Buffalo Chicken Cheese Bake

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Introduction:

Get ready for the ultimate cheesy, spicy, and crowd-pleasing comfort food! This Buffalo Chicken Cheese Bake is loaded with shredded chicken, zesty buffalo sauce, rich cheese, and creamy goodness — all baked into one golden, bubbly casserole. It’s perfect for game nights, family dinners, or potlucks, and it packs a punch in both flavor and texture. Whether you serve it as a main, a side, or even a dip, this dish is always a hit!

Origin:

Buffalo chicken flavors hail from Buffalo, New York, where the original hot sauce-coated chicken wings were born in the 1960s. Since then, the spicy, tangy buffalo profile has been adapted into countless recipes. This cheese bake takes inspiration from American casseroles and hot dips, fusing everything we love about buffalo wings into a creamy, baked dish — minus the bones and mess!

Ingredients (Serves 6–8):

🐔 For the Chicken Base:

  • 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie or boiled)
  • ½ cup buffalo wing sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup ranch dressing (or blue cheese dressing, if preferred)
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika

🧀 For the Cheese Layer:

  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • ¼ cup crumbled blue cheese (optional)

🍞 For the Topping (Optional):

  • ½ cup crushed buttery crackers or panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter
  • 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (for garnish)

Optional Add-Ins:

  • ½ cup cooked and crumbled bacon
  • ¼ cup chopped green onions or chives
  • 1 small diced celery stalk (for crunch)
  • ½ cup cooked macaroni (to turn it into a pasta bake!)

Instructions:

Step 1 – Preheat & Prep:

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Lightly grease a medium-sized baking dish (9×9 or similar).

Step 2 – Make the Buffalo Chicken Mixture:

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, cream cheese, ranch dressing, garlic powder, and paprika.
  2. Stir until everything is evenly mixed and creamy.

Step 3 – Layer and Top:

  1. Spread the chicken mixture into the baking dish.
  2. Top evenly with mozzarella, cheddar, and optional blue cheese.
  3. If using, mix crushed crackers/panko with melted butter and sprinkle over the top.

Step 4 – Bake:

  1. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden on top.
  2. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions.

Tips for Success:

  • Use rotisserie chicken for a quick and flavorful base.
  • Don’t skip softening the cream cheese — it helps mix everything smoothly.
  • For a spicier dish, add extra buffalo sauce or a pinch of cayenne.
  • To reduce heat for kids, use mild buffalo sauce and more ranch.

Serving Recommendations:

  • Serve as a main dish with:
    • Baked potatoes
    • Rice or pasta
    • A simple green salad
  • Serve as a dip with:
    • Tortilla chips
    • Celery and carrot sticks
    • Toasted baguette slices
  • Great for meal prep — refrigerate up to 4 days or freeze up to 2 months.

Nutrition (Per Serving – Approximate, based on 8 servings):

  • Calories: 320
  • Protein: 23g
  • Fat: 22g
  • Carbohydrates: 5g
  • Fiber: 0.5g
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 740mg

Adjust based on added ingredients like pasta or crackers.

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