Jalapeño Buffalo Chicken Casserole: Whole30, Keto, Paleo, GF

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If there’s one thing I know as a busy mom who’s always dancing between the stovetop and school pickups—it’s that dinner has to work with your life, not against it. That’s exactly why this Jalapeño Buffalo Chicken Casserole is a weeknight hero.

It’s got all the bold, spicy flavor of your favorite game-day wings, but tucked into a cozy, nourishing casserole that happens to be Whole30, Keto, Paleo, and Gluten-Free. I mean… can we get a round of applause for that kind of multitasking?

Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or just trying to get something on the table that the whole family might actually eat, this recipe brings the heat—and then some.

Why You’ll Love This Jalapeño Buffalo Chicken Casserole

Let’s be real: Healthy casseroles can sometimes feel like cardboard in a baking dish. Not this one. Here’s what makes this dish a weeknight superstar:

Flavor-packed: Spicy jalapeños meet creamy coconut, tangy ranch, and zippy buffalo sauce. It’s a flavor explosion in every bite.
Super satisfying: With shredded chicken and hearty cauliflower rice, it fills you up without weighing you down.
All the boxes checked: Whole30? Check. Keto? Yup. Paleo and gluten-free? Absolutely. (You’re welcome.)
No fuss: One dish, no babysitting, and minimal cleanup. Yes, please.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to throw together this bold and satisfying casserole:

2 pounds chicken breast, cooked and shredded
20 oz frozen cauliflower rice
2 small jalapeños, finely diced (plus more if you’re into a real kick)
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 (just the thick part from the top)
1/2 cup buffalo sauce
1/4 cup ranch (use Whole30-friendly or dairy-free, if needed)
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Optional: Green onions and extra jalapeños for garnish

How to Make It (Without Losing Your Mind)

This casserole doesn’t require you to hover over the stove or sacrifice your sanity—just a little chopping, mixing, and baking.

Step-by-Step Directions

Preheat that oven to 400°F. Get your casserole dish ready and your apron on (or your comfiest PJs—we’re not judging).
Toss all your veggies and cooked shredded chicken into a large casserole dish. Think of this as your dinner canvas.
In a small bowl, whisk together the garlic, salt, pepper, coconut cream, buffalo sauce, and ranch. This spicy, creamy combo is what makes the magic happen.
Pour the sauce over your veggie-chicken mixture, then mix it all together with two forks or tongs. Once everything’s nicely coated, smooth it into an even layer.
Bake uncovered for 45 minutes. Want a little crispier top? Let it go 5-10 minutes longer (just keep an eye on it).
Top it off with a drizzle of ranch or buffalo (or both), and if you’re feeling fancy, some green onions or extra jalapeños.

Then sit back and bask in your culinary glory. Or at least pretend to while someone else does the dishes.

Tips from My Kitchen to Yours

Want it cheesier? If you’re not strict Whole30, a sprinkle of shredded dairy-free or regular cheese in the last 10 minutes of baking is divine.
Heat level hack: Remove the jalapeño seeds for a milder heat—or leave them in and feel the fire!
Short on time? Use rotisserie chicken (just double-check ingredients if you’re Whole30-ing).
No carrots? Sub in zucchini or celery if you’ve got it on hand.

A Quick Backstory from My Oven to Yours

This Jalapeño Buffalo Chicken Casserole made its way into my recipe rotation during a January Whole30 attempt (you know, “New Year, New Me” and all that). My husband was skeptical. My kids were suspicious. But one bite in, and it was instant silence around the table—a rare miracle.

It’s now one of our most requested “reset” meals. And honestly, I’d eat it even if I wasn’t trying to stay on track. It’s that good.

Close-up of creamy Jalapeño Buffalo Chicken Casserole served in a rustic bowl, topped with melted cheese, jalapeños, and green onions. — This cheesy Jalapeño Buffalo Chicken Casserole is comfort food perfection—spicy, creamy, and Whole30-approved!

FAQs About Jalapeño Buffalo Chicken Casserole

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble the casserole earlier in the day or even the night before. Just cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. Add 5–10 extra minutes to your baking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.

Is this freezer-friendly?

Yes! Freeze it after it’s baked (and cooled), or prep it raw and freeze before baking. Just be sure to wrap it tightly.

What buffalo sauce is Whole30-compliant?

Look for sauces with no added sugar or dairy—Primal Kitchen makes a great one. But always double-check the label.

Can I use fresh cauliflower rice?

Sure! Just sauté it for 5–7 minutes first to cook off excess moisture. Otherwise, your casserole might get a little watery.

Comfort Food with a Kick

This Jalapeño Buffalo Chicken Casserole is proof that healthy doesn’t have to mean bland or boring. It brings the heat, the flavor, and that warm, cozy vibe we all crave—without derailing your wellness goals.

So whether you’re on day 12 of Whole30, dodging carbs like a ninja on keto, or just trying to feed your people something healthy and delicious… this casserole has your back.

Happy cooking—and don’t forget to sprinkle in a little extra jalapeño magic!

More Chicken Magic You’ll Love

Looking for more dinner ideas that balance bold flavors with health-conscious ingredients? If this Jalapeño Buffalo Chicken Casserole hit the spot, you’ll want to keep the flavor train rolling with these delicious and reader-loved favorites from the Chicken Magic Recipes collection:

For a twist on heat and health, check out these Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers—they’re perfect for low-carb nights and pack the same spicy punch in every bite.
Love the cozy casserole vibes? This Loaded Potato Ranch Chicken Casserole is ultra satisfying and guaranteed to make the whole family ask for seconds.
Craving something creamy and comforting but still wholesome? Don’t miss the Keto Chicken Alfredo Broccoli Bake—a dinner dream for keto followers and creamy sauce lovers alike.
And for those nights when you want flavor with a fresh twist, our Southwest Chicken Casserole brings a Tex-Mex kick that’s both hearty and freezer-friendly.

Each of these recipes keeps your wellness goals in mind—without ever sacrificing taste. Dig in and enjoy the journey!