This Buffalo Chicken and Rice Casserole transforms simple pantry staples into a bold, comforting meal with just the right amount of heat. Tender shredded chicken, creamy rice, tangy buffalo sauce, and melty cheddar cheese come together in one satisfying baked dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This casserole combines creamy, spicy, and cheesy flavors in every bite. The rice absorbs the savory broth and buffalo sauce, creating a rich base that pairs beautifully with tender shredded chicken.

It’s easy to prepare with minimal hands-on time. After a quick sauté on the stovetop, the oven does most of the work.

It’s a complete meal in one dish. With protein, grains, and vegetables baked together, you don’t need much else to make dinner feel complete.

It’s customizable. Adjust the heat level, swap cheeses, or add extra vegetables to make it your own.

It reheats beautifully, making it ideal for meal prep or leftovers.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small yellow onion, diced
2 medium carrots, diced or thinly sliced
1 stalk celery, diced or thinly sliced
4 cloves garlic, minced
salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1½ cups white long grain rice
1 block (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 pound shredded cooked chicken
¾ cup buffalo wing sauce
1½ cups shredded white cheddar cheese
sliced green onions, blue cheese crumbles, and sour cream, for serving

Directions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring frequently, until the vegetables are softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 20 seconds until fragrant. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Add the white long grain rice to the skillet. Stir continuously for 1 to 2 minutes to lightly toast the rice.

Transfer the rice and vegetable mixture to a lightly greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Stir in the softened cream cheese until evenly distributed and creamy.

Pour in the chicken broth, then add the shredded cooked chicken and buffalo wing sauce. Stir everything together until well combined.

Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 40 minutes, or until the rice is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.

Remove the foil and stir the casserole gently. Sprinkle the shredded white cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Return the dish to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted.

Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving. Top with sliced green onions, blue cheese crumbles, and a dollop of sour cream if desired.

Servings and timing

Servings: 6 generous portions

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 50 minutes
Resting time: 10 minutes
Total time: Approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes

Variations

For a milder version, reduce the buffalo sauce to ½ cup and add an extra ¼ cup of chicken broth to maintain moisture.

For extra heat, stir in a pinch of cayenne pepper or drizzle additional buffalo sauce over the top before serving.

Swap the white cheddar for Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or a sharp orange cheddar for a slightly different flavor profile.

Add more vegetables such as diced bell peppers, spinach, or corn for extra color and nutrition.

If you prefer a lighter texture, use low-fat cream cheese instead of full-fat.

Storage/Reheating

To store, allow the casserole to cool completely. Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil, or transfer leftovers to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 4 days.

For longer storage, freeze the casserole for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

To reheat in the microwave, warm individual portions in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until heated through.

To reheat on the stovetop, place the desired amount in a covered skillet over low heat. If the casserole seems dry, add a small splash of milk or broth to restore creaminess as it warms.

FAQs

Why is it called Buffalo chicken?

Buffalo chicken is named after Buffalo, New York, where buffalo-style wings were first created. The signature flavor comes from a tangy, buttery hot sauce blend.

Do I need to cook the rice before adding it to the casserole?

No. The rice cooks in the oven as it absorbs the broth and sauce. Be sure to use long grain white rice, as other types require different liquid ratios and cooking times.

Can I use brown rice instead?

Brown rice is not recommended for this recipe because it requires more liquid and a longer cooking time, which would change the texture and results.

What type of chicken works best?

Shredded rotisserie chicken, leftover baked chicken breasts, or cooked chicken thighs all work well. Just make sure the chicken is fully cooked before adding it.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes. You can assemble the casserole up to one day in advance, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if it’s going into the oven cold.

How can I make this dish less spicy?

Reduce the amount of buffalo sauce and add a bit more cream cheese or broth to balance the heat.

Can I freeze the casserole before baking?

Yes. Assemble the casserole without baking, wrap it tightly, and freeze. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed.

What can I serve with this casserole?

It pairs well with a crisp green salad, steamed broccoli, roasted vegetables, or a simple cucumber and cabbage salad for added freshness.

Why is my rice still undercooked?

This can happen if the dish wasn’t tightly covered or if a different type of rice was used. Make sure the foil seal is secure to trap steam while baking.

Can I make this without blue cheese?

Absolutely. You can omit the blue cheese or substitute it with feta or extra cheddar if you prefer a milder flavor.

Conclusion

Buffalo Chicken and Rice Casserole is the perfect balance of creamy comfort and bold flavor. With tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a spicy buffalo kick topped with melted cheese, it’s a dependable family favorite that’s easy enough for weeknights yet satisfying enough for guests. Make it once, and it’s sure to become a regular addition to your dinner rotation.

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