Keto Buffalo Chicken Casserole Recipe

Spicy, creamy buffalo chicken layered with melted cheese creates a hearty keto casserole that delivers bold flavors without the carbs.
Difficulty:
Beginner
Prep Time:
15 mins
Cook Time:
25 mins
Serves:
6 servings
An overhead shot of the bubbling Keto Buffalo Chicken Casserole fresh from the oven, showcasing the golden-brown cheese crust with small pockets where bright orange buffalo sauce peeks through. The cross-section view reveals juicy shredded chicken pieces coated in creamy sauce with vibrant specs of green celery and herbs throughout. Soft natural light highlights the strings of melted cheese being pulled up with a serving spoon, creating an inviting, gooey stretch. The casserole is presented in a rustic ceramic baking dish set on a distressed wooden board, garnished with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of blue cheese crumbles, with a small bowl of extra buffalo sauce on the side.

Ingredients

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"><li class="ingredients-single-item">700g cooked chicken breast, shredded</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">120ml buffalo hot sauce (like Frank's RedHot)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">225g cream cheese, softened</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">120ml ranch dressing (sugar-free for strict keto)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 stalks celery, finely diced</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">3 green onions, thinly sliced</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 cloves garlic, minced</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp dried dill</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp onion powder</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">150g cheddar cheese, shredded</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">150g mozzarella cheese, shredded</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">100g blue cheese crumbles (optional)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">Salt and pepper to taste</li></ul>

Equipment

<ul class="equipment-main-list"><li class="equipment-single-item">23cm (9-inch) baking dish</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Electric mixer (optional)</li></ul>
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Directions

<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4>Preheat your oven to 190°C. Lightly grease a 23cm baking dish with oil or butter. It's important to have a dish with enough depth to accommodate all the delicious layers without overflow during baking.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4>In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. The cream cheese needs to be properly softened to blend smoothly with the other ingredients - if it's still cold, you'll end up with unwanted lumps in your casserole.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4>Add the buffalo sauce and ranch dressing to the cream cheese, mixing until completely combined into a smooth, orange-colored sauce. The acidity in the buffalo sauce helps break down the proteins in the cream cheese, creating a silky texture.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4>Stir in the diced celery, green onions, minced garlic, dried dill, and onion powder. These aromatics provide texture and depth of flavor, balancing the richness of the cheese and creaminess of the sauce.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4>Fold in the shredded chicken until it's completely coated with the buffalo mixture. Ensure the chicken is well-drained before adding to prevent excess moisture in your casserole, which could make it watery.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4>Transfer half of the chicken mixture to your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle half of both the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses over this layer. The combination of these cheeses creates the perfect balance of flavor and that desirable cheese-pull effect.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4>Add the remaining chicken mixture as a second layer, then top with the rest of the cheddar and mozzarella. If using, sprinkle the blue cheese crumbles on top. The blue cheese adds an authentic buffalo wing flavor profile and gets wonderfully tangy when baked.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 8</h4>Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is completely melted, bubbly, and starting to brown at the edges. The browning is a result of Maillard reaction, which creates complex flavors and that irresistible golden appearance.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 9</h4>Allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This resting time allows the proteins in the cheese to relax and the juices to redistribute, making it easier to serve neat portions.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 10</h4>Serve warm, garnished with additional sliced green onions if desired. For strict keto followers, this pairs wonderfully with a side of simple green salad or steamed broccoli.</li></ol>

Chef’s Notes

A few helpful details for making this recipe.

Can I make this buffalo chicken casserole in advance for meal prep?

Absolutely! This casserole is perfect for meal prep. You can assemble it completely, cover and refrigerate for up to 2 days before baking. Alternatively, bake it, portion into containers, and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for quick keto-friendly meals.

What can I serve with low-carb buffalo chicken casserole to keep it keto-friendly?

Pair this spicy casserole with keto-friendly sides like cauliflower rice, steamed broccoli, zucchini noodles, or a simple green salad with olive oil dressing. For added fat content, serve with avocado slices or additional blue cheese dressing on the side.

How can I adjust the spice level of this buffalo casserole without affecting the keto macros?

To reduce spiciness, use less buffalo sauce and increase the amount of ranch dressing. For more heat, add cayenne pepper or hot sauce. Both adjustments maintain low-carb macros. You can also incorporate diced jalapeños or use a spicier buffalo sauce variety.

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