Jalapeño Buffalo Chicken Casserole

Name: Jalapeño Buffalo Chicken Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works well); 1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into florets; 1 cup coconut cream or unsweetened canned coconut milk; ½ cup buffalo sauce (Whole30 compliant); 2 jalapeños, thinly sliced; ½ cup nutritional yeast (or shredded cheese if not dairy-free); ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon onion powder; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil; ¼ cup chopped green onions for garnish

Isabella

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Looking for a flavorful, spicy, and diet-friendly dinner recipe? This Jalapeño Buffalo Chicken Casserole combines creamy textures, bold buffalo sauce, and a spicy kick from jalapeños into a comforting dish perfect for various dietary preferences, including Whole30, Keto, Paleo, and gluten-free.

Ingredients:

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works well)

1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into florets

1 cup coconut cream or unsweetened canned coconut milk

½ cup buffalo sauce (Whole30 compliant)

2 jalapeños, thinly sliced

½ cup nutritional yeast (or shredded cheese if not dairy-free)

½ teaspoon garlic powder

Salt and pepper to taste

½ teaspoon onion powder

2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil

¼ cup chopped green onions for garnish

Directions:

Roast the Cauliflower:

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Spread cauliflower florets on a baking sheet, drizzle with oil, and season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until tender and lightly browned.

Make the Sauce:

Heat coconut cream and buffalo sauce in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until smooth.

Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if necessary.

Assemble the Casserole:

Combine shredded chicken, roasted cauliflower, buffalo sauce mixture, and sliced jalapeños in a large mixing bowl. Stir to coat evenly.

Transfer to a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish.

Add the Topping:

Sprinkle nutritional yeast or shredded cheese evenly over the casserole.

Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until bubbling and golden.

Garnish and Serve:

Let the casserole cool slightly, then garnish with chopped green onions.

Serve warm and enjoy the bold, spicy flavors.

Serving Tips:

Main Dish: Serve it as a standalone meal—it’s hearty, protein-packed, and satisfying.

Side Pairings: Pair with a fresh salad, steamed broccoli, or roasted asparagus for a well-rounded meal.

Low-Carb Add-Ons: Serve with cauliflower rice or zoodles for an extra layer of veggies.

Toppings: Add extra chopped green onions, diced avocado, or a drizzle of ranch or blue cheese dressing for added flavor.

Storage Tips:

Refrigeration:

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes.

Freezing:

Let the casserole cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil.

Freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating from Frozen:

Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through.

Related Recipes:

Loaded Cauliflower Broccoli Casserole

FAQs:

Can I use a different vegetable instead of cauliflower?

Absolutely! While cauliflower works great as a low-carb base, you can substitute it with broccoli, zucchini, or even sweet potatoes (for non-Keto diets). Adjust roasting times as needed for the chosen vegetable.

Is this casserole too spicy?

The heat level depends on the amount of jalapeños and buffalo sauce you use. For a milder version, reduce the jalapeños or use a mild buffalo sauce. You can also remove the jalapeño seeds to tone down the spice.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare the casserole up to the baking step, then refrigerate for up to 24 hours or freeze for longer storage. When ready to bake, follow the reheating instructions in the recipe for perfect results.

What can I use instead of nutritional yeast?

If you’re not following a dairy-free diet, shredded cheese like mozzarella, cheddar, or Monterey Jack makes a great substitute. For a vegan alternative, you can try vegan cheese shreds or skip it entirely.