasts or thighs that you’ve boiled, baked, or grilled and then shredded or diced also work perfectly. This recipe is a great way to repurpose leftover chicken from other meals.
Serving Suggestions for Your Buffalo Chicken Casserole
While this creamy buffalo chicken casserole is a hearty and filling meal all on its own, pairing it with a simple side can elevate your dining experience. The rich, spicy flavors of the casserole are beautifully complemented by fresh, crisp accompaniments. Consider serving it alongside a vibrant green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing to cut through the richness. Classic Caesar salad or a simple mixed greens salad would be excellent choices. Another fantastic option is warm, crusty bread or soft breadsticks, perfect for soaking up any leftover creamy sauce. For a more complete meal, roasted or steamed vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or green beans offer a healthy balance. Don’t forget the optional garnish of an extra drizzle of hot sauce for those who crave more heat, and a sprinkle of fresh sliced green onions for a pop of color and mild oniony flavor. Enjoy this comforting dish warm, fresh from the oven!
Explore More Delicious Casserole Recipes
If you loved the ease and comfort of this buffalo chicken casserole, you’re in for a treat! Casseroles are the ultimate one-dish wonders, perfect for feeding a crowd or preparing ahead for busy weeknights. Here are a few more highly-rated casserole recipes that offer diverse flavors and similar convenience:
- Mexican Chicken Casserole: A flavorful bake packed with Tex-Mex spices, chicken, beans, and corn.
- Chicken and Dumpling Casserole: All the comforting flavors of the classic soup, but in a hearty baked form.
- Million Dollar Chicken Casserole: A rich and cheesy casserole that lives up to its name with incredibly decadent flavors.
- Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole: A winning combination of flavors, featuring tender chicken, crispy bacon, and creamy ranch.
- Philly Cheesesteak Casserole: A deconstructed take on the beloved sandwich, loaded with steak, peppers, onions, and lots of cheese.
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Buffalo Chicken Casserole
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
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Ingredients
- 8 ounces ziti pasta cooked to al dente and drained
- 10.5 ounces cream of celery soup undiluted, or cream of chicken soup
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened to room temperature
- 1 ounce dry ranch seasoning mix (1 packet)
- ½ cup hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot, adjust to taste)
- 3 cups grated mozzarella cheese (divided)
- 3 cups cooked diced chicken (chicken breast or rotisserie)
- ½ cup sliced green onion (for garnish, optional)
Things You’ll Need
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13×9 baking dish
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Mixing bowls
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Hand mixer
Before You Begin
- This recipe is perfect for using up leftover chicken. You can use either cooked chicken breast, shredded chicken, or cubed rotisserie chicken.
- We recommend ziti pasta, but feel free to use your favorite medium-sized pasta like penne, rigatoni, or mostaccioli for this easy chicken casserole.
- The ½ cup of hot sauce provides a classic buffalo flavor with a moderate kick. For more spice, increase the amount or add an extra drizzle over the top. For a milder flavor, reduce it to ¼ cup. Frank’s RedHot is our go-to choice.
- Cream of chicken soup can be used as a substitute for cream of celery soup. Remember to use the condensed soup directly; do not dilute it with milk or water.
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Cook pasta to al dente according to package instructions. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, condensed soup, ranch seasoning mix, and buffalo hot sauce. Mix until smooth.
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Stir in ½ cup of the grated mozzarella cheese and the cooked, diced chicken until well combined.
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Carefully mix in the cooked pasta until the entire mixture is evenly coated with the creamy sauce.
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Spread the mixture into a greased 9×13 casserole dish.
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Top the casserole evenly with the remaining grated mozzarella cheese.
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Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for approximately 30 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly and the cheese is fully melted.
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Remove from oven, let stand for a few minutes, then garnish with an extra drizzle of hot sauce and sliced green onions before serving.
Expert Tips & FAQs
- For a saucier and even creamier casserole, consider adding ½ cup of milk or heavy cream to the sauce mixture in step 3.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat in a 300°F oven until warmed through.
- This casserole can be assembled up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerated. Let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking, and add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Nutrition
The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.