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Home By Diet

Buffalo Chicken Casserole With Cauliflower

36 Reviews Recipe Print
gf nf
By: Erin8/17/21

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

This buffalo chicken casserole is as spicy as you make it! This buffalo chicken recipe is cheesy, spicy, and packed full of protein and veggies- what’s not to love? It’s a really easy low-carb dinner you can make a week ahead of time. Keep reading for the entire recipe (and some of my time-saving tips)!

Healthy Chicken Casserole With A Spicy Kick

This healthy buffalo chicken casserole is one of my all-time favorite casserole recipes!

I love to take a classic recipe like a chicken casserole and turning it into a healthier version (just like I do with all of my recipes in my ebook!) while still enjoying all those same flavors.

I recently did something similar with a buffalo chicken recipe but used sweet potatoes and broccoli as the base instead. This time, I am using some riced cauliflower as the base of this casserole- It’s perfect for spicing up my meal prep!

If one thing is for sure, eating healthier is way easier when I prep it ahead of time.

This casserole dish saves so well in meal prep containers. In fact, the spices and buffalo sauce might even taste better a few days later!

Being able to just grab my lunch and warm it up without having to think about what I am going to cook is amazing. Effortless healthy eating really is the best thing ever.

Not only is this buffalo chicken casserole super simple, but it’s versatile too. Just by changing the sauce, it will taste like an entirely different meal. I’m pumped to share this healthy and low-carb recipe with you today!

Ingredients In This Buffalo Chicken Casserole

I only used whole, healthy ingredients in this zesty casserole. When you use fresh ingredients, you really do taste the difference. The flavors will jump off your plate!

Here is what I used to make my casserole:

  • Chicken: As long as it is shredded, you can use any chicken that you like. I like to use boneless, skinless chicken breasts. You’ll need about 2 pounds to make this casserole.
  • Cauliflower Rice: Whether you make it fresh or use frozen, you’ll need about 6 cups of it. If you use frozen cauliflower rice, don’t thaw it first.
  • Celery: Unless you are a huge fan of celery, chop it up really small. It should blend in with the cauliflower rice. I used 4 stalks, but you can use more or less depending on how much you love celery.
  • Carrots: Really chop the carrots up small too! I only used two long carrots, but if you really love carrots, you can use more.
  • Onion: I used a small white onion and diced it up really small. Red or yellow onions will work too. Or, you can save even more time and use some frozen, diced onion.
  • Garlic: A few cloves of fresh garlic will add some serious flavor to the casserole. If you don’t want to mince garlic fresh, use a few tablespoons of jarred minced garlic.
  • Hot Sauce: Use your favorite brand – mine is Frank’s. I used about 1/2 a cup, but you can use more if you can take the heat.
  • Yogurt: For the best results, I suggest using plain, nonfat Greek yogurt. It is thick and creamy and really makes the dish so tasty. Use 1 cup.
  • Ranch Seasoning: I used one packet of my favorite ranch seasoning mix.
  • Pepper: You only need enough to give it some extra spice, so about 1/2 teaspoon.
  • Cheddar Cheese: I always suggest people shred cheese at home, but you can use bagged shredded cheddar cheese in a pinch. Use 1/3 of a cup or up to 1/2 cup if you want it really cheese.
  • Ranch Dressing: This is optional, but at the very end, drizzle some bottled ranch dressing on top. My favorite kind is Bolthouse Farms yogurt ranch dressing.

Kitchen Tools Required For This Casserole

If you do all your ingredient prep ahead of time (pre-shredding your chicken and chopping your veggies), you only need a few kitchen tools. These are must-haves, and I use them for almost all of my dinner recipes!

  • Large Mixing Bowl
  • 9×13 Baking Dish

For measuring, you will need 1 cup, 1/2 cup, 1/3 cup, 1/2 teaspoon, and 2 tablespoons.

How To Make Low-Carb Buffalo Chicken Casserole

This healthy meal could not be easier to make, especially if you have all the ingredients prepped and ready.

Before you get started, preheat your oven to 350F. This way, it will be ready when you are finished putting it all together.

Then, grab a big mixing bowl. Mix your shredded chicken, cauliflower rice, celery, carrots, onion, and garlic together. Stir it really well, so it is all combined.

Next, add the Greek yogurt, ranch packet, and pepper. Keep stirring until it is really well mixed.

Finally, pour it all into your casserole dish. Then, sprinkle the cheddar cheese on top. Bake it for about 40 minutes.

