Jalapeño Buffalo Chicken Casserole

This Jalapeño Buffalo Chicken Casserole combines the zippy flavor of buffalo sauce, the fiery kick of fresh jalapeños, and tender shredded chicken—all packed into one hearty, craveworthy meal that just happens to be GF, Whole30-friendly, keto, and paleo! The creamy, spicy sauce hugs every bite of veggie and chicken, giving you a protein-packed, guilt-free comfort food you’ll want to make again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

All you need are a handful of well-chosen ingredients to whip up this colorful, flavor-packed GF casserole. Each one adds something unique—think crunch, spice, or ultra-rich creaminess—to create the perfect bite every time!

• Chicken breast: Use cooked and shredded chicken for unbeatable tenderness and protein power.
• Frozen cauliflower rice: Adds a subtle, lightly nutty base and soaks up all those zesty flavors—plus it keeps the dish low-carb and GF.
• Jalapeños: The secret behind that lively kick; use more or less depending on your spice tolerance!
• White or yellow onion: Diced onion brings a gentle, savory sweetness to the party.
• Red pepper: Pops of color and freshness, plus their natural sweetness balance the heat.
• Shredded or finely diced carrots: They melt into the casserole and add just a touch of sweetness and color.
• Canned coconut cream: Go for the thick part at the top of the can for the richest, creamiest texture—so crucial in a GF bake.
• Buffalo sauce: Delivers the signature bold flavor and brightness you expect.
• Ranch: Whether dairy or dairy-free, this cools things down and adds a tangy, herby finish.
• Minced garlic: Just a tablespoon gives the whole dish an aromatic backbone.
• Salt: Essential for seasoning and pulling out the natural flavors of the veggies and meat.
• Black pepper: A simple sprinkle, but it boosts all the savory and spicy notes.
• Optional garnishes: Sliced green onion or extra jalapeños for color, texture, and a final flavor pop.

How to Make GF

Step 1: Prep and Preheat

Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees F. This GF casserole needs those high temps to get gorgeously golden and bubbly on top! While the oven heats up, get your chicken cooked and shredded (you can use rotisserie for a major shortcut). Dice your veggies so everything is ready to layer into the dish with no stress.

Step 2: Layer the Casserole

Take a large casserole dish and add the shredded chicken, frozen cauliflower rice (no need to thaw—it’ll cook up perfectly as is), diced onion, red pepper, jalapeños, and carrots. Don’t forget, the more colorful your layers, the prettier and tastier your GF casserole will be.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Buffalo Sauce

In a separate bowl, whisk together the coconut cream, buffalo sauce, ranch, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Make sure to use the thickest part of the coconut cream for ultimate richness. You want the sauce to be well-combined and super creamy before it meets the casserole ingredients.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Pour the luscious buffalo sauce all over your chicken and veggies in the casserole dish. Use two forks or tongs to gently toss and fold the mixture until every bite is coated in spicy, creamy goodness. Smooth the top so it bakes up evenly.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Pop the loaded casserole into your hot oven and let it bake for 45 minutes. If a crispier top is your thing, go a few extra minutes—your GF casserole will be bubbly at the edges and just starting to brown on top.

Step 6: Finish with Garnishes

Let the casserole cool for a few minutes out of the oven so it sets up a bit. Drizzle on some extra buffalo sauce or ranch, and top with sliced green onions or more fresh jalapeños for that final dash of flavor and freshness.

How to Serve GF

Garnishes

When it comes to garnishing your GF casserole, think bright, fresh, and crunchy! A handful of sliced green onion scattered over the top looks gorgeous and adds a little zing. Extra jalapeño slices deliver an extra kick for spice-lovers. And a zigzag of ranch or a little more buffalo sauce not only looks restaurant-worthy, it keeps every bite rich and tangy.

Side Dishes

This casserole is filling on its own, but round it out with a crisp green salad tossed in lemony vinaigrette, some roasted sweet potato fries (so good with any buffalo flavor), or a big platter of celery and carrots on the side. All these options keep the whole meal GF, low-carb, and fresh.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to make this GF dish something special, try scooping portions into individual ramekins for a dinner party-worthy presentation. Or, wrap scoops in lettuce cups for hand-held mini-casseroles—perfect for game day. You could also serve it stuffed into hollowed-out bell peppers for even more color and a built-in edible bowl!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (lucky you!), simply let your GF casserole cool, then transfer to airtight containers. You can store these in the fridge for up to four days—making weekday lunches or snacks so easy and satisfying.

Freezing

This GF casserole freezes surprisingly well! Portion it into freezer-safe containers or wrap the whole (completely cooled) casserole tightly in foil and plastic. Label it and pop in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw in the fridge overnight.

Reheating

Reheat individual servings in the microwave, or pop larger amounts into a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in a 350 degree F oven until hot all the way through. Add a fresh drizzle of ranch or buffalo sauce to bring everything back to life!

FAQs

Can I use cooked rotisserie chicken for this GF casserole?

Absolutely! Using a rotisserie chicken cuts the prep time way down, and you still end up with the same tender, flavorful results. Just shred it up and follow the recipe as written.

Is the casserole very spicy?

It has a great medium heat from the buffalo sauce and jalapeños, but you’re in control! Use fewer jalapeños or a mild buffalo sauce for less heat, or add extra if you want it fiery. A dollop of ranch when serving can cool things down as well.

Can I substitute dairy ranch with a dairy-free version?

Definitely. If you’re keeping things strictly GF, Whole30, or paleo, there are some fantastic dairy-free ranch options available, or you can make your own. Either way, you’ll get all the creamy, herby flavor you want.

Do I have to use coconut cream?

Coconut cream gives the casserole its signature richness, but if you can’t do coconut or want a different taste, try unsweetened cashew cream or a thick, dairy-free yogurt. Just make sure it’s a full-fat style for best results.

Can I prep the casserole ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble everything up to the baking step and refrigerate, tightly covered, for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready, just bake as directed. It’s a GF dream for meal prep or entertaining.

Final Thoughts

If you love bold flavors and the comfort of a cozy casserole, this GF Jalapeño Buffalo Chicken Casserole is a must-try! It’s easy, endlessly customizable, and sure to light up your dinner table. Grab your ingredients, invite a friend, and get ready for a spicy, saucy, downright addictive meal you’ll crave again and again.

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