Buffalo Chicken Casserole
Buffalo Chicken Casserole is a comforting pasta bake that combines the rich flavors of buffalo sauce and creamy textures, perfect for family dinners or game day.
Equipment
- Large Skillet
- Mixing Bowl
- 9x13 inch Baking Dish
Ingredients
Pasta
- 1 pound dried pasta (Penne or other short pasta)
Chicken
- 2 pounds skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
Sauces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup buffalo wing sauce
- ½ cup ranch dressing
- ½ cup milk (whole or 2%)
Vegetables
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- ½ cup crumbled blue cheese
Seasonings
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Toppings
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish
- Additional crumbled blue cheese for garnish
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook the Pasta - Start by cooking your pasta according to the package instructions. Make sure to salt the water generously! Once it’s al dente, drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Step 2: Prepare the Chicken - In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until it becomes soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Toss in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Step 3: Combine Ingredients - In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, buffalo wing sauce, ranch dressing, milk, sautéed onion and garlic, and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Season with salt and black pepper, then fold everything together until well mixed.
- Step 4: Mix the Pasta - Gently add the cooked pasta into the mixing bowl with the buffalo chicken mixture. Stir until the pasta is fully coated with the delicious sauce.
- Step 5: Prepare for Baking - Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Pour the buffalo chicken and pasta mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread it evenly, and then sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese, crumbled blue cheese, panko breadcrumbs, and grated Parmesan cheese on top for that golden, crispy finish.
- Step 6: Bake - Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the top is lightly golden.
- Step 7: Garnish and Serve - Once it’s out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with extra crumbled blue cheese and chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color. Then dig in and enjoy the creamy, spicy goodness of your Buffalo Chicken Casserole!
Notes
For extra flavor, marinate the chicken breasts in buffalo sauce for a few hours before cooking. If you like it spicier, add some chopped jalapeños or cayenne pepper. To save time, you can use a rotisserie chicken instead of cooking your own chicken. Feel free to add in some vegetables, like spinach or bell peppers, for added nutrition.