Name: Buffalo Chicken Cheese Bake Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked shredded chicken; 4 ounces cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce; 1/2 cup ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing; 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese; Chopped green onions (optional)

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If you’re looking to spice up your dinner routine or surprise your friends at the next potluck, Buffalo Chicken Cheese Bake is about to become your new crave-worthy go-to. This warm, zesty casserole brings together everything you love about buffalo wings—tender chicken, tangy sauce, creamy cheese—in a bubbling, melty dish that’s as comforting as it is flavorful. Perfect for those busy weeknights, game day gatherings, or whenever the cheese cravings strike, this Buffalo Chicken Cheese Bake is impossibly easy to pull together and never fails to disappear in a flash!

Buffalo Chicken Cheese Bake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe keeps things simple with a handful of power-packed ingredients that each deserve their spot in the spotlight. Every piece adds big flavor, gooey texture, or a tangy kick, creating a bake that’s bold and balanced with every bite.

Shredded chicken: Go for rotisserie or leftover chicken for convenience; it soaks up all that spicy sauce and stays juicy.
Cream cheese: Softened cream cheese ensures a smooth, luscious base that holds everything together and gives the bake its crave-able richness.
Buffalo wing sauce: The star of the show! Pick your favorite brand or homemade version, and don’t be shy—this brings the signature heat and tang.
Ranch or blue cheese dressing: Adds cool creaminess and rounds out the spice; use whichever you love best for your personal twist.
Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully for those irresistible cheesy pulls in every serving.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Brings richness, bold color, and a sharp bite to balance that tangy buffalo flavor.
Garlic powder: Just a touch for subtle, savory depth without overpowering the bold buffalo kick.
Black pepper: Enhances all the flavors with a little extra warmth and zing.
Chopped green onions (optional): Fresh garnish that adds color and a mild onion crunch to every bite.

How to Make Buffalo Chicken Cheese Bake

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Getting your oven nice and hot from the get-go ensures a bubbly, golden cheese topping and perfectly heated filling without any waiting around.

Step 2: Mix the Creamy Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine your softened cream cheese, buffalo wing sauce, and ranch dressing. Use a sturdy spoon or whisk to blend everything together until you have a totally smooth, beautifully orange mixture—this is the foundation for all that cheesy, spicy magic!

Step 3: Season and Add Chicken

Next, sprinkle in the garlic powder and black pepper. Give it a good stir, then fold in your shredded chicken. Make sure every strand of chicken is thoroughly coated in the creamy buffalo mixture for flavor in every bite of your Buffalo Chicken Cheese Bake.

Step 4: Assemble in the Baking Dish

Lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish for easy serving and cleanup. Spread the chicken mixture evenly into the dish, smoothing out the top so it bakes up perfectly and looks mouthwateringly inviting.

Step 5: Add the Cheesy Topping

Time for the best part! Sprinkle your shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheeses over the top in an even layer. These cheeses melt together into a golden, bubbling crust that locks in all the spicy goodness below.

Step 6: Bake Until Hot and Bubbly

Slide your baking dish onto the middle oven rack and bake for 20–25 minutes. You’re looking for melted cheese that’s starting to brown at the edges and the whole mixture bubbling happily. Let it cool for just a few minutes before serving so it can set slightly (and so you don’t burn your tongue on that molten cheese!).

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

If you’re feeling extra fancy, sprinkle sliced green onions all over the top right before serving. They add fresh flavor, lovely color, and just a hint of crunch to the Buffalo Chicken Cheese Bake.

How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Cheese Bake

Garnishes

Don’t underestimate the power of a good garnish! A sprinkle of chopped green onions or even some fresh cilantro right before serving can make your Buffalo Chicken Cheese Bake look downright irresistible. If you’re serving guests, a swirl of extra ranch or a light drizzle of buffalo sauce can bring your dish into restaurant territory.

Side Dishes

Pair this hot and cheesy bake with something cool and crunchy for contrast. Classic celery sticks, carrot sticks, or cucumber slices are perfect for scooping up every last bite. Toasted baguette slices or crispy tortilla chips also make hearty, satisfying vehicles for all that melty goodness.

Creative Ways to Present

Buffalo Chicken Cheese Bake is a culinary chameleon! Serve it heaped over baked potatoes or fluffy rice for a cozy main dish, pile it into sandwich buns for ultra-satisfying sliders, or spoon it into mini bell peppers before baking for a colorful, bite-sized party appetizer. No matter how you serve it, the flavors sing.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers are a blessing here—just cover the cooled Buffalo Chicken Cheese Bake tightly with foil or transfer portions to an airtight container. It will keep fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days, making for a quick meal or snack anytime you crave a flavor-packed bite.

Freezing

To freeze, assemble the dish right up to the baking step but don’t bake it yet. Wrap the dish well with both plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as usual. For leftovers, place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers before stashing away—just note that cream cheese can slightly change texture once frozen and reheated.

Reheating

When it’s time to reheat, cover your portion with foil and warm it in a 350°F oven until hot and bubbling. This helps maintain the creamy texture and prevents the cheese from drying out. For a quick lunch fix, you can also reheat individual servings in the microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.

FAQs

Can I make Buffalo Chicken Cheese Bake ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble everything up to the cheese topping, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready, just pop it in the oven and bake as instructed—no need to add extra time unless it’s especially cold straight from the fridge.

Is there a way to make it extra spicy?

If you love more fiery heat, try adding a dash of cayenne pepper or a little extra buffalo wing sauce to the mix. You could even stir in finely diced pickled jalapeños for a bold twist that’ll wake up your taste buds!

Can I use a different type Main Course, Appetizer

Definitely! While mozzarella and cheddar are classic choices for that stretchy, melty top, feel free to mix in Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or even a bit of smoked gouda for an adventurous spin that complements the buffalo flavor beautifully.

Is this dish gluten-free?

It can be! The Buffalo Chicken Cheese Bake itself doesn’t contain any gluten, though you’ll want to double-check that your buffalo sauce and ranch or blue cheese dressings are certified gluten-free if you’re serving someone with celiac or a gluten intolerance.

What’s the best way to shred the chicken?

Rotisserie chicken makes things a cinch—just pull apart the meat with two forks for quick shredding. If you’re cooking fresh chicken breasts, poach them gently, let cool, then shred by hand or with a stand mixer for perfectly tender strands.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to bring the party to your dinner table, give this Buffalo Chicken Cheese Bake a try. It’s bold, it’s cheesy, and it’s guaranteed to draw a crowd—whether you’re sharing at home, bringing to a friend’s house, or just spoiling yourself with the ultimate comfort food. Let this dish win over your heart and taste buds!

Buffalo Chicken Cheese Bake Recipe

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4.6 from 16 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Buffalo Chicken Cheese Bake is a creamy and spicy dish perfect for parties or a cozy night in. This cheesy chicken casserole is easy to make and incredibly delicious.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Buffalo Chicken Mixture:

2 cups cooked shredded chicken
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce
1/2 cup ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For Topping:

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

For Garnish:

Chopped green onions (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Mix the Buffalo Chicken Mixture: In a large bowl, combine cream cheese, buffalo sauce, and ranch dressing until smooth. Add garlic powder and black pepper. Mix in shredded chicken until coated.
Bake: Spread the mixture in a greased 8×8-inch baking dish. Top with mozzarella and cheddar cheese. Bake for 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Garnish and Serve: Let cool slightly, then garnish with green onions if desired. Serve warm.