When it’s done cooking, let it rest for about 10 minutes, then drizzle with the ranch dressing. (Trust me, you don’t want to add ranch dressing on top when it is still hot and steaming).

Recipe Tips

Below are some common chicken casserole questions. Don’t see the answer you’re looking for? Leave a comment at the bottom of this post!

What is the best way to reheat the leftovers?

If you are using this for your meal prep, just heat it up in the microwave or in a skillet on the stove. Add more cheese if you like cheesy recipes.

How long will leftover chicken casserole last in the refrigerator?

This recipe will stay fresh for up to a week. It’s one of my favorite make-ahead recipes!

Can I use brown rice instead of cauliflower rice?

Yes, you can use brown rice instead of cauliflower. Just pre-cook the rice and then add it to the casserole just like you would the cauliflower rice.

Substitution Tip

Wondering if you can use different vegetables in this casserole? There are a few ways that you can change this recipe – check it out!

Any type of frozen riced vegetables will taste fantastic in this recipe. Try it with riced cauliflower and broccoli mixed. It adds color and new levels of taste.

If you aren’t a fan of celery, chop up some fennel bulbs or even leeks instead. It will give it the same texture.

Instead of hot sauce, use your favorite BBQ sauce! This is my biggest tip to make this casserole kid-friendly. Kiddos love BBQ chicken casserole (and it’s milder for them).

Looking for a homemade buffalo sauce? Use my vegan recipe!

This is a tasty gluten-free recipe that you can easily change to make it perfect for you or your family.

Storing leftovers

This is also a wonderful freezer meal. To freeze it, just bake it in a freezer-safe container.

Tip: I suggest using an aluminum pan that comes with a lid.

After it is completely cooled off, seal it with the lid and write the recipe name and date on top.

It will stay fresh in your freezer for about 3 months. When you are ready to eat it, just let it thaw overnight in your refrigerator and then heat it back up in the oven at 350F for about 20 minutes.

If you liked this recipe, you’ll want to try these!

Here are some more of my favorite casserole dishes. Enjoy!

  • Lemon Chicken Spaghetti Squash Casserole
  • Easy Pizza Casserole
  • Sweet Potato Egg Breakfast Casserole
  • Mexican Quinoa Casserole
buffalo chicken casserole in a glass dish
5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.9 from 36 reviews

Healthy Buffalo Chicken Cauliflower Casserole

This buffalo chicken casserole is as spicy as you make it! This buffalo chicken recipe is cheesy, spicy, and packed full of protein and veggies- what’s not to love? It’s a really easy low-carb dinner you can make a week ahead of time. Keep reading for the entire recipe (and some of my time-saving tips)!

Prep: 10 Cook: 40 Total: 50 minutes
Yield 8 servings 1x
Scale
Print Pin it Rate

Ingredients

  • 2lbs shredded cooked chicken (about 4–5 cups)
  • 6 cups frozen cauliflower rice (can use fresh, do not thaw if using frozen)
  • 4 stalks celery, chopped small
  • 2 long carrots, chopped small
  • 1 small white onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup hot sauce (I used Franks)
  • 1 cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt
  • 1 1oz packet ranch seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp pepper
  • 1/3 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • optional: 2 tbsp ranch dressing drizzle (I used Bolthouse Farms yogurt ranch)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350F.
  2. Add shredded chicken, cauliflower rice, celery, carrots, onion and garlic to a large bowl. Stir to combine.
  3. Add hot sauce, Greek yogurt, ranch packet, and pepper. Stir until everything is combined well.
  4. Pour into 9×13 baking dish. Top with cheddar cheese.
  5. Bake for 35-40 minutes. Let rest for 10 minutes, drizzle with ranch. Serve!
Author: Erin Category: dinner, lunch, meal-prep, gluten-free Method: oven Cuisine: American Diet: Gluten Free
buffalo chicken casserole in a glass dish

Did you make this?

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There may be affiliate links in this post! By purchasing a product I recommend, I may receive a small compensation. However, I only recommend products I absolutely love and use myself. Thank you for supporting Erin Lives Whole, it helps keep this blog afloat 🙂

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Have a question? Use the form below to submit your question or comment. I love seeing what you made!

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

  1. Dana says

    Posted on 4/8 at 6:55 pm

    Incredible! I got my veggie hating boyfriend to eat and admit that it was really good!

