Dinner

Jalapeño Buffalo Chicken Casserole Recipe

BySarah Summers December 15, 2025December 15, 2025

Introduction

This Jalapeño Buffalo Chicken Casserole is a spicy, creamy, and satisfying dish perfect for anyone who loves bold flavors. Combining tender shredded chicken with a zesty buffalo sauce and fresh vegetables, it’s a one-dish meal that’s both comforting and exciting.

A white bowl filled with a creamy pasta dish stacked in about three layers: a base of short pasta pieces mixed with small bits of red and green vegetables, topped with shredded chicken that has a light orange sauce, and garnished with thin slices of green chili and fresh green herbs sprinkled on top. The textures include soft pasta, tender chicken, and a smooth, slightly cheesy sauce with a hint of oil. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface, and a woman's hand is gently touching the bowl. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 pounds chicken breast, cooked and shredded
20 ounces frozen cauliflower rice
2 small jalapeños, finely diced, plus more for topping if desired
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 (the thick part at the top of the can)
1/2 cup buffalo sauce
1/4 cup ranch
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Optional: green onion, extra jalapeños to garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
Step 2: In a large casserole dish, combine the frozen cauliflower rice, diced jalapeños, onion, red pepper, carrots, and shredded chicken.
Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together the minced garlic, salt, black pepper, coconut cream, buffalo sauce, and ranch until well combined.
Step 4: Pour the sauce over the ingredients in the casserole dish. Use two forks or tongs to thoroughly mix the sauce with the vegetables and chicken. Once evenly mixed, smooth the mixture into an even layer.
Step 5: Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, or longer if you prefer a slightly crispier top.
Step 6: Remove from the oven and drizzle with additional buffalo sauce or ranch if desired. Garnish with green onions and extra diced jalapeños for added heat and freshness.

Tips & Variations

For a milder version, reduce the amount of jalapeños or substitute with bell peppers.
Use shredded rotisserie chicken to save preparation time.
Swap the buffalo sauce for a homemade version using hot sauce mixed with melted butter for extra richness.
Add shredded cheese on top before baking for a gooey, cheesy crust.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in the oven at 350 degrees F until heated through or microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally. This casserole also freezes well; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

The dish shows one bowl filled with a mix of shredded chicken, melted orange cheese, and chopped red and green vegetables, including slices of jalapeño on top. The cheese looks creamy and gooey, covering the chicken and vegetables in soft, uneven layers. The bowl is white, contrasting with the warm orange and green colors of the food. The background surface is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cauliflower instead of frozen cauliflower rice?

Yes, you can pulse fresh cauliflower florets in a food processor to make cauliflower rice. Use about 4 cups of fresh cauliflower to replace the 20 ounces of frozen rice.

Is this casserole spicy?

The heat level depends on the amount of jalapeños and buffalo sauce used. You can adjust the spice by reducing the jalapeños or choosing a milder buffalo sauce.