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Skinny Buffalo Chicken Casserole - Lighter Comfort With Big Flavor

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

Ingredients
  

  • Cooked chicken: 3 cups shredded or diced (breast or thigh; rotisserie works great)
  • Cauliflower rice: 4 cups (fresh or frozen, thawed and well-drained)
  • Carrots: 1 cup finely diced
  • Celery: 1 cup finely diced
  • Green onions: 1/2 cup sliced, plus extra for topping
  • Plain Greek yogurt: 1 cup (2% works well for creaminess)
  • Light cream cheese: 4 ounces, softened
  • Buffalo hot sauce: 1/2 to 3/4 cup (Frank’s-style)
  • Ranch seasoning: 1 tablespoon (packet or homemade)
  • Garlic powder: 1 teaspoon
  • Onion powder: 1 teaspoon
  • Shredded part-skim mozzarella: 1 cup
  • Crumbled blue cheese: 1/4 cup (optional but traditional)
  • Olive oil or avocado oil: 1 tablespoon
  • Salt and pepper: To taste
  • Chopped fresh parsley: For garnish (optional)
  • Cooking spray: For the baking dish

Method
 

  1. Prep your oven and pan: Heat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray a 9x13-inch baking dish.
  2. Sauté the veggies: In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the oil. Add carrots and celery with a pinch of salt. Cook 5–7 minutes until slightly tender. Stir in the cauliflower rice and cook 3–4 minutes more to drive off moisture. Transfer to a large bowl to cool slightly.
  3. Whisk the creamy base: In another bowl, whisk Greek yogurt, light cream cheese, buffalo sauce, ranch seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder until smooth. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, and heat.
  4. Combine the filling: Add chicken and green onions to the veggie bowl. Pour in the buffalo-yogurt sauce and fold until everything is coated. Stir in half the mozzarella.
  5. Assemble: Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella on top. Add blue cheese crumbles if using.
  6. Bake: Bake 20–25 minutes, until hot and bubbling around the edges and the top is lightly golden.
  7. Rest and garnish: Let it rest 5–10 minutes to set. Top with extra green onions and parsley. Add an extra drizzle of buffalo sauce if you like it fiery.
  8. Serve: Enjoy as-is, or scoop over greens, roasted veggies, or a small portion of brown rice or quinoa.