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 4/9 at 1:18 pm

      Hi Dana, so happy it was a hit! 🙂

      Reply
  2. Lauren says

    Posted on 9/30 at 1:52 pm

    Made t his last night for my husband and I. I made it with hen of the woods (a mushroom that grows in my area this time of the year) to make it vegetarian. It was very good, but I would mix the cheese into the dish, just layering it on top it got lost? I agree with other people that I would sauté the onions and garlic to give them more flavor release. Maybe even add a red bell pepper, that shounded like a good idea. I also used fresh cauliflower and just blanched it for 4 minutes then chopped it. Loved the ranch dressing on top. Very easy and yummy, not to mention healthy!

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 10/2 at 8:04 pm

      Hi Lauren, so glad you loved it and made it your own!

      Reply
  3. Marie says

    Posted on 8/31 at 2:08 pm

    Can I use uncooked chicken? I usually meal prep on Sunday and plan to cook this later in the week.

    Reply
  4. Anna says

    Posted on 5/23 at 6:37 pm

    Can you use blended cottage cheese instead of low fat Greek yogurt?

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 5/27 at 3:04 pm

      Hi Anna, yep, that should work. Let me know how yours comes out! 🙂

      Reply
  5. Debbie says

    Posted on 4/8 at 2:23 pm

    This recipe is Amazing!!!! I riced my own Cauliflower and used baked chicken I made. Yum!! I look forward to trying your Mexican Quinoa Casserole next! Thank you!!!!!

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 4/13 at 8:55 pm

      Hi Debbie, so happy you loved it and great idea! 🙂

      Reply
  6. Lisa says

    Posted on 4/3 at 12:28 pm

    We loved this! I replaced some of the cauliflower rice with some sliced brussel sprouts. Also, because I didn’t have a packet of ranch flavor seasonings, I added one heaping teaspoon of dried dill, a heaping teaspoon of dried parsley, a teaspoon of dried garlic, and 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder. I didn’t have chives, but that would have added to the ranch flavor. Great recipe!

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 4/4 at 1:05 pm

      Hi Lisa, so happy you loved it and made it your own! Great ideas! 🙂

      Reply
  7. Jennifer says

    Posted on 3/4 at 12:24 pm

    This was delicious. We used grilled chicken and just chopped it up small! Will definitely be in rotation!

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 3/12 at 9:06 pm

      Hi Jennifer, so happy you loved it! 🙂

      Reply
  8. christina says

    Posted on 1/23 at 3:28 pm

    I’ve made this a few times and it’s great! Can’t get much better than a quick mix and dump and go, ending with a healthy dinner! It’s light yet still filling. Also loving the idea of a fellow commenter thinking about it for a dip… stealing that idea!

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 1/24 at 7:33 pm

      Hi Christina, so glad you love it so much!!

      Reply
  9. Monica says

    Posted on 3/5 at 10:18 pm

    Hello! How do you adjust to use BBQ sauce? What ingredients do you omit?

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 3/13 at 6:55 pm

      Hi Monica, just swap buffalo for bbq! No other changes. Let me know how it comes out for you!!

      Reply
  10. Nadine Slis says

    Posted on 1/24 at 6:16 pm

    Made this last night. The flavor was great but using frozen cauliflower rice left so much liquid in the bottom of the pan. Next time I’ll try fresh cauliflower to see if that helps. The cooking time seemed to be off for all of the fresh carrots and celery. Next time I will precook the onions, celery and carrots. Will make again with the above changes. Thanks for a great recipe!

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 1/26 at 10:05 am

      Hi Nadine, so happy you loved it and made it your own!!

      Reply
  11. Christine says

    Posted on 10/3 at 6:51 pm

    The flavor was great and so healthy too!

    If you add any extra veggies at all, I strongly recommend sauteing the veggies first and reducing the cooking time by 20 minutes. I added a red bell pepper that wasn’t part of the recipe and it was absolutely delicious, but it did make the dish watery.

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 10/5 at 2:04 pm

      Hi Christine, so happy you loved it and made it your own! Great idea!

      Reply
  12. Maura M says

    Posted on 8/8 at 1:26 pm

    Hi! Could you use quinoa instead of Cauliflower rice? How much would you use instead?

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 8/8 at 9:59 pm

      Hi Maura, absolutely – just do the same amount of cooked quinoa! Let me know how it comes out! 🙂

      Reply
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I’m Erin. Creator of Erin Lives Whole, a food blog with delicious and easy healthy recipes that will leave you feeling good. We’ve got everything from wholesome baked goods to comforting savory dishes. I can’t wait to see what you whip up! Read More...

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Buffalo Chicken Casserole with Cauliflower
Buffalo Chicken Casserole with Cauliflower