Oh my goodness, if you’re looking for a dish that’s both cheesy and packed with flavor, let me introduce you to my Buffalo Chicken Cheese Bake! This recipe is a total game changer for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something deliciously spicy. It comes together in a snap—seriously, you can whip it up in just 15 minutes before popping it in the oven. The combination of tender shredded chicken, creamy cheese, and zesty buffalo sauce creates an explosion of flavor that’s hard to resist. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become a go-to favorite in your household!
Ingredients List
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1 cup buffalo sauce
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup ranch dressing
- 1/2 cup green onions, chopped
How to Prepare Buffalo Chicken Cheese Bake
Alright, let’s dive into the steps for making this utterly delightful Buffalo Chicken Cheese Bake! First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This way, it’s nice and hot when your dish is ready to go in!
In a large mixing bowl, combine your cooked shredded chicken with the buffalo sauce. Give it a good mix until the chicken is well coated in that spicy goodness. If you’re like me and love a little extra kick, feel free to add more buffalo sauce to suit your taste!
Next, it’s cream cheese time! Add the softened cream cheese and ranch dressing to the bowl. Don’t be shy—stir it all together until you get a smooth and creamy mixture. This is where the magic happens! Then, fold in half of the shredded cheddar cheese and the chopped green onions. You want those ingredients to be evenly distributed throughout the mix.
Now, transfer that glorious mixture into a baking dish. You can use a medium-sized dish, and trust me, it’s going to look fantastic! Once it’s all in there, sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top. This is going to create that ooey-gooey layer of cheesy goodness that we all crave!
Pop the baking dish into your preheated oven and let it bake for about 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when it’s all bubbly and golden on top. Oh, the smell wafting through your kitchen will be irresistible! Once it’s out, let it cool for a few minutes before garnishing with those remaining green onions. And there you have it—your Buffalo Chicken Cheese Bake is ready to impress!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare—ready in just 45 minutes!
- Loaded with cheesy, creamy goodness that’s oh-so-satisfying.
- The perfect balance of spicy and savory flavors that everyone will love.
- Gluten-free, making it a great option for various dietary needs.
- Endless serving possibilities—great with tortilla chips, celery sticks, or on its own.
- Perfect for meal prep; make ahead and store for busy days.
- Kid-friendly with just the right amount of heat—adjust to your taste!
Tips for Success
To make sure your Buffalo Chicken Cheese Bake turns out perfectly, here are a few tips I swear by! First, when it comes to the buffalo sauce, don’t hesitate to adjust the amount based on your spice preference. If you like it mild, start with less and add more until it’s just right for you!
Also, for a creamier texture, let your cream cheese soften at room temperature before mixing. This way, it’ll blend seamlessly into the chicken mixture. As for serving, I love pairing this bake with crunchy tortilla chips or fresh celery sticks for a fantastic contrast in texture.
If you’re feeling adventurous, consider adding extras like diced bell peppers or even some crumbled blue cheese on top before baking. Trust me, those little touches can elevate the dish to a whole new level. Enjoy every cheesy, spicy bite!
Variations on Buffalo Chicken Cheese Bake
If you’re in the mood to switch things up, there are so many fun variations for this Buffalo Chicken Cheese Bake! For starters, try swapping out the cheddar cheese for mozzarella or pepper jack for an extra kick. You could also mix in some diced bell peppers or jalapeños for added freshness and crunch. If you’re a fan of blue cheese, crumble some on top before baking for that classic buffalo flavor. And hey, why not add some black beans or corn for a Tex-Mex twist? The possibilities are endless, so feel free to get creative and make it your own!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Now, let’s talk about how to store those delicious leftovers from your Buffalo Chicken Cheese Bake! First off, make sure it’s completely cooled before storing. I recommend transferring any extra bake into an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and prevents any fridge odors from sneaking in. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days—if it lasts that long, of course!
When it’s time to reheat, just preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) again. Place the Buffalo Chicken Cheese Bake in an oven-safe dish and cover it with aluminum foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 20 minutes or until it’s warmed through and bubbly again. If you’re in a hurry, you can also pop it in the microwave for a couple of minutes, but I find the oven gives that lovely crispy top back. Enjoy those cheesy bites once more!
Nutritional Information
Just a quick note before we dive into the numbers: nutritional information can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so keep that in mind! The values provided here are estimates, but they should give you a good idea of what to expect from your Buffalo Chicken Cheese Bake.
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 24g
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Cholesterol: 80mg
- Fiber: 1g
These bites of cheesy goodness are not only delicious but also packed with protein to keep you satisfied! Enjoy this dish knowing that it fits nicely into your meal plan, whether you’re counting macros or just looking for something tasty!
FAQ Section
Can I use leftover rotisserie chicken for this recipe? Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken is a fantastic option. Just shred it and mix it with the buffalo sauce—super quick and adds amazing flavor!
Can I make this Buffalo Chicken Cheese Bake ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare the mixture and store it in the fridge for up to a day before baking. Just remember to add the cheese on top right before you pop it in the oven!
What can I serve with this dish? I love serving it with tortilla chips or celery sticks, but you can also pair it with a fresh salad or even over rice for a heartier meal. It’s versatile!
How spicy is this recipe? The spice level really depends on how much buffalo sauce you use. Start with a smaller amount if you’re sensitive to heat, and adjust it to your liking!
Can I freeze Buffalo Chicken Cheese Bake? Yes, you can! Just make sure it’s completely cooled, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It should keep well for about 2-3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating!
Print
Buffalo Chicken Cheese Bake: 15-Minute Delight
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A cheesy and spicy buffalo chicken bake that is quick to prepare and delicious.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1 cup buffalo sauce
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup ranch dressing
- 1/2 cup green onions, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix the shredded chicken and buffalo sauce.
- Add the cream cheese and ranch dressing, stirring until well combined.
- Fold in half of the cheddar cheese and green onions.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish.
- Top with the remaining cheddar cheese.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until bubbly.
- Garnish with remaining green onions before serving.
Notes
- Serve with tortilla chips or celery sticks.
- Adjust buffalo sauce to your heat preference.
- This dish can be made ahead and stored in the fridge.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: Buffalo Chicken Cheese Bake