Buffalo Chicken and Cauliflower Bake
A spicy, tangy, and cheesy casserole that brings the heat with buffalo sauce and the crunch of roasted cauliflower.
Total: 45 minPrep: 15 minCook: 30 minServes 4Difficulty: Easy⭐ 4.7 (123+ ratings)$
Ingredients
Servings:
- 2 cups cauliflower florets
- 1 lb chicken breast, cooked and shredded
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped scallions
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Nonstick cooking spray
Steps
- 1 Preheat oven to 375°F and spray a 9x9 inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- 2 Toss cauliflower with a bit of oil and roast on a baking sheet for 15 minutes until tender.
- 3 In a bowl, mix shredded chicken with buffalo sauce and set aside.
- 4 In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour, garlic powder, and paprika.
- 5 Gradually add milk, whisking constantly, until the mixture thickens. Season with salt and pepper.
- 6 Combine the cheese sauce with ranch dressing. Stir in half the cheddar and blue cheese.
- 7 Layer half the cheese sauce mixture in the baking dish, top with buffalo chicken, roasted cauliflower, and remaining sauce.
- 8 Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and blue cheese on top.
- 9 Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
- 10 Garnish with chopped scallions before serving.
Equipment
- 9x9 inch baking dish
- Baking sheet
- Mixing bowls
- Saucepan
- Whisk
Variations
- Add diced jalapeños for an extra kick.
- Substitute cauliflower with broccoli for a broccoli bake version.
Substitutions
- Use hot sauce of choice if buffalo sauce is unavailable.
- Substitute blue cheese with additional cheddar for a milder flavor.
Pairings
- Pairs well with a cold beer or a tangy lemonade.
- Serve with warm dinner rolls or garlic bread.
Nutrition
Calories:
450 kcal
Fat:
28g fat
Carbs:
12g carbohydrates
Protein:
32g protein
Fiber:
2g fiber
Sugar:
4g sugar
Sodium:
800mg sodium
Tips
- Use store-bought rotisserie chicken to save time.
- For extra spice, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cheese sauce.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through.
Freezing: Freezes well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake covered at 350°F for 30 minutes, then uncover and bake an additional 10 minutes.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with celery sticks and carrot sticks for a classic buffalo wing experience.
- Pair with a crisp green salad or coleslaw.
FAQ
Can I use ground chicken instead of shredded?
Absolutely! Just brown the ground chicken before mixing it with the buffalo sauce.
What can I use if I don't have ranch dressing?
You can make a quick substitute with Greek yogurt mixed with a bit of buttermilk, garlic powder, and dried herbs.