Jalapeno Buffalo Chicken Casserole
Jalapeño Buffalo Chicken Casserole
This jalapeño buffalo chicken casserole is a cozy, spicy weeknight winner that balances heat, creaminess, and a satisfying crunch in every spoonful. It’s a crowd-pleaser that comes together quickly using shredded chicken and cauliflower rice, perfect for busy nights or feeding a hungry family. For another low-carb twist on buffalo chicken, check out this buffalo chicken cauliflower casserole for more inspiration.
Why make this recipe
What makes this casserole special is the way it layers bold, familiar flavors—buffalo sauce, ranch, and jalapeños—over a health-conscious base of cauliflower rice and shredded chicken. The coconut cream provides a silky richness that tames the heat without hiding it, and the vegetables add texture and color so every bite feels balanced. It’s an easy way to get a comforting, restaurant-style flavor at home without fuss.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Jalapeno Buffalo Chicken Casserole
- Prepare the chicken
- If your 2 pounds of chicken breast (or thighs) aren’t already cooked, season them lightly with salt and pepper and cook until fully done—about 20–25 minutes simmering in broth, or 20–30 minutes baking at 375°F (190°C) depending on thickness. Let rest, then shred with two forks or pulse briefly in a food processor for a uniform shred.
- Sauté the aromatics and vegetables
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat with a touch of oil (olive or avocado works well). Add the diced small jalapeños (reserve a tablespoon or two for garnish if you like extra heat), the diced white or yellow onion, diced red pepper, shredded carrots, and 1 tablespoon minced garlic.
- Cook 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are translucent and peppers are soft and fragrant. This step builds the savory foundation that carries the buffalo flavor.
- Cook the cauliflower rice
- Add the 20 ounces of frozen cauliflower rice directly to the skillet with the vegetables. Stir to combine and continue cooking for another 5–7 minutes, until the cauliflower rice is tender and any excess moisture has mostly evaporated.
- If the mixture seems watery, increase heat briefly and stir often to evaporate liquid; this prevents a soggy casserole.
- Make the sauce base
- Reduce heat to low. Stir in 1/2 cup canned coconut cream (use the thick, solid layer from the top of the can), 1/2 cup buffalo sauce, 1/4 cup ranch, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.
- Mix thoroughly so the cauliflower and vegetables are evenly coated and the coconut cream melts into a creamy, lightly tangy sauce that binds the casserole.
- Combine chicken and transfer to dish
- Add the shredded chicken to the skillet and fold gently until every shred is coated with the buffalo-ranch-coconut mixture.
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish (or similar sized casserole pan), then transfer the mixture from the skillet into the dish, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Bake the casserole
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) if you haven’t already. Place the baking dish in the oven and bake 25–30 minutes, until the casserole is bubbling around the edges and heated through.
- If you like a little extra texture on top, put the casserole briefly under the broiler for 1–2 minutes—watch closely to avoid burning. Optionally sprinkle reserved diced jalapeños on top before baking for a fresh spicy pop.
- Rest, garnish, and serve
- Remove the dish and let it rest 5–10 minutes; this helps it set and makes serving neater.
- Garnish with sliced green onions and any additional finely diced jalapeños. Serve hot and enjoy.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken breast, cooked and shredded (or thighs, cooked and shredded)
- 20 ounces frozen cauliflower rice
- 2 small jalapeños, finely diced (plus more for topping if desired)
- 1 small white or yellow onion, diced
- 1 red pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup shredded or finely diced carrots
- 1/2 cup canned coconut cream (the thick part at the top of the can)
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
- 1/4 cup ranch
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: green onion and extra jalapeños to garnish
Best Way to Store Jalapeno Buffalo Chicken Casserole
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for 3–4 days at 40°F (4°C) or below.
- Freezer: Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 2–3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 15–20 minutes (covered, then uncovered 3–5 minutes to refresh the top) or microwave individual portions for 90–120 seconds until hot throughout.
Serving Suggestions for Jalapeno Buffalo Chicken Casserole
- Classic: Plate it straight from the dish with a spoonful of extra ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side for dipping.
- Low-carb option: Serve over a bed of fresh lettuce or with an extra scoop of cauliflower mash to keep it paleo/keto-friendly.
- Family-style: Place the casserole on the table with bowls of pickled jalapeños, sliced green onions, and shredded cheese so everyone can customize their plate.
- Crowd-pleasing sides: Crisp celery sticks and carrot batons are classic buffalo companions and add a refreshing crunch that balances the richness.
Tips to Make Jalapeno Buffalo Chicken Casserole
- Use cooked chicken you already have (rotisserie or leftover roast) to cut prep time dramatically.
