Buffalo Chicken Sweet Potato Casserole

If you’ve ever stood in front of the fridge at 5:37 PM like it personally offended you… hi, same. That’s exactly why this Buffalo Chicken Sweet Potato Casserole has a permanent spot in my “save dinner fast” playbook. It’s spicy, cozy, and loaded with real ingredients that actually feel like a meal—not a sad snack masquerading as dinner.

And the best part? It’s the kind of casserole that makes everyone wander into the kitchen asking, “What smells so good?” (Even the picky eater who swore they “don’t like sweet potatoes”… more on that little plot twist later.)

Why You’ll Love This Buffalo Chicken Sweet Potato Casserole

Let me count the ways, because this one earns its fan club:

  • One-pan comfort with buffalo-style kick (without deep frying anything—bless).
  • Sweet + spicy magic: sweet potatoes mellow the heat in the best way.
  • Meal prep friendly: reheats like a dream.
  • Protein + veggies built in: chicken, broccoli, and sweet potatoes all show up and do their job.
  • Customizable toppings: ranch drizzle, blue cheese, extra buffalo… you’re the boss here.

This is the kind of dinner that feels indulgent but still checks the “I fed my family something decent” box.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what goes into your Buffalo Chicken Sweet Potato Casserole (aka dinner that doesn’t require 17 side dishes):

  • 2 lbs boneless chicken breasts, cubed (about 3 large)
  • 5 medium sweet potatoes, cubed (skin on or off—your call)
  • 2 heads broccoli, cut into small florets
  • 1 cup buffalo sauce (New Primal is great; Frank’s works perfectly too)
  • 1/2 cup avocado oil or olive oil
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp pepper
  • 2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 cup chopped green onion
  • 1/2 cup cooked turkey bacon
  • Drizzle of ranch (or blue cheese if you’re team “I like it funky”)

Quick note from my kitchen: Cutting everything into smaller pieces really matters here. Smaller cubes = faster cooking = fewer “is the chicken done yet?” moments.

How to Make Buffalo Chicken Sweet Potato Casserole

Step 1: Get the oven going

Preheat your oven to 425°F. Grease a 9×13 casserole dish so nothing sticks and ruins your mood.

Step 2: Chop the good stuff

Cut the chicken into bite-size cubes. Cube your sweet potatoes (small pieces cook more evenly). Chop broccoli into small florets.

Yes, it’s a little chopping. Put on a playlist and pretend you’re on a cooking show. Dramatic knife skills optional.

Step 3: Mix the sauce

In a small bowl, stir together:

  • buffalo sauce
  • avocado oil (or olive oil)
  • salt
  • pepper
  • garlic powder

This is your flavor engine.

Step 4: Roast the sweet potatoes first

In a large bowl, toss the sweet potatoes with half of the buffalo sauce mixture until coated.

Spread them in the casserole dish and roast for 30 minutes, flipping halfway through.
This step gives them that slightly crisp edge that makes people “accidentally” keep picking at the pan.

Step 5: Coat chicken and broccoli

In the same bowl (no need to wash—this is real life), add chicken and broccoli. Pour in the remaining buffalo sauce mixture and toss until everything is coated.

Step 6: Bake it all together

After the sweet potatoes have roasted for 30 minutes, pull the dish out and add the buffalo chicken + broccoli mixture on top.

Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches 165°F internally.

Step 7: Add the toppings (the fun part)

Remove from the oven and sprinkle on:

  • cheddar cheese
  • green onion
  • cooked turkey bacon

Put it back in the oven for 5 minutes, just until the cheese melts into bubbly perfection.

Step 8: Cool slightly and drizzle

Let it cool for a few minutes (because molten buffalo cheese lava is real). Then drizzle ranch over the top, or serve it on the side.

And that’s it. You just made a Buffalo Chicken Sweet Potato Casserole that tastes like comfort food with a little attitude.

Buffalo Chicken Sweet Potato Casserole ingredients in a white dish with broccoli, sweet potato cubes, chicken, and buffalo sauce being poured on top.
Prep made easy for Buffalo Chicken Sweet Potato Casserole—broccoli, sweet potatoes, and chicken coated in creamy buffalo sauce before baking.

Aneta’s Little Kitchen Story Moment

The first time I made this, I was trying to solve two problems at once:

  1. I wanted buffalo chicken flavors.
  2. I did not want to babysit a stove.

I served it up and waited for the usual feedback—especially from the “broccoli is suspicious” crowd. Instead, I got the ultimate compliment: silence. The kind where everyone’s chewing happily and nobody is negotiating bites.

Now it’s one of my go-tos when I need a dinner that feels exciting without being complicated. Because honestly, some days we deserve a win that comes in casserole form.

Tips for the Best Buffalo Chicken Sweet Potato Casserole

  • Cut evenly, cook evenly. Keep sweet potato cubes similar size so some aren’t crunchy while others turn into mash.
  • Don’t skip the first roast. Roasting sweet potatoes alone first helps them caramelize instead of steaming under everything else.
  • Use a thermometer. Chicken at 165°F means safe and juicy. Guessing leads to dry chicken and regrets.
  • Want it spicier? Add extra buffalo sauce at the end or a pinch of cayenne to the sauce mix.
  • Sauce looks a little separated? Don’t panic. Once it bakes with the potatoes and cheese, it all comes together like magic. (Casseroles are forgiving friends.)

