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Buffalo Chicken Cauliflower Casserole - A Cozy, Spicy Weeknight Favorite

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

Ingredients
  

  • 1 large head of cauliflower (about 6 cups florets), cut into bite-size pieces
  • 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie chicken works great)
  • 1/2 cup buffalo sauce (adjust to taste; use your favorite brand)
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella (optional for extra melt)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 2–3 green onions, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or cilantro (optional)
  • Blue cheese crumbles or ranch dressing, for topping (optional)

Method
 

  1. Prep the oven and pan: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish or similar casserole pan.
  2. Par-cook the cauliflower: Steam or microwave the cauliflower florets until just tender-crisp, about 5–7 minutes. Drain well and pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
  3. Make the buffalo mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together buffalo sauce, cream cheese, Greek yogurt, melted butter, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until smooth.
  4. Add chicken and cheese: Fold the shredded chicken into the buffalo mixture. Stir in half of the cheddar and all of the mozzarella.
  5. Combine with cauliflower: Add the drained, dried cauliflower to the bowl and gently toss to coat everything evenly.
  6. Assemble the casserole: Transfer the mixture to the baking dish, spreading it into an even layer. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar over the top.
  7. Bake: Bake for 18–22 minutes, until the casserole is hot and bubbling around the edges.
  8. Broil for color (optional): Set the oven to broil for 2–3 minutes to brown the top lightly. Watch closely to prevent burning.
  9. Finish and serve: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes. Top with sliced green onions, parsley, and blue cheese crumbles or a light drizzle of ranch, if you like. Serve warm.