- Drain thawed cauliflower rice well and cook it down to avoid watery casserole—patience for evaporation equals a firmer bake.
- Taste and adjust heat: jalapeños vary in spice; add seeds if you want more kick or remove them for milder flavor.
- Coconut cream is key for creaminess without dairy, but if you prefer, full-fat cream cheese (softened) or Greek yogurt can be used as alternatives.
- For even cooking, spread the mixture in an even layer in the dish so it heats uniformly in the oven.
Variations
- Cheesy Buffalo: Stir in 1 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack before baking and sprinkle another 1/2 cup on top for a melty, golden finish.
- Blue Cheese Twist: Replace ranch with 1/4 cup blue cheese dressing and crumble 1/4 cup blue cheese over the top just before serving for a tangier profile.
- Paleo/Keto Swap: This recipe is already low-carb; to make it strict paleo, use a compliant ranch or omit it and increase coconut cream and herbs for creaminess.
- Vegetarian version: Swap shredded chicken for firm, cubed tofu (pressed and pan-seared) or shredded hearts of palm for texture; increase buffalo sauce if you like more bite.
FAQs
Q: How do I keep the casserole from getting soggy?
A: Cook the cauliflower rice thoroughly in the skillet until most moisture has evaporated, and avoid adding extra liquid beyond the coconut cream and sauces. Let the casserole rest after baking to firm up.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes. Assemble the casserole up to the point of baking, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add an extra 5–10 minutes to the bake time if starting from cold.
Q: Is this recipe very spicy?
A: Spiciness depends on your jalapeños and buffalo sauce. For milder heat, remove jalapeño seeds and choose a milder buffalo sauce; for more heat, include seeds and use a hotter sauce.
Q: Can I use fresh cauliflower instead of frozen cauliflower rice?
A: Absolutely. Pulse fresh cauliflower florets in a food processor to rice-sized pieces, then sauté until tender and most moisture has evaporated—may need a couple of minutes longer than frozen.
Q: Bold question: What can I serve with this to feed picky eaters?
A: Serve with neutral sides like mashed potatoes, steamed rice, or buttered noodles (for non-low-carb eaters), and keep extra dressing and chopped veggies on the side for dipping.
Q: How do I store leftovers safely?
- Refrigerate within two hours of baking in airtight containers.
- Consume within 3–4 days.
- Freeze for up to 2–3 months and thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Final notes and tricks
- If you want a crisper top without adding cheese, toss some crushed pork rinds or almond flour mixed with melted butter on top before the last 5 minutes of baking for a crunchy finish.
- For the most consistent heat distribution, dice jalapeños and peppers small; large chunks can give uneven pockets of spiciness.
Conclusion
If you want another take that leans into the Whole30 and paleo-friendly angle, see this detailed recipe for a related Jalapeño Buffalo Chicken Casserole on Whole Kitchen Sink for tips and adaptations: Jalapeño Buffalo Chicken Casserole: Whole30, Keto, Paleo, GF. For a version with more of a jalapeño popper vibe and alternative ingredient ideas, Ruled Me has a helpful guide and variations here: Buffalo Chicken Jalapeno Popper Casserole – Ruled Me.
Enjoy building this casserole to suit your heat tolerance and dietary goals—its flexibility is one of its best features.
Print
Jalapeño Buffalo Chicken Casserole
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Low-Carb
Description
A cozy, spicy casserole that balances heat, creaminess, and crunch, perfect for busy nights.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken breast, cooked and shredded (or thighs, cooked and shredded)
- 20 ounces frozen cauliflower rice
- 2 small jalapeños, finely diced
- 1 small white or yellow onion, diced
- 1 red pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup shredded or finely diced carrots
- 1/2 cup canned coconut cream (thick part)
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
- 1/4 cup ranch
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: green onion and extra jalapeños to garnish
Instructions
- Season and cook chicken until fully cooked, then shred.
- In a skillet, heat oil and sauté jalapeños, onion, red pepper, carrots, and garlic for 5–7 minutes.
- Add cauliflower rice and cook for another 5–7 minutes until tender.
- Stir in coconut cream, buffalo sauce, ranch, salt, and pepper, mixing well.
- Add shredded chicken and fold until coated.
- Transfer to a greased baking dish and smooth the top.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25–30 minutes. Optionally broil for 1–2 minutes for extra texture.
- Let rest for 5–10 minutes, garnish, and serve.
Notes
Store in an airtight container; refrigerate for 3–4 days or freeze for 2–3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: casserole, buffalo chicken, spicy, low-carb, weeknight dinner
