Introduction
If you’re looking for a delicious, crowd-pleasing meal that combines the bold flavors of buffalo chicken with creamy cheeses and crispy bacon, this casserole recipe is just what you need. Packed with protein and flavor, it’s a perfect dish for family gatherings, game day, or any time you crave something hearty and satisfying.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
8 slices bacon
8 ounces penne pasta (or your preferred variety)
1 cup buffalo wing sauce
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
¼ cup ranch dressing
¾ cup Greek yogurt
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 8 servings
This buffalo chicken casserole is sure to be a hit, offering a perfect balance of spicy and creamy flavors. The combination of cooked pasta, tender shredded chicken, crispy bacon, and gooey cheese makes for a comforting dish that everyone will love. Enjoy!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat the oven to 375°F.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine the buffalo wing sauce, softened cream cheese, ranch dressing, Greek yogurt, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined; it’s acceptable for some lumps to remain.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of oil or cooking spray. Add the boneless, skinless chicken breasts and sear on one side for 3-4 minutes. Flip the chicken, then add ½ cup water to the skillet. Cover and continue cooking for 6-7 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F.
Step 5: Shred the Chicken
Once cooked, use two forks or a hand mixer to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
Step 6: Cook the Bacon
In the same skillet, cook the bacon slices over medium heat until crispy. Once done, drain the bacon on paper towels and crumble it into smaller pieces once cooled.
Step 7: Assemble in Baking Dish
In a 9×13-inch baking dish, evenly spread the shredded chicken and cooked pasta.
Step 8: Add Sauce Mixture
Pour the buffalo sauce mixture over the chicken and pasta, ensuring it is spread out evenly.
Step 9: Sprinkle Cheese
Evenly sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses over the top of the sauce mixture.
Step 10: Add Crumbled Bacon
Distribute the crumbled bacon evenly over the cheese layer.
Step 11: Bake the Casserole
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is melted and golden brown.
Step 12: Garnish and Serve
Before serving, garnish the casserole with sliced green onions. For an extra touch, drizzle additional buffalo sauce and ranch dressing over the top if desired.
Notes
Tip 1: Chicken Cooking Method
For a quicker method, you can use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking your own.
Tip 2: Adjusting Spice Level
Adjust the amount of buffalo wing sauce to taste if you prefer a milder or spicier dish.
Tip 3: Cheese Options
Feel free to substitute the types of cheese based on personal preference, such as using pepper jack for an extra kick.
Tip 4: Leftover Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Cook techniques
Searing Chicken
To achieve a flavorful crust, sear the chicken breasts in a hot skillet. This method locks in moisture and enhances the overall taste. Ensure the skillet is well heated before adding the chicken, and do not crowd the pan to maintain high heat.
Boiling Pasta
Follow the package instructions for boiling your penne pasta, adding salt to the water for flavor. Cook until al dente, as it will continue to cook while baking in the casserole. Drain and set aside.
Mixing Ingredients
When combining the buffalo wing sauce, cream cheese, ranch dressing, Greek yogurt, and spices, ensure they are well mixed for an even consistency. This will allow the flavors to meld together and create a creamy sauce.
Shredding Chicken
After cooking, shred the chicken using two forks for chunky pieces or a hand mixer for finer shreds. This allows the chicken to distribute evenly throughout the casserole and soak up the flavors.
Cooking Bacon
Cook the bacon in a skillet until crispy, allowing the fat to render out. Drain on paper towels to absorb excess grease, then crumble for an added crunchy texture in the dish.
Layering in Baking Dish
When assembling the casserole, layer the shredded chicken and cooked pasta evenly in the baking dish before pouring the sauce over. This ensures that each serving contains all elements of flavors and textures.
Baking
Bake the casserole at 375°F until bubbly and the cheese is melted and golden brown. Watch the time carefully, as over-baking can lead to dry chicken and tough pasta.
Garnishing
Finish the dish with sliced green onions for a fresh touch. Drizzling extra buffalo sauce and ranch dressing can also enhance the presentation and flavor.
FAQ
Can I use other types of pasta?
Yes, feel free to substitute with your preferred pasta variety, such as rotini or fusilli.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To increase the heat, use hotter buffalo wing sauce or add chopped jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce mixture.
Can I prepare this casserole in advance?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole a day ahead, cover it, and store it in the refrigerator. Just increase the baking time slightly if baking from cold.
What if I don’t have Greek yogurt?
You may replace Greek yogurt with sour cream or an equal amount of additional cream cheese.
How long can leftovers be stored?
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.
Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe?
Yes, you can replace the chicken with plant-based protein alternatives, such as tofu or chickpeas, and use vegetarian bacon or omit the bacon entirely.
Conclusion
This buffalo chicken casserole combines the flavors of spicy buffalo sauce, creamy cheeses, and crispy bacon to create a delicious and satisfying dish. Perfect for gatherings or a cozy family dinner, its rich and savory profile will delight everyone at the table.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Buffalo Chicken Quesadillas
Use the same buffalo chicken mixture and fill tortillas with it, along with cheese. Cook on a skillet until the tortillas are crispy and the cheese is melted.
Buffalo Chicken Nachos
Layer tortilla chips with the buffalo chicken mixture, a blend of cheddar and mozzarella, and top with jalapeños and a drizzle of ranch dressing before baking until heated through.
Creamy Buffalo Chicken Soup
Transform your ingredients into a hearty soup by adding chicken broth and vegetables. Simmer together and finish with cream cheese for creaminess.
Buffalo Chicken Salad
Mix the shredded buffalo chicken with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, celery, and a drizzle of ranch dressing for a fresh take on the classic flavors.
Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers
Fill halved bell peppers with the buffalo chicken mixture, top with cheese, and bake until the peppers are tender and the cheese is bubbly.
Buffalo Chicken Dip
Combine the buffalo chicken mixture with additional cream cheese and Greek yogurt, then bake until creamy and warm, perfect for serving with tortilla chips.
Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad
Use cooled pasta, then toss it with the buffalo chicken mixture, diced celery, and ranch dressing for a cold pasta salad variation.
