Buffalo Chicken Cauliflower Casserole is a tasty mix of tender cauliflower, spicy buffalo chicken, and gooey cheese all baked together to create a comforting and flavorful meal. The cauliflower adds a nice, mild crunch that balances the heat from the buffalo sauce perfectly. This dish hits that cozy spot when you want something filling but a little lighter than your usual casserole.
I love making this casserole on busy weeknights because it’s pretty easy to throw together, and it always gets gobbled up quickly. The buffalo sauce brings a nice spicy kick that makes the dish exciting, and the melted cheese on top gives it that satisfying cheesy blanket that everyone loves. I often add a sprinkle of chopped green onions or a drizzle of ranch dressing right before serving to add extra flavor and creaminess.
This casserole is also great for sharing with friends or as a fun twist at potlucks. It’s a clever way to enjoy classic buffalo chicken with a bit of a veggie boost, and I always find myself craving leftovers the next day. If you’re a fan of buffalo wings but want an easy, warm meal that’s not too messy, this dish is definitely worth a try!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cauliflower: This is the star veggie! It holds up well when roasted and adds a light crunch. If you’re not a fan, try broccoli as a great alternative.
Chicken: Cooked, shredded chicken works best here for easy mixing. Rotisserie chicken is an easy shortcut and adds nice flavor.
Buffalo Sauce: The heat and tang come from here. Use your favorite brand, or swap for hot wing sauce or even sriracha mixed with butter for a twist.
Cheese: Cheddar and mozzarella melt nicely and give great flavor. For a lighter option, try reduced-fat cheese or swap cream cheese for Greek yogurt to keep creaminess with fewer calories.
Ranch or Blue Cheese Dressing: Adds creaminess and balances heat. You can substitute with sour cream or a dairy-free ranch if needed.
How Do You Roast Cauliflower Perfectly for This Casserole?
Roasting cauliflower brings out nutty flavor and tender texture that holds up in a casserole. Here’s how I do it:
- Cut cauliflower into evenly sized florets for even cooking.
- Toss with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. This layers in flavor during roasting.
- Spread in a single layer on a baking sheet to avoid steam, which makes it soggy.
- Roast at 400°F for about 20 minutes, tossing halfway through for even browning.
- Look for golden spots and tender texture—not mushy—to make sure it won’t turn soggy in the casserole.
These steps help keep cauliflower flavorful and with a nice bite after baking under cheese and sauce!
Equipment You’ll Need
- 9×13-inch baking dish – I like it because it fits the casserole perfectly and makes for easy serving.
- Large mixing bowls – handy for mixing the cheese blend and buffalo chicken separately.
- Baking sheet – for roasting the cauliflower; makes cleanup easier and keeps the cauliflower crispy.
- Measuring cups and spoons – ensure precise ingredient amounts for the best flavor.
- Spatula or large spoon – for spreading the cheese mixture evenly over the casserole.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap shredded chicken for cooked shredded turkey or even cooked shrimp for a different protein twist.
- Mix in sautéed peppers or onions in with the cauliflower or on top for added veggies.
- Try different cheeses like pepper jack or Monterey Jack for varying spice and flavor profiles.
- Stir in some chopped celery or carrots for extra crunch and freshness.
Buffalo Chicken Cauliflower Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 large head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
- ½ cup buffalo hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: fresh chopped chives or parsley (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This casserole takes about 10 minutes to prep, 20 minutes to roast the cauliflower, and an additional 15-20 minutes to bake everything together. So, you should have a delicious meal ready in around 45-50 minutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cauliflower:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Toss the cauliflower florets with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Spread them evenly on a baking sheet, then roast for about 20 minutes, until tender with a nice golden touch.
2. Mix the Buffalo Chicken and Cheese:
While the cauliflower roasts, combine the cooked chicken with buffalo hot sauce in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, mix together cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, softened cream cheese, and ranch dressing until smooth and well blended.
3. Assemble and Bake:
Transfer the roasted cauliflower into the greased baking dish. Evenly spread the buffalo chicken over the cauliflower, then cover everything evenly with the cheese mixture. Bake for another 15-20 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden on top.
4. Garnish and Serve:
Remove from the oven and, if you like, drizzle a little extra buffalo sauce on top. Sprinkle with chopped green onions and optional chives or parsley. Let the casserole cool for a few minutes, then enjoy your warm, spicy, and creamy dish!
Can I Use Frozen Cauliflower for This Casserole?
Yes, you can use frozen cauliflower, but make sure to thaw and drain it well to avoid extra moisture that could make the casserole soggy. Pat it dry with paper towels before roasting.
Can I Make Buffalo Chicken Cauliflower Casserole Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Prepare the casserole up to the baking step and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if it’s chilled.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
What Can I Serve with This Casserole?
This dish pairs well with a simple green salad, celery sticks, or even some crusty bread to balance the spicy, cheesy flavors.
