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Creamy Buffalo Chicken & Rice Bake

Weeknight dinner fatigue is real, and nobody wants a mountain of dishes. This recipe solves the “what’s for dinner” dilemma by combining your protein, grains, and bold flavor into a single dish that feeds a crowd with minimal cleanup. This Buffalo Chicken Casserole is the ultimate “set it and almost forget it” comfort meal. Based on a dish created by the talented Kerregan Calhoun (follow her on Instagram), this recipe takes the classic flavors of game day wings and transforms them into a hearty, family-style bake. You can find the original video inspiration on Facebook.

Creamy Buffalo Chicken & Rice Bake

A one-pan-inspired wonder that brings the heat and the comfort.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time45 minutes
Course: Main Course
Servings: 8
Calories: 740kcal

Equipment

  • 1 sauté pan
  • 1 large casserole dish

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs Chicken breast or thighs chopped
  • 1 large Onion chopped
  • 2 cups White rice uncooked, rinsed
  • 2 cups Chicken broth
  • 1 cup Buffalo sauce e.g., Frank’s RedHot
  • 8 oz Cream cheese softened
  • 1 cup Ranch dressing
  • 2 cups Monterey Jack cheese shredded (divided)
  • 3 stalks Green onions sliced
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 0.5 tsp Black pepper
  • 1 tbsp Butter for greasing

Instructions

  • Prep the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter.
  • Sauté: In a large pan, sauté the chicken and onion over medium-high heat until the chicken is nearly cooked through.
  • Rinse Rice: Rinse the uncooked rice under cold water until the water runs clear to ensure a fluffy texture.
  • Whisk the Base: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the buffalo sauce, softened cream cheese, and ranch dressing until smooth.
  • Combine: Stir in the chicken broth, sautéed chicken/onions, rinsed rice, salt, pepper, and 1 cup of the shredded cheese.
  • Transfer: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
  • First Bake: Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake for 35 minutes.
  • Stir & Top: Remove the foil and stir the casserole to ensure even rice cooking. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheese over the top.
  • Final Bake: Return to the oven uncovered for 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
  • Rest & Garnish: Let it rest for 5 minutes (this is crucial for the rice to finish absorbing the liquid). Top with green onions and serve.

Notes

Estimated Macros (Per Serving)

Calculated for 8 generous servings.
Nutrient Amount
Calories 740 kcal
Protein 47g
Fat 38g
Carbohydrates 37g
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