Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Rice Bake

This cheesy buffalo chicken rice casserole is the ultimate comfort food that combines spicy buffalo flavors with the soothing texture of melted cheese and tender chicken. It’s a perfect choice for busy weeknights when you want something hearty without spending hours in the kitchen.

I first made this after picking up buffalo sauce on a whim and it quickly became a regular on my menu rotation because it hits every flavor note and is easy to throw together after a long day.

Ingredients

• Success Boil-in-Bag Basmati Rice or cooked basmati rice: for fluffy, separate grains that soak up the sauce well
• Shredded chicken: for protein leftover rotisserie chicken works beautifully here
• Cottage cheese: blends smoothly with buffalo sauce to create a creamy, tangy base choose fresh cottage cheese with minimal liquid
• Buffalo sauce: brings the signature spicy zing so pick your favorite brand or heat level to control the spice
• Shredded cheddar cheese: adds a sharp, melty topping that binds the dish nicely freshly shredded cheese melts better than pre-shredded
• Diced onion: for a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor use yellow onions for their mellow taste
• Minced garlic: for aromatic warmth fresh garlic gives the best punch
• Salt and black pepper: to season and enhance flavors
• Olive oil or olive oil spray: to sauté the aromatics and prevent sticking

Instructions

Build The Base:

Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit so it’s ready when the casserole goes in. Prepare the basmati rice according to the package instructions or cook about 1 heaping cup of rice until tender and fluffy. Set the rice aside to cool slightly.

Create The Creamy Buffalo Mixture:

Place the cottage cheese and buffalo sauce in a blender or food processor and blend until completely smooth. This step ensures an even spread of spicy creaminess throughout the casserole.

Sauté Aromatics:

Heat a splash of olive oil or use olive oil spray in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook for several minutes until the onion is soft and translucent and the garlic releases its fragrance. This step builds the flavor foundation of the dish.

Combine Ingredients:

Lower the heat to low. Add the shredded chicken, cooked rice, and the blended cottage cheese mixture to the skillet. Stir everything together thoroughly so each bite has a balanced flavor. Season generously with salt and black pepper to taste.

Assemble The Casserole:

Press the combined mixture evenly in the skillet. If your skillet is oven-safe you can use it directly otherwise transfer the mixture to a greased casserole dish. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.

Bake Until Melty:

Place the skillet or casserole dish in your preheated oven. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until the cheese on top has melted completely and starts to bubble lightly.

Serve And Garnish:

Once baked, scoop portions onto plates. For extra flavor and presentation, drizzle with blue cheese or ranch dressing and scatter sliced green onions on top.

Buffalo sauce is the star here for me. It’s a sauce that never fails to bring comfort with a little kick. I remember the first time I served this casserole at a friend’s potluck and it was the first dish that disappeared from the table. The mix of spicy, creamy, and cheesy just wins everyone over.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven to preserve the creamy texture without drying out the rice or chicken.

Ingredient Swaps

If you want to change things up swap basmati rice for brown rice or quinoa. Use shredded turkey instead of chicken or swap cottage cheese for cream cheese for an even richer mixture. Cheddar can be replaced by mozzarella or pepper jack to adjust the cheesiness and melt.

Serving Ideas

Serve this casserole with a simple green salad dressed with a lemon vinaigrette to add brightness and cut through the richness. Garlic bread or roasted veggies like broccoli or carrots complement the comforting flavors well.

This casserole is a perfect blend of spicy and creamy that comes together quickly & satisfies everyone at the table.

Frequently Asked Recipe Questions

→ Can I use different types of cheese?

Yes, Monterey Jack or mozzarella work well as substitutes for cheddar, offering a milder creaminess without overpowering the flavors.

→ What rice is best for this dish?

Basmati rice is ideal due to its fluffy texture and fragrance, but long-grain white rice can be used if preferred.

→ How can I make this spicier?

Use a hotter buffalo sauce variety or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mix for an extra kick.

→ Can I prepare this ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the mixture in advance and refrigerate. Bake just before serving to ensure the cheese melts perfectly.

→ What additions work well in this dish?

Chopped bell peppers or celery add crunch and extra flavor, brightening the overall taste profile.