Easy Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Rice Bake

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Get ready for spicy, creamy comfort! This Buffalo Chicken & Rice Casserole is perfect for weeknights & family gatherings. Delicious buffalo chicken rice bake!

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Prep Time 25

Cook Time 30

Total Time 55

Servings: 1

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Calories: 400

Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

For the Casserole

2 tablespoons Neutral Oil Substitute with olive oil if desired.
1 medium Yellow Onion, finely chopped Try red onion if you're in a pinch.
2 medium Carrots, finely chopped Can be switched with bell peppers for a new flavor twist.
2 stalks Celery, finely chopped Use extra carrots if needed.
3 cloves Garlic, minced Swap for garlic powder (1/8 tsp per clove).
1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder Eliminate if using fresh garlic.
1/2 teaspoon Onion Powder Can be omitted if unavailable.
1 teaspoon Kosher Salt Sea salt is a suitable substitute.
1/2 teaspoon Freshly Ground Black Pepper Consider white pepper for a milder option.
1 cup White Long-Grain Rice Substitute with brown rice or quinoa, adjust cook time.
8 ounces Cream Cheese, softened Could use sour cream for a tangy alternative.
3 cups Low-Sodium Chicken Broth Vegetable broth serves as a lighter option.
1 pound Shredded Cooked Chicken Opt for rotisserie chicken for convenience.
3/4 to 1 cup Store-bought Buffalo Sauce Adjust according to your heat preference.
1 cup Crushed Ritz Crackers Panko breadcrumbs work for gluten-free.
4 ounces Shredded White Cheddar Feel free to swap for mozzarella or Monterey Jack.

For Serving

2 tablespoons Sliced Scallions Elevate presentation and add fresh flavor.
1/2 cup Blue Cheese Crumbles Add for a classic Buffalo wing flavor.
Sour Cream Optional but highly recommended!

Method

Cooking Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Sauté onions, carrots, and celery in a large frying pan with neutral oil over medium heat for about 5 minutes, or until softened.
Stir in minced garlic, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Add the white long-grain rice and mix well. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
Mix in softened cream cheese until melted and well combined. Add shredded cooked chicken and Buffalo sauce, then blend them together.
Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. Top with crushed Ritz crackers and shredded white cheddar. Bake for 30 minutes, or until bubbling and the topping is golden brown.
Optionally, serve with sliced scallions and a dollop of sour cream.

Nutrition

Calories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 30gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 800mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2g

Notes

Adjust spice levels and experiment with add-ins to suit your preferences.