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High Protein Buffalo Chicken Casserole - Spicy, Satisfying, and Meal-Prep Friendly

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • Cooked chicken breast (about 4 cups, shredded or diced)
  • Buffalo hot sauce (3/4 to 1 cup, to taste)
  • Plain Greek yogurt (1 cup, 2% or nonfat)
  • Low-fat cottage cheese (1 cup, blended smooth if you prefer)
  • Reduced-fat cream cheese (4 oz, softened)
  • Ranch seasoning (1 packet or 2 tablespoons)
  • Shredded mozzarella (1 cup)
  • Shredded sharp cheddar (1 cup)
  • Cauliflower rice (4 cups, fresh or frozen, thawed and squeezed dry) or cooked brown rice (3 cups) for a higher-carb option
  • Green onions (4, sliced)
  • Celery (1 cup, finely chopped)
  • Garlic (3 cloves, minced)
  • Olive oil (1 tablespoon)
  • Black pepper (to taste)
  • Optional toppings: Blue cheese crumbles, extra green onions, chopped parsley, a drizzle of ranch or more hot sauce

Method
 

  1. Prep the oven and pan: Heat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
  2. Cook the aromatics: Warm olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add celery and garlic, and cook 3–4 minutes until fragrant and slightly softened.
  3. Make the buffalo sauce base: In a large bowl, whisk cream cheese, Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, ranch seasoning, and 3/4 cup buffalo hot sauce until smooth. If you like it extra spicy, add more hot sauce to taste.
  4. Stir in the mix-ins: Fold in the cooked chicken, sautéed celery/garlic, half the green onions, and cauliflower rice (or cooked rice). Season with black pepper.
  5. Add the cheese: Mix in half the mozzarella and half the cheddar. The rest goes on top.
  6. Assemble: Spread the mixture evenly in the baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and cheddar over the top.
  7. Bake: Bake for 20–25 minutes, until the casserole is hot and the cheese is melted and bubbling around the edges.
  8. Finish and serve: Let it rest 5–10 minutes to set. Top with remaining green onions and optional blue cheese crumbles. Drizzle with a little extra hot sauce or ranch if you like.