Buffalo Chicken Cauliflower Casserole is a tasty, comforting dish that combines tender chicken, spicy buffalo sauce, and roasted cauliflower all baked together with melty cheese on top. It’s a great way to enjoy the flavors of classic buffalo chicken wings with a nutritious twist thanks to the cauliflower. The cheesiness and heat make each bite full of flavor and satisfying texture.
I love making this casserole when I want something warm and flavorful but a bit lighter than a traditional buffalo chicken dip or wings. It’s easy to prepare and comes together quickly, which is perfect for busy weeknights. I usually add a little ranch or blue cheese on the side for dipping, which balances out the spice perfectly.
This casserole reminds me of casual game days with friends, where everyone loves sharing something filling but not too heavy. It’s one of those recipes that keeps people coming back for seconds because it’s both familiar and a little different. When I make it, I like to serve it with celery sticks on the side to add a fresh crunch!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cauliflower: The star veggie here! Roasting or steaming keeps it tender but still a bit firm, adding great texture. If cauliflower isn’t your favorite, try broccoli florets as a similar swap.
Chicken: Cooked shredded chicken breast is best for lean protein. Rotisserie chicken works great to save time, or you could use cooked turkey or even a plant-based chicken substitute.
Buffalo Wing Sauce: For the spicy kick, classic buffalo sauce made with hot sauce and butter shines. If you want it milder, go easy on the sauce or mix half buffalo and half BBQ sauce.
Cheese: Sharp cheddar melts well and adds bold flavor. Cream cheese and sour cream make the dish creamy and rich. Blue cheese crumbles are optional but add a tangy bite. Use mozzarella for a milder, gooey option.
Ranch or Blue Cheese Dressing: Optional but adds creaminess and helps balance heat. Feel free to omit or replace with plain Greek yogurt for a healthier twist.
How Do You Get the Cauliflower Just Right for This Casserole?
Cooking cauliflower so it’s tender but not mushy can be tricky. Here’s how I do it:
- Steaming: Place cauliflower florets in a steamer basket over boiling water. Cover and steam for 8-10 minutes. Test by piercing with a fork—it should go in easily but not too soft.
- Roasting: Toss cauliflower with a little oil and roast at 400°F for 15-20 minutes until just tender and starting to brown. This develops a nice, slightly nutty flavor.
- Don’t overcook! The cauliflower will bake again with the cheese and sauce, so it needs to hold its shape.
I personally love roasting as it adds a deeper flavor, but steaming is faster and works perfectly fine, especially when you want a softer bite.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl – I like this because it makes combining everything easy and keeps mess to a minimum.
- Roasting pan or casserole dish – Use a dish big enough to hold all the ingredients in a single layer or with a little room for bubbling.
- Steaming basket or baking sheet – For steaming or roasting the cauliflower, depending on your preferred method.
- Mixing spoon or spatula – Helps to gently stir all ingredients without breaking up the cauliflower too much.
- Measuring cups and spoons – Keeps your ingredients balanced and makes prep simple.
- Oven – For baking the casserole until hot and bubbly.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap chicken for cooked shrimp or tofu for different protein options that soak up the spicy flavors.
- Use any cheese you like — mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack all melt well and add a different flavor punch.
- Mix in cooked bacon or crumbled cooked sausage to add richness and texture.
- Add chopped celery or carrots for extra crunch and veggies, great for balancing the spice.
Buffalo Chicken Cauliflower Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 large head of cauliflower, cut into florets
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 cup ranch or blue cheese dressing (optional)
- 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese (optional)
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Cooking spray or a little oil for greasing the baking dish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This casserole takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus 20-25 minutes baking time. If steaming the cauliflower, add about 8-10 minutes for cooking it tender. Roasting the cauliflower first takes slightly longer, about 15-20 minutes. Overall, you can enjoy this dish in under an hour, making it perfect for a cozy weeknight meal.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Cauliflower:
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a casserole dish with cooking spray or oil. Cook your cauliflower florets by either steaming for 8-10 minutes or roasting for 15-20 minutes until tender but still firm.
2. Mix Your Creamy Buffalo Sauce:
In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, buffalo wing sauce, and if you like, ranch or blue cheese dressing. Stir everything until smooth and fully blended.
3. Combine Chicken and Cauliflower:
Add the shredded chicken, cooked cauliflower, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese to your creamy sauce. Stir gently to mix well, then season with salt and pepper to your taste.
4. Assemble the Casserole:
Spread the mixture evenly in your greased casserole dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese and optional crumbled blue cheese on top.
5. Bake and Garnish:
Bake uncovered at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden. Remove the casserole from the oven, drizzle with extra buffalo wing sauce for a spicy finish, and top with chopped green onions. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
6. Serve and Enjoy!
This casserole is delicious on its own or served with celery sticks or your favorite side. It’s a perfect blend of spicy, cheesy, and tender flavors that’ll warm you up on any night!
Can I Use Frozen Cauliflower for This Casserole?
Yes, you can use frozen cauliflower, but be sure to thaw it completely and drain any excess water before cooking. This helps prevent the casserole from becoming too watery.
How Can I Make This Recipe Less Spicy?
To tone down the heat, reduce the amount of buffalo wing sauce or mix half buffalo sauce with half BBQ sauce. You can also omit the blue cheese and ranch dressing if you prefer milder flavors.
Can I Prepare This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Assemble the casserole up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if baking straight from the fridge.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to keep the cheese melty and delicious.
