Buffalo Chicken Rice Casserole with Blue Cheese and Green Onions Recipe

Introduction

This Buffalo Chicken Casserole is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, spicy hot sauce, and a cheesy finish. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner or entertaining friends who love a bit of heat in their meals.

A close-up view shows a bowl of creamy pasta with three main layers visible: the bottom layer is soft, short pasta pieces coated in a thick, smooth orange cheese sauce, the middle layer has small chunks of green peppers mixed throughout, and the top layer features scattered light green chopped scallions and crumbled white cheese, sprinkled with black pepper. A silver fork rests inside the bowl on the right side, and a small bowl filled with extra scallions sits behind it on a white marbled surface. The bowl is white with a slightly speckled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 pound boneless chicken breast, cut into bite-size pieces
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 cup chopped onions
  • 1 cup chopped celery
  • 1 1/2 cups long grain rice
  • 1/2 cup Frank’s RedHot Sauce
  • 2 1/2 cups water or chicken broth
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
  • 1/4 cup chopped green onions
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Cut the chicken into 1-inch bite-size pieces. Chop the onions, celery, and green onions.
  2. Step 2: In a large skillet or sauté pan with a lid, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and celery, and sauté for 3-5 minutes until softened.
  3. Step 3: Add the chicken pieces, rice, Frank’s RedHot Sauce, water or chicken broth, and 1/4 teaspoon salt to the skillet. Stir to combine, then cover with the lid.
  4. Step 4: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and air vent holes appear in the rice.
  5. Step 5: Fluff the rice with a fork, then stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled blue cheese, and chopped green onions. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed before serving.

Tips & Variations

  • Use chicken broth instead of water for a richer flavor.
  • For a milder version, reduce the amount of hot sauce or use a milder wing sauce.
  • Swap blue cheese for ranch dressing if you prefer a creamier texture and milder taste.
  • Add cooked bacon bits for extra crunch and smoky flavor.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of water or broth to keep the casserole moist.

How to Serve

The image shows a white bowl filled with a creamy, orange-colored pasta dish made with short, ruffled pasta. The pasta is coated in a smooth, cheesy sauce with visible small chunks of green peppers throughout. On top, there are thin slices of bright green spring onions scattered evenly, along with small dollops of white, crumbly cheese and a light sprinkling of black pepper. A silver fork is placed inside the bowl, resting on the pasta near the right edge. In the background, another white bowl with the same dish and a small white bowl filled with chopped green onions are visible on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

It’s best to use fresh chicken and cut it into pieces before cooking to ensure even cooking. If using frozen chicken, thaw completely before starting the recipe.

Is this casserole spicy?

This dish has a noticeable spicy kick from the Frank’s RedHot Sauce. You can adjust the heat level by using less sauce or substituting a milder wing sauce.

Print

Buffalo Chicken Rice Casserole with Blue Cheese and Green Onions Recipe

A comforting and flavorful Buffalo Chicken Casserole combining tender chicken, spicy Frank’s RedHot Sauce, sautéed vegetables, and creamy cheeses for a hearty one-pan meal.

  • Author: Caleb
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Casserole
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Proteins and Dairy

  • 1 1/2 pound boneless chicken breast, cut into bite-size pieces
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese

Vegetables

  • 1 cup chopped onions
  • 1 cup chopped celery
  • 1/4 cup chopped green onions

Grains and Liquids

  • 1 1/2 cups long grain rice
  • 1/2 cup Frank’s RedHot Sauce
  • 2 1/2 cups water or chicken broth

Instructions

  1. Prepare Ingredients: Cut the chicken into approximately 1-inch bite-size pieces. Chop the onions, celery, and green onions finely to ensure even cooking and flavor distribution.
  2. Sauté Vegetables: In a large skillet or sauté pan with a lid, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and celery and sauté for 3 to 5 minutes until softened and fragrant, which enhances the base flavors of the casserole.
  3. Add Main Components: To the skillet, add the chicken pieces, long grain rice, Frank’s RedHot Sauce, chicken broth or water, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Stir everything together to combine well and evenly distribute the sauce and seasonings throughout the mixture.
  4. Simmer Covered: Cover the skillet with its lid and bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for about 15 minutes or until the broth is fully absorbed by the rice and holes appear on the surface, indicating that it’s cooked through.
  5. Finish and Season: Remove the lid and fluff the rice with a fork to separate the grains. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled blue cheese, and chopped green onions. Taste the casserole and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve warm for a flavorful, comforting meal.

Notes

  • Using chicken broth instead of water will add extra flavor.
  • Adjust the amount of Frank’s RedHot Sauce depending on your preferred spice level.
  • For a creamier texture, you can add a splash of cream or half-and-half when stirring in the cheeses.
  • This dish can be made ahead and reheated; flavors tend to meld beautifully after resting.
  • To make the dish gluten-free, ensure the hot sauce and broth used are gluten-free certified.

Keywords: Buffalo chicken casserole, spicy chicken casserole, one pan meal, chicken and rice, comfort food, easy dinner

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