Short Description

A spicy, creamy casserole featuring tender chicken and cauliflower tossed in buffalo sauce and ranch (or blue cheese), baked under melted cheddar and mozzarella cheese for a rich, satisfying low-carb dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll love this casserole because:

  • It delivers bold buffalo-flavored heat balanced by cooling ranch or blue cheese.
  • Cauliflower stands in for starch, keeping it light and low-carb.
  • Cheddar and mozzarella melt into gooey goodness with baked crisp edges.
  • It’s perfect for meal prep, sharing, or cozy comfort food nights.

Creamy Buffalo Chicken Cauliflower Casserole

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

  • 1 large head cauliflower, cut into florets
  • 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
  • 1 cup buffalo sauce (adjust to taste)
  • ½ cup ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 3 green onions, chopped
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Optional garnish: fresh parsley or chives, chopped

Directions

  1. Preheat Oven
    Preheat the oven to 400 °F (200 °C). Lightly grease a 9×13‑inch baking dish.
  2. Prepare Cauliflower
    Steam or blanch cauliflower florets just until tender—about 5–7 minutes. Drain and pat dry thoroughly to remove excess moisture.
  3. Mix Buffalo Chicken Base
    In a large bowl, toss shredded chicken with buffalo sauce and ranch (or blue cheese) dressing until evenly coated. Add cauliflower florets and gently toss to combine. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  4. Assemble Casserole
    Transfer mixture into the prepared baking dish. Evenly sprinkle shredded cheddar and mozzarella over the top.
  5. Bake
    Bake for 20–25 minutes, until cheese is fully melted, bubbly, and the casserole is hot throughout.
  6. Garnish and Serve
    Remove from oven and sprinkle chopped green onions across the top. Add parsley or chives if desired. Serve hot and enjoy the creamy, spicy flavors!

Servings And Timing

  • Servings: About 4–6 servings
  • Prep Time: ~15 minutes (cauliflower prep and mixing)
  • Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
  • Total Time: Around 35–40 minutes

Variations

  • Swap ranch for blue cheese dressing if you prefer richer, tangier flavor.
  • Use cauliflower rice instead of florets for a more uniform texture.
  • Add diced bell pepper or chopped celery when mixing for crunch and freshness.
  • Stir in cooked bacon bits for smoky depth.
  • Top with breadcrumbs or crushed pork rinds before baking for crispy topping.

Storage/Reheating

  • Refrigerate cooled casserole in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • To reheat: bake at 350 °F (175 °C) until warmed through, or microwave individual portions until heated. Add a splash of water or chicken broth if dry.
  • Casserole can be frozen (without fresh onion garnish) in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.

Creamy Buffalo Chicken Cauliflower Casserole

FAQs

What Makes This Dish Low-Carb?

Cauliflower replaces potatoes or rice, providing same hearty texture with minimal carbs—ideal for keto or low-carb diets.

Can I Use A Different Protein?

Yes—you can substitute cooked turkey, rotisserie chicken, or even shredded pork.

How Spicy Will It Be?

Heat level depends on the buffalo sauce you choose. Adjust spice by using more or less sauce, or add a swirl of hot sauce before serve.

Can I Use Pre-Cooked Cauliflower?

You can—just ensure cauliflower is well-dried and not soggy before mixing.

Can I Make It Ahead Of Time?

Yes—assemble, cover, and refrigerate before baking. Bring to room temperature before baking for even cooking.

Is It Gluten-Free?

Yes, provided your buffalo sauce and dressings are gluten-free. Check label ingredients.

Can I Omit the Cheese?

You can—but the cheese adds creaminess and browning. Try nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese if avoiding dairy.

What Can I Serve With It?

Serve with a green salad, veggie crudités, or garlic bread for a complete meal.

Can This Be Made in a Slow Cooker?

Not recommended—casserole relies on oven heat to melt cheese and achieve browning.

How Do I Prevent Sogginess?

Dry cauliflower thoroughly before mixing and avoid over-seasoning. Bake uncovered for final minutes if needed.

Conclusion

This Creamy Buffalo Chicken Cauliflower Casserole is a bold and satisfying low-carb dinner that combines spicy buffalo chicken with tender cauliflower and melted cheese. Effortless to prepare and packed with flavor, it’s perfect for weeknights or meal-prep meals that don’t sacrifice comfort or spice. Enjoy a creamy, crunchy, and crave-worthy dish every time.

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Creamy Buffalo Chicken Cauliflower Casserole

Creamy Buffalo Chicken Cauliflower Casserole


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  • Author: Maggie
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4–6 servings
  • Diet: Low Fat

Description

A bold, creamy, low-carb casserole with tender cauliflower and shredded buffalo chicken baked under melty cheddar and mozzarella—perfect for comfort food with a spicy kick.


Ingredients

1 large head cauliflower, cut into florets

2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded

1 cup buffalo sauce (adjust to taste)

½ cup ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

3 green onions, chopped

Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional garnish: chopped parsley or chives


Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. Steam or blanch cauliflower until just tender (5–7 minutes). Drain and pat dry thoroughly.
  3. In a large bowl, mix shredded chicken with buffalo sauce and dressing. Add cauliflower and toss gently. Season with salt and pepper.
  4. Transfer mixture to baking dish. Top evenly with cheddar and mozzarella cheese.
  5. Bake for 20–25 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
  6. Garnish with green onions and optional herbs. Serve hot.

Notes

  • Use cauliflower rice for finer texture.
  • Add bell pepper, celery, or bacon for more depth.
  • Top with crushed pork rinds for crunch.
  • Freeze without fresh toppings for up to 3 months.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/6 of casserole
  • Calories: 340
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 950mg
  • Fat: 24g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 6g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 25g
  • Cholesterol: 85mg

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