Keto Buffalo Chicken Casserole Recipe is one of those gems that brings together bold, fiery flavor with creamy, comforting texture—all while staying perfectly keto-friendly. I love making this dish on chilly evenings when you want something hearty but don’t want to compromise your low-carb goals. Whether you’re cooking for family or meal prepping for the week, this casserole packs the punch of classic buffalo wings into an easy, sliceable meal everyone will adore.
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What Makes This So Good
This Keto Buffalo Chicken Casserole Recipe hits all the right notes: creamy, spicy, and cheesy with zero guilt. It’s the perfect balance of textures and flavors that’ll have you coming back for seconds.
- Big Flavor, Minimal Fuss: With just a few wholesome ingredients, you get that signature buffalo tang plus rich creaminess without fuss or complicated prep.
- Family-Friendly: The creamy cheese mellows the spice just enough to please kids and adults alike—ideal for cozy dinners or casual get-togethers.
- Simple Ingredients: You'll find everything in your pantry or fridge—shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, cream cheese, and a handful of seasonings are all you need.
- Works Any Night: Ready in under an hour, it’s a great no-stress dinner when life gets busy but you still want comfort food that fits keto.
Ingredient Guide
Picking the right ingredients for this Keto Buffalo Chicken Casserole Recipe not only ensures a rich flavor but also makes your cooking experience smooth and satisfying. Let’s talk about the stars of the show and how you might swap or prep them.
- Cooked Chicken: Using shredded rotisserie chicken saves time and adds a juicy, tender texture. You can also poach chicken breasts for a fresher homemade touch.
- Buffalo Sauce: Choose a good-quality sauce with real butter and cayenne for authentic heat. Adjust the spice level to your taste—you can always add more later!
- Heavy Cream & Cream Cheese: These bring the creamy richness that balances the spice. Make sure the cream cheese is softened so it mixes evenly without lumps.
- Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar melts beautifully, adding a nice golden crust and punchy flavor, but feel free to try Monterey Jack or mozzarella for a different twist.
- Garlic & Onion Powder: These pantry staples enhance depth without overpowering the buffalo flavor.
- Green Onions: Use fresh green onions for a bright, mild onion crunch as a garnish to elevate presentation and flavor right before serving.
Quick Reminder: Full measurements are in the recipe card below.
How to Make Keto Buffalo Chicken Casserole Recipe
Step 1 — Prep & Ready
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This way it’s nice and hot when your casserole goes in. While the oven warms up, shred your cooked chicken if it’s not pre-shredded—bite-sized pieces work best so you get buffalo flavor in every forkful. Soften that cream cheese by leaving it at room temperature or give it a quick zap in the microwave—this helps it mix smoothly with the liquids. Gathering your spices and buffalo sauce now will keep things moving swiftly.
Step 2 — Cook with Confidence
In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, heavy cream, softened cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything feels luxuriously creamy and the buffalo sauce is well distributed. You’ll notice the sauce clings nicely to each piece of chicken, sending up that tangy, spicy aroma. Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Slide it into the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly with a touch of golden crispness on the edges.
Step 3 — Finish & Serve
Once the casserole is out of the oven, let it rest for a few minutes—this helps everything set nicely and makes serving easier. Add chopped green onions on top for a fresh burst of color and subtle sharpness that contrasts beautifully with the creamy, spicy base. You’ll love how the layers of molten cheese, tender chicken, and zesty buffalo sauce come together in every bite—perfectly cozy, with just enough kick.
Extra Helpful Tips
From my kitchen to yours, here are some little tricks I’ve picked up to make your Keto Buffalo Chicken Casserole Recipe absolutely foolproof and fabulous every time.
- Watch for This Sign: When your cheese is bubbly with golden brown edges, the casserole is ready. Those crispy edges add wonderful texture.
- Temperature Trick: Make sure your casserole dish is room temperature if possible; cold dishes can lengthen baking time inconsistently.
- Prep-Ahead Option: You can mix everything except the cheddar cheese the night before and refrigerate. Add cheese and bake just before serving.
