Buffalo Chicken Cheese Bake Recipe

Welcome to my kitchen, where today I’m thrilled to share my Buffalo Chicken Cheese Bake Recipe! If you’re a fan of bold flavors and creamy textures, you’re in for a real treat. This dish combines the classic zing of buffalo chicken with gooey, melty cheese, creating a comforting bake that’s perfect for any occasion—from game days to cozy family dinners.

What makes this recipe truly special is its simplicity and versatility. With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up a mouthwatering meal that’s sure to impress your friends and family. The tender chicken, paired with tangy buffalo sauce and a generous layer of cheese, offers a delightful explosion of flavor in every bite. Plus, it’s easy to customize! You can add your favorite veggies or adjust the spice level to suit your taste.

Trust me, once you serve this dish, it will quickly become a household favorite. So, let’s dive into this delicious Buffalo Chicken Cheese Bake Recipe and make something unforgettable together!

Ingredient Notes

For my Buffalo Chicken Cheese Bake, I love using a variety of ingredients that create that perfect blend of flavors. Here’s what you’ll need:

Chicken: I prefer using shredded rotisserie chicken for convenience, but you can also cook and shred your own chicken breast.
Buffalo Sauce: I use my favorite brand of buffalo sauce, but feel free to make your own with hot sauce and melted butter for a homemade touch.
Cream Cheese: This adds a creamy texture. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute it with Greek yogurt or low-fat cream cheese.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar is my go-to for that bold flavor, but you can mix in mozzarella or pepper jack for an extra kick.
Ranch or Blue Cheese Dressing: I love ranch for its creaminess, but blue cheese dressing adds a nice tang. Choose your favorite or use a non-dairy version if needed.
Vegetables: Celery and green onions add crunch and freshness. You can switch them out for bell peppers or jalapeños if you prefer.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making this Buffalo Chicken Cheese Bake is a breeze! Here’s how to whip it up:

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your bake cooks evenly.
Prepare the Chicken Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, cream cheese, and ranch dressing. Mix well until everything is thoroughly combined and the chicken is evenly coated.
Add Cheese: Stir in half of the shredded cheddar cheese, mixing it into the chicken mixture to create a cheesy, flavorful filling.
Transfer to Baking Dish: Spread the chicken mixture evenly in a greased baking dish. I usually use a 9×13 inch dish for this recipe.
Top with More Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top of the chicken mixture, ensuring an even layer for that delicious cheesy crust.
Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Garnish: Once out of the oven, I like to sprinkle chopped green onions and celery on top for extra flavor and crunch.
Serve: Let it cool for a few minutes, then serve warm with extra ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side. Enjoy!

Tips & Suggestions

Here are some tips to make your Buffalo Chicken Cheese Bake even better:

Spice it Up: If you love heat, add some diced jalapeños or a splash of extra hot sauce to the chicken mixture.
Make It a Meal: Serve this dish with a side of fresh veggies or a simple salad to balance the richness.
Customize Your Toppings: Feel free to experiment with toppings! Crushed tortilla chips or panko breadcrumbs can add a delightful crunch.
Perfect for Parties: This dish is great for gatherings. You can double the recipe and bake it in a larger dish to serve more guests.

Storage

If you have leftovers (which is rare because it’s so delicious!), here’s how to store them:

Refrigeration: Allow the Buffalo Chicken Cheese Bake to cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It will last in the fridge for about 3-4 days.
Freezing: You can also freeze the bake. Make sure it’s cooled down, then cover it tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven.
Reheating: To reheat, place it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. You can cover it with foil to prevent the cheese from browning too much.

With these tips and instructions, your Buffalo Chicken Cheese Bake is sure to be a hit! Enjoy every cheesy, spicy bite!

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dish that combines bold flavors and comforting textures, the Buffalo Chicken Cheese Bake Recipe is an absolute must-try! This dish brings together the spicy kick of buffalo sauce with the creamy goodness of cheese, making it a crowd-pleaser for any gathering or family dinner. Plus, it’s super easy to prepare, allowing you to spend more time enjoying the company of your loved ones and less time in the kitchen. With its delightful combination of ingredients, the Buffalo Chicken Cheese Bake Recipe is sure to become a favorite in your home. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and treat yourself to a delicious, satisfying meal that’s both fun and flavorful!

Buffalo Chicken Cheese Bake: Easy & Delicious Comfort Food

Print Recipe

This Buffalo Chicken Cheese Bake combines the classic zing of buffalo chicken with gooey, melty cheese for a comforting dish perfect for any occasion. It’s simple to make and sure to impress your friends and family!

Author: Crumella
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Dinner
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
1/2 cup buffalo sauce
8 oz cream cheese
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 cup ranch dressing
1/2 cup chopped celery
1/4 cup chopped green onions
Additional cheddar cheese for topping

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, cream cheese, and ranch dressing. Mix well until everything is thoroughly combined and the chicken is evenly coated.
Stir in half of the shredded cheddar cheese, mixing it into the chicken mixture.
Spread the chicken mixture evenly in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top of the chicken mixture.
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Once out of the oven, sprinkle chopped green onions and celery on top for extra flavor and crunch.
Let it cool for a few minutes, then serve warm with extra ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl
Calories: 350
Sugar: 3 g
Sodium: 800 mg
Fat: 20 g
Saturated Fat: 10 g
Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 10 g
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 25 g
Cholesterol: 70 mg

Keywords: Feel free to customize with your favorite veggies or adjust the spice level. You can also use Greek yogurt or low-fat cream cheese as a substitute for cream cheese.

Buffalo Chicken Cheese Bake Recipe: Easy & Delicious Comfort Food