Easy Variations (Because Life Happens)

  • Use rotisserie chicken: Toss shredded cooked chicken with the sauce and add it when you add broccoli. Cut bake time slightly since chicken is already cooked.
  • Swap cheese: Pepper jack is amazing here if you want extra kick.
  • Add cauliflower: Half broccoli, half cauliflower works great.
  • Make it dairy-light: Skip cheese, load toppings with green onion and turkey bacon, and drizzle ranch lightly (or use a dairy-free ranch).
  • Blue cheese lovers: Crumble blue cheese on top after baking instead of cheddar, or do a mix if your household is divided.
Buffalo Chicken Sweet Potato Casserole served in a bowl with roasted sweet potatoes, chicken, veggies, crumbled blue cheese, green onion, and ranch drizzle.
Bowl-style Buffalo Chicken Sweet Potato Casserole topped with ranch, green onions, and blue cheese for an easy, cozy dinner.

FAQs About Buffalo Chicken Sweet Potato Casserole

Can I make Buffalo Chicken Sweet Potato Casserole ahead of time?

Yes! You can chop everything and mix the sauce earlier in the day. Roast the sweet potatoes, then store them covered. When ready, add sauced chicken + broccoli and bake. It’s a great prep-ahead dinner for busy weekdays.

How do I store leftovers?

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through. (A little extra ranch on day two is basically mandatory.)

Can I freeze it?

You can, but broccoli can get softer after freezing. If you’re planning to freeze, consider slightly undercooking the broccoli or swapping in a sturdier veggie like cauliflower. Freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months.

What can I use instead of turkey bacon?

Regular bacon works, of course. Or skip it entirely and add crunch with crushed tortilla chips on top right before serving (not traditional, but delicious).

Is Buffalo Chicken Sweet Potato Casserole super spicy?

It depends on your buffalo sauce. The sweet potatoes balance the heat a lot, so most people find it “zesty” rather than overwhelming. If you’re cooking for spice-sensitive folks, serve extra buffalo sauce on the side instead of adding more in the pan.

The Cozy Finish

If dinner needs to be quick, comforting, and just a little exciting, this Buffalo Chicken Sweet Potato Casserole really delivers. You get that bold buffalo flavor, the cozy sweetness of roasted potatoes, and a cheesy top that makes it feel like a treat—even if you’re eating it in leggings while answering emails (no judgment… I live there).

Make it once, and I swear it’ll sneak into your regular rotation. And if your family asks for it again? That’s not luck—that’s casserole magic.

Next Up: More Comfort-Food Favorites

If this Buffalo Chicken Sweet Potato Casserole hit the spot—spicy, cozy, and “why didn’t I make this sooner?”—don’t stop here. I pulled a few more reader-favorite dinners from the site that keep the same easy, feel-good vibes (and yes, they’re perfect for busy nights).

And if you make this recipe, I’d love to hear how it went—scroll down and leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ star review (and a quick comment if you can). Your feedback helps other home cooks find their next favorite dinner

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Buffalo Chicken Sweet Potato Casserole in a glass baking dish with roasted sweet potatoes, chicken, broccoli, melted cheddar, bacon, and green onions.

Buffalo Chicken Sweet Potato Casserole


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  • Author: Aneta
  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Description

Buffalo Chicken Sweet Potato Casserole is a cozy, spicy-sweet one-pan dinner with roasted sweet potatoes, tender chicken, broccoli, melty cheddar, and a drizzle of ranch.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs boneless chicken breasts (about 3 large), cut into cubes

  • 5 medium sweet potatoes, cut into small cubes (skin on or off)

  • 2 heads broccoli, cut into small florets

  • 1 cup buffalo sauce (New Primal or Frank’s)

  • 1/2 cup avocado oil or olive oil

  • 1/2 tsp salt

  • 1 tsp black pepper

  • 2 tsp garlic powder

  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

  • 1/4 cup chopped green onion

  • 1/2 cup cooked turkey bacon, chopped

  • Ranch drizzle (optional, for serving)


Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F. Grease a 9×13 casserole dish.

  2. In a small bowl, whisk together buffalo sauce, oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.

  3. In a large bowl, toss sweet potatoes with half the sauce mixture.

  4. Spread sweet potatoes in the casserole dish. Roast 30 minutes, flipping halfway.

  5. In the same bowl, toss chicken and broccoli with the remaining sauce mixture.

  6. After 30 minutes, add chicken and broccoli on top of the sweet potatoes.

  7. Bake 20–25 minutes, until chicken reaches 165°F.

  8. Top with cheddar, green onion, and turkey bacon. Bake 5 minutes more, until cheese melts.

  9. Cool a few minutes. Drizzle with ranch (or serve ranch/blue cheese on the side).

Notes

Cut small for best results: Small, even cubes cook faster and more evenly.

Make it milder: Use less buffalo sauce and add extra ranch at the end.

Extra spicy: Add more buffalo sauce right before serving.

Meal prep: Keeps well for 4 days in the fridge; reheat until hot.

Cheese swap: Pepper jack is delicious if you like more heat.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 55 minutes
  • Category: Main course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/6 of casserole
  • Calories: 703 kcal
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 1360 mg
  • Fat: 35 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 27 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 29 g
  • Fiber: 6 g
  • Protein: 57 g
  • Cholesterol: 146 mg

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