Jalapeno Buffalo Chicken Casserole (Printable)
Spicy buffalo chicken baked with jalapeños, cream cheese, and melted cheddar for a comforting weeknight dinner.
# What You'll Need:
→ Meats
01 - 4 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded (about 2 large breasts)
→ Vegetables
02 - 3 medium jalapeños, seeded and diced (more for extra heat)
03 - 1 small red onion, diced
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 1/2 cup celery, diced
→ Dairy & Eggs
06 - 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
07 - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
08 - 8 oz cream cheese, softened
→ Sauces & Condiments
09 - 3/4 cup buffalo wing sauce
10 - 1/2 cup ranch dressing (or blue cheese dressing)
→ Pantry
11 - 1/2 tsp salt
12 - 1/2 tsp black pepper
→ Garnishes (optional)
13 - 2 tbsp sliced green onions
14 - 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
# How to Make It:
01 - Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish with non-stick spray or butter.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, diced jalapeños, red onion, minced garlic, and diced celery.
03 - Add the softened cream cheese, buffalo wing sauce, ranch dressing, salt, and black pepper to the bowl. Stir until all ingredients are evenly coated and the mixture is creamy.
04 - Fold in 1 cup of the cheddar cheese and 1/2 cup of the mozzarella cheese, reserving the remainder for the topping.
05 - Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared casserole dish. Top with the remaining 1/2 cup cheddar cheese and 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese.
06 - Bake uncovered for 30 to 35 minutes, until the edges are bubbling and the cheese topping is golden brown.
07 - Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with sliced green onions and chopped fresh cilantro before serving.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- The cream cheese balances the buffalo heat so perfectly that even people who shy away from spicy food come back for seconds.
- Everything comes together in one bowl and one dish, which means cleanup is almost nonexistent.
02 -
- If your cream cheese is cold when you mix it in, you will end up with stubborn lumps that never fully incorporate, so plan ahead and let it soften on the counter.
- Taste your buffalo sauce before adding the full amount, since heat levels vary wildly between brands and you can always add more but cannot take it back.
03 -
- Shred your own cheese from a block instead of buying pre shredded, since the anti caking agents on bagged cheese prevent it from melting as smoothly.
- Letting the casserole rest for the full five minutes before serving makes it easier to cut into neat portions rather than having it slide everywhere.