Spicy Buffalo Chicken Dish

This jalapeño buffalo chicken casserole has become my go-to recipe whenever I need a flavorful, wholesome dinner that satisfies everyone at the table. The spicy buffalo kick paired with the coolness of ranch creates that perfect balance while keeping it Whole30, keto, paleo and gluten-free friendly.

I first made this casserole during a particularly hectic week when I was trying to stick to my Whole30 commitment. My family devoured it so quickly that it immediately earned a permanent spot in our dinner rotation. Even my kids who typically eye vegetables suspiciously clean their plates when this comes out of the oven.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds chicken breast Already cooked and shredded for convenience or see notes for cooking suggestions
• 20 ounces frozen cauliflower rice A perfect low carb alternative that takes on all the delicious flavors
• 2 small jalapeños These add a fresh kick that complements the buffalo sauce beautifully
• 1 small white or yellow onion Provides a sweet aromatic base for the casserole
• 1 red pepper Adds vibrant color, crunch and vitamin C
• 1/2 cup shredded carrots These add subtle sweetness and more nutritional value
• 1/2 cup canned coconut cream Makes the sauce rich and creamy without dairy
• 1/2 cup buffalo sauce The star flavor component choose your preferred heat level
• 1/4 cup ranch dressing Balances the heat with creamy tanginess
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic Fresh is best for maximum flavor impact
• 1 teaspoon salt Enhances all the flavors in the dish
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper Adds a subtle bite and depth
• Optional garnishes Fresh green onions and extra jalapeños for serving

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Begin by setting your oven to 400 degrees F. This higher temperature helps to cook the vegetables properly while allowing some nice browning on top of the casserole. Make sure your oven is fully preheated before putting the casserole in.

Combine Base Ingredients

Add your shredded chicken, frozen cauliflower rice, diced jalapeños, diced onion, red pepper pieces and shredded carrots to a large casserole dish. Distribute them evenly throughout the dish to ensure consistent flavor in every bite. The frozen cauliflower rice can go in directly no need to thaw it first.

Prepare the Sauce

In a separate bowl, combine the coconut cream, buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, minced garlic, salt and black pepper. Whisk everything together thoroughly until you have a smooth, uniform sauce. The coconut cream might be a bit solid at first but will mix in as you whisk.

Combine Everything

Pour your prepared sauce over the vegetable and chicken mixture in the casserole dish. Use two forks or tongs to thoroughly mix the sauce with all ingredients until everything is well coated. Take your time with this step to ensure the flavors distribute evenly.

Bake to Perfection

Smooth the mixture into an even layer in your casserole dish, then place it in your preheated oven. Bake for 45 minutes, or a bit longer if you prefer a more crispy top. The casserole should be bubbling around the edges when done.

Garnish and Serve

Once baked to perfection, remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Drizzle with additional buffalo sauce or ranch if desired, and sprinkle with sliced green onions or additional jalapeño slices for extra color and flavor.

Bookmark

The coconut cream is my secret weapon in this recipe. While it might seem like an unusual addition to a buffalo chicken dish, it creates the most luxurious texture without adding dairy. I discovered this trick when trying to make creamy dishes during my first Whole30, and now I use it regularly even when not following a specific eating plan.

Make-Ahead Options

This casserole is perfect for meal preparation. You can assemble the entire dish up to two days before baking. Simply cover tightly with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate. When ready to cook, remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking to take the chill off, then bake as directed, adding about 10 minutes to the cooking time if still cold.

Vegetable Variations

The beauty of this casserole lies in its flexibility. Feel free to customize the vegetables based on what you have on hand. Zucchini, yellow squash, or celery make excellent additions or substitutions. For a greener version, stir in chopped spinach or kale just before baking. Remember that watery vegetables might release moisture during cooking, so you may want to sauté them briefly before adding to the casserole.

Spice Level Adjustments

This recipe offers plenty of room to adjust the heat level according to your preference. For a milder version, remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapeños and use a gentle buffalo sauce. If you crave more heat, keep the jalapeño seeds, add a dash of cayenne pepper, or choose a spicier buffalo sauce. Remember that the coconut cream and ranch help temper the heat, creating a balanced flavor profile everyone can enjoy.

Serving Suggestions

This casserole stands perfectly well on its own, but for a complete meal experience, consider serving it alongside a simple green salad dressed with olive oil and lemon juice. For family members who aren't following specific dietary protocols, a side of crusty bread makes a wonderful addition for sopping up the delicious sauce. During summer months, this pairs beautifully with grilled vegetables for an extra seasonal touch.

Common Recipe Questions

→ How can I make this casserole faster if I don't have pre-cooked chicken?

To save time, bake chicken breasts on a sheet pan at 400°F for 25 minutes while prepping other ingredients. Chop the vegetables and make the sauce so you can simply shred and add the chicken when it's done cooking.

→ Is this casserole suitable for special diets?

Yes, this casserole is compatible with Whole30, ketogenic, paleo, and gluten-free diets, making it versatile for various dietary needs.

→ Can I make homemade ranch dressing for this dish?

Yes, you can make your own Whole30-compliant ranch dressing using the recipe referenced in the notes section.

→ How many servings does this casserole make?

This casserole yields 6 servings, making it perfect for family dinners or meal prepping for the week.

→ What can I substitute for coconut cream if I don't have any?

For a dairy-free alternative, you could use unsweetened almond milk yogurt. If not following Whole30 or dairy restrictions, cream cheese or sour cream would work well for the creamy texture.

→ How spicy is this dish?

The spice level comes from both the jalapeños and buffalo sauce. To adjust heat, you can reduce the amount of jalapeños or use a milder buffalo sauce. For extra spice, add more jalapeños as a garnish.