- Avoid This Common Mistake: Don’t skimp on seasoning—taste your buffalo sauce ahead to adjust salt and spice levels to your liking.
Serve & Enjoy
Easy Enhancements
Want to jazz up your Keto Buffalo Chicken Casserole Recipe even more? Drizzle a bit of ranch or blue cheese dressing on top for creaminess, or sprinkle some extra crumbled blue cheese for that authentic buffalo wing vibe. A handful of chopped fresh cilantro or parsley adds a nice herbal brightness. If you crave added crunch, toasted pork rinds or crushed celery seeds sprinkled over the top work wonders.
Tasty Pairings
This casserole is hearty, so pair it with crisp celery sticks or cucumber slices for a refreshing contrast. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness perfectly. For drinks, a chilled sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon or a light keto-friendly cocktail complements the dish’s spicy notes beautifully.
Quick Plating Tips
Serve your casserole in warm bowls to keep it cozy longer. Garnish just before serving with finely sliced green onions or a few extra dashes of buffalo sauce for a pop of color. Don’t forget the little bowl of celery sticks on the side for serving authenticity and crunch!
Store, Freeze & Reheat
Fridge Storage
Store leftover Keto Buffalo Chicken Casserole Recipe in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You might notice the texture firms up slightly as it cools, but it rewarms beautifully.
Freezer Friendly?
This casserole freezes well. Portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to avoid sogginess and maintain that creamy texture.
Reheat Like New
For best results, reheat in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes until warmed through and bubbly. The oven helps restore that melty cheese texture. If pressed for time, microwave in short bursts stirring in between to retain moisture without drying out.
Keto Buffalo Chicken Casserole Recipe FAQs
Absolutely! Poach chicken breasts or thighs until cooked through, let them cool, then shred. Fresh chicken works wonderfully and lets you control seasoning from the start.
Not necessarily—it depends on your buffalo sauce. I recommend starting with half the buffalo sauce called for and adjusting according to your heat preference.
You can try swapping dairy cheeses for plant-based versions, but the creamy texture might change. Using dairy-free cream cheese and coconut cream could work, though the flavor will differ slightly.
Store leftovers tightly sealed in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat covered with foil in the oven to retain moisture and keep the casserole creamy.
Final Flavor Thoughts
I hope this Keto Buffalo Chicken Casserole Recipe becomes a favorite in your kitchen like it is in mine. It’s truly one of those dishes that’s comforting, satisfying, and flexible to your tastes. When you make it, don’t forget to rate it and let me know if you tried any fun variations—I bet adding different cheeses or a swirl of ranch dressing could be delicious. Here’s to cozy nights and bold flavors!
Print📖 Recipe
Keto Buffalo Chicken Casserole Recipe
A creamy and spicy Keto Buffalo Chicken Casserole that combines shredded chicken with rich cheeses and zesty buffalo sauce, baked to bubbly perfection. This low-carb dish makes a perfect comforting meal packed with flavor and protein.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Carb, Gluten Free, Keto
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- ½ cup buffalo sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
- Green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare it for baking the casserole.
- Mix ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken, buffalo sauce, heavy cream, softened cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all the ingredients are well incorporated and the mixture is smooth.
- Prepare baking dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and transfer the chicken mixture into it. Evenly spread the mixture in the dish for uniform cooking.
- Add cheese topping: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the chicken mixture, which will melt and create a deliciously bubbly crust during baking.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese topping is melted, golden, and bubbly throughout.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from oven and optionally garnish with chopped green onions for added freshness and a mild onion flavor. Serve hot and enjoy your Keto Buffalo Chicken Casserole!
Notes
- You can adjust the buffalo sauce amount to make it milder or spicier according to your taste.
- Use rotisserie chicken as a convenient option to save time cooking the chicken.
- For an extra crispy top, broil the casserole for 2-3 minutes at the end of baking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- This casserole pairs well with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad to keep the meal keto-friendly and balanced.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
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