Buffalo Chicken & Rice Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp. neutral oil
- 1 medium yellow onion
finely chopped
- 2 medium carrots
finely chopped
- 1 stalk celery
finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic
minced
- 1 tsp. garlic powder 
- 1 tsp. onion powder
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 1 1/2 c. white long-grain rice
- 1 block cream cheese
softened, 8-oz.
- 3 c. low-sodium chicken broth
- 3 c. shredded cooked chicken 
about 1 lb.
- 3/4 c. store-bought Buffalo sauce
- 1 c. crushed Ritz crackers
- 1 c. shredded white cheddar 
about 4 oz.
- Sliced scallions
blue cheese crumbles, and sour cream, for serving
Directions
- 1
Preheat oven to 400°. In a medium skillet over medium heat, heat oil. Add onion, carrots, and celery and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, 7 to 8 minutes. Add garlic and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 1 minute more. Add garlic powder and onion powder; season with salt and pepper. Add rice and cook, stirring frequently, until slightly toasted, about 2 minutes.
- 2
Transfer rice mixture to a 13"-by-9" baking dish. Add cream cheese and stir until combined. Add broth, chicken, and Buffalo sauce and stir again to combine; season with salt and pepper.
- 3
Cover dish with foil and bake casserole until rice is tender, 40 to 45 minutes.
- 4
Carefully remove foil. Stir casserole, then top with crackers and cheddar. Continue to bake, uncovered, until cheese is melty and crackers are darkened, about 10 minutes. Let cool slightly.
- 5
Top with scallions and blue cheese. Serve with sour cream alongside.
Buffalo Chicken & Rice Casserole
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About this Recipe
Looking for an easy weeknight dinner that brings a satisfying kick? This Buffalo Chicken & Rice Casserole delivers exactly that, combining familiar flavors into a comforting dish perfect for any family meal. With just a bit of extra spice, it's a delightful twist on classic comfort food.
What makes this Buffalo Chicken & Rice Casserole a standout is its clever blend of creamy richness and zesty flavor. The softened cream cheese ensures every bite is incredibly tender and moist, while store-bought Buffalo sauce offers that signature tang without extra fuss. It’s an approachable recipe that transforms simple ingredients into something truly special.
When you dive into this casserole, you can expect a harmonious blend of textures and tastes. Tender long-grain white rice soaks up all the savory goodness, mingling with succulent shredded cooked chicken and a creamy, spicy sauce. The crushed Ritz cracker topping provides a welcome golden, buttery crunch, beautifully complementing the creamy interior. With a hint of garlic and onion powder, the flavors are well-rounded and deeply satisfying, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Feel free to adjust this recipe to your liking. You can temper the spice level by using slightly less Buffalo sauce, or for an even richer casserole, consider adding a touch more cream cheese. For a different cheesy experience, swap the white cheddar for a sharp yellow cheddar or a Monterey Jack. If you prefer a milder topping, plain breadcrumbs can stand in for the Ritz crackers.
This hearty Buffalo Chicken & Rice Casserole is perfect for a cozy family dinner, especially when served with cooling elements like sliced scallions, a sprinkle of blue cheese crumbles, and a dollop of sour cream to finish.