Jalapeno Buffalo Chicken Casserole (Printable Version)
Tender chicken, jalapenos and Buffalo sauce baked in a creamy melted cheese blend for a spicy crowd-pleasing dish.
# What You Need:
→ Proteins
01 - 4 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or cubed
→ Vegetables
02 - 2 to 3 jalapeño peppers, sliced (seeds removed for less heat)
03 - 1 medium onion, diced
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 1 cup celery, diced
→ Dairy & Sauces
06 - 8 oz cream cheese, softened
07 - 1 cup sour cream
08 - 1/2 cup Buffalo wing sauce
09 - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
10 - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
→ Toppings
11 - 1/4 cup blue cheese crumbles (optional)
12 - 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
→ Seasonings
13 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
14 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
15 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
# Directions:
01 - Preheat oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray or butter.
02 - In a large skillet over medium heat, warm a drizzle of oil. Sauté the diced onion, celery, and sliced jalapeños until softened, about 4 to 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 additional minute, stirring constantly.
03 - In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, Buffalo wing sauce, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Stir until smooth and well blended.
04 - Fold the shredded chicken, sautéed vegetables, half of the cheddar cheese, and half of the mozzarella into the creamy sauce mixture. Stir until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
05 - Transfer the mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it into an even layer. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheeses evenly over the top.
06 - Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden on top.
07 - Remove from the oven and scatter blue cheese crumbles and sliced green onions over the surface, if desired.
08 - Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving. This helps the filling set for cleaner portions.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- It has that magical combo of creamy, spicy, and cheesy that makes people go back for seconds before finishing their first plate.
- Rotisserie chicken turns this into a weeknight dinner you can pull off without breaking a sweat.
02 -
- Cold cream cheese will leave you with lumpy white pockets throughout the casserole, so patience at room temperature pays off.
- Not all Buffalo sauces are gluten free, so check the label carefully if that matters for your table.
03 -
- Shred your chicken while it is still slightly warm because it pulls apart effortlessly compared to cold meat.
- Reserve a tablespoon of Buffalo sauce to drizzle over each serving plate for a punch of color and extra heat.