Buffalo Chicken Casserole

If Buffalo Chicken Casserole makes you think of game day chaos, a sink full of dishes, and someone yelling, “Where’s the ranch?!”, I’m here to lovingly change your mind. This is the kind of dinner that feels like comfort food and a productivity flex. It’s warm, cheesy, a little spicy, and—best part—made in one pan like the kitchen fairy you deserve.

Also, if you’ve got picky eaters, a busy schedule, or you’re just plain tired of answering “What’s for dinner?” (same), this recipe is your new best friend. It’s got that classic buffalo vibe, but it’s also a hearty buffalo chicken and rice situation that actually fills people up—no sad “snack dinner” energy here.

Why You’ll Love This Buffalo Chicken Casserole

• One pan, one lid, one less thing to clean. Bless.
• Fast enough for weeknights but tasty enough to serve when friends “drop by” (aka show up hungry).
• Cheesy + spicy + cozy = the holy trinity of dinner success.
• It’s basically buffalo chicken dip’s responsible older sister… the one who has her life together and packs lunch.

And because we’re using rice in the pan, it soaks up all that buttery, tangy hot sauce flavor like it was born for this moment.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’re working with—simple, grocery-store friendly, and nothing weird that only exists in fancy specialty aisles.

• 1 1/2 pounds boneless chicken breast, cut into bite-size pieces
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 cup chopped onions
• 1 cup chopped celery
• 1 1/2 cups long grain rice
• 1/2 cup Frank’s RedHot Sauce
• 2 1/2 cups water or chicken broth (broth = more flavor)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions

Optional but helpful: salt + pepper (you’ll taste and adjust at the end)

Step-by-Step: How to Make Buffalo Chicken Casserole

This is the part where you’ll feel like a kitchen magician… without having to do actual magic. Just butter and a lid.

1) Prep the basics

Cut your chicken into 1-inch bite-size pieces—small enough to cook quickly, big enough to feel satisfying. Chop the onions, celery, and green onions.

If you want to save time: chop veggies earlier in the day (or buy pre-chopped—no judgment here).

2) Sauté the veggies

Grab a large skillet or sauté pan with a lid and set it over medium heat. Add the butter, then toss in the chopped onions and celery.

Sauté for 3–5 minutes, just until softened. You’re not trying to brown them into oblivion—just wake up their flavor.

3) Add the good stuff

Add the chicken pieces, rice, hot sauce, broth (or water), and about 1/4 teaspoon salt. Stir it all together so the rice is nicely distributed and nothing’s sticking.

This is where the buffalo chicken and rice magic begins. The rice is going to cook right in that spicy, buttery broth and turn into something way more exciting than plain rice has any right to be.

4) Cover, boil, then simmer

Put the lid on. Bring it to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer for 15 minutes.

You’ll know it’s ready when:

• most of the liquid is absorbed
• and you see little air vent holes on top of the rice (like tiny rice volcanoes—very scientific)

5) Fluff and cheese it up

Remove the lid and fluff the rice with a fork. Then stir in:

• cheddar cheese
• blue cheese
• green onions

Give it a taste. Add salt and pepper if needed.

At this point, you’ll probably “taste test” three times. That’s normal. That’s quality control.

Aneta’s Cozy Kitchen Tip Corner

A few little tricks I’ve learned from making chicken dinners a thousand different ways (and feeding real humans with real opinions):

• Use chicken broth if you can. It adds depth, like your casserole went to culinary school.
• Want it milder? Start with 1/3 cup hot sauce, then add more at the end.
• Blue cheese not your thing? You can cut it in half or swap for more cheddar. (I won’t tell the buffalo chicken purists.)
• Don’t rush the simmer. If the heat is too high, the broth disappears too fast and the rice gets cranky.
• Cheese clumping? Turn the heat low before stirring it in. Cheese likes a gentle life.

And if your mixture looks a little “wild” before it cooks—don’t worry. Rice always looks suspicious until it becomes delicious.

A Little Story From My Kitchen

I started making versions of this Buffalo Chicken Casserole on nights when I wanted something comforting but didn’t have the energy for a big production. You know those days when you’re tired, everyone’s hungry, and you’re standing in front of the fridge like it owes you answers?

The first time I made it, I thought, “This will be good… but will it be kid-approved?” And then I watched the plates come back almost clean—no dramatic sighs, no picky-eater negotiations. That’s when I knew: this one had earned a permanent spot in my dinner rotation.

Now it’s one of those recipes I make when I want the house to smell amazing and the mood to instantly improve.

FAQs About Buffalo Chicken Casserole

Bring the Magic to the Table

This is the kind of meal that makes people wander into the kitchen asking, “What smells so good?”—and then suddenly they’re offering to set the table. Miracles happen.

If you’re craving something cozy, bold, and ridiculously satisfying, Buffalo Chicken Casserole is the move. It’s comforting like a casserole should be, but with that tangy buffalo kick that keeps things fun. And because it’s a hearty buffalo chicken and rice dish, it’s the rare dinner that actually leaves everyone full and happy (including you).

Now go grab that skillet—and let’s make a little chicken magic.

More Cozy Dinners to Try Next

• If you loved the spicy-cheesy comfort of this casserole, you’ll probably fall hard for Buffalo Chicken Sweet Potato Casserole when you want that same buffalo kick with a little sweet balance (hello, weeknight happiness).
• Craving a simple rice dinner with bold flavor? Save One Pot Cheesy Southwest Chicken and Rice for the next “I need dinner NOW” moment—cheesy, cozy, and super family-friendly.
• If you’re in the mood for a creamier, comfort-food cousin, this Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole Delight is perfect for chilly nights, leftover lunches, and anyone who loves a soft, cozy bite.
• Want to keep the buffalo theme going in a fun, hand-held way? Try Crispy Buffalo Chicken Sandwich with Ranch Slaw—it’s crunchy, saucy, and basically a treat-yourself dinner that still feels doable.

And if you make this Buffalo Chicken Casserole, I’d love to hear how it went—leave a quick review and tap your star rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ so other readers can find their new favorite dinner too!

Print