Description
Cheesy Buffalo Chicken and Rice is a comforting, flavorful one-pan dish combining tender shredded chicken, spicy Buffalo sauce, and creamy cheddar cheese with perfectly cooked rice and crisp vegetables. This hearty casserole balances spicy, savory, and cheesy flavors for a satisfying meal perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
Rice
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
Buffalo Sauce
- 1/2 cup Buffalo sauce (preferably Frank’s RedHot)
Cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Broth
- 2 cups chicken broth
Vegetables
- 1/2 cup diced celery
- 1/2 cup diced green onions (divided)
Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the dish later.
- Combine Ingredients in Skillet: In a large oven-safe skillet, mix together the uncooked rice, chicken broth, Buffalo sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. This forms the base for the dish.
- Add Chicken and Vegetables: Stir in the shredded chicken, diced celery, and half of the diced green onions, evenly incorporating them into the rice mixture.
- Simmer the Mixture: Heat the skillet over medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Then reduce the heat, cover, and let it simmer for 15 minutes to cook the rice through.
- Stir in Cheese: Remove the lid after simmering and fold in the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted and the mixture is creamy.
- Bake: Transfer the entire oven-safe skillet into the preheated oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and the top is slightly golden.
- Serve and Garnish: Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with the remaining green onions before serving.
Notes
- Use an oven-safe skillet or casserole dish to avoid transferring the mixture and losing ingredients.
- Adjust the amount of Buffalo sauce to control the spice level.
- Leftover shredded chicken from a rotisserie chicken works perfectly in this recipe.
- For a creamier dish, you can add a splash of cream or sour cream with the cheese.
- Ensure the rice is fully submerged in liquid before simmering to prevent uneven cooking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop and Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Buffalo chicken, cheesy rice casserole, comfort food, one-pan meal, easy dinner, spicy chicken, cheddar cheese
