Jalapeño Buffalo Chicken Casserole

Let’s talk about this Jalapeño Buffalo Chicken Casserole – a vibrant, spicy, and downright comforting recipe that somehow ticks off all the boxes: it’s Whole30, keto-friendly, paleo, and most importantly, absolutely GF! This casserole is for anyone who loves a saucy buffalo chicken moment, but wants the weeknight ease of making (and eating) a one-dish wonder that’s just as exciting on day three as it is fresh out of the oven.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The best part about this dish is how simple but thoughtfully chosen each ingredient is. Every element, from the cauliflower rice to the splash of coconut cream, adds flavor, texture, or that signature kick that makes this GF casserole so unforgettable.

• Chicken breast, cooked and shredded: This protein powerhouse soaks up all that spicy, tangy buffalo sauce and gives the casserole its satisfying bite.
• Frozen cauliflower rice: The neutral, grain-free base that keeps things light but hearty, while soaking in all the flavors.
• Jalapeños, finely diced: Fresh heat and crunch, plus extra for those who love a fiery bite on top.
• White or yellow onion, diced: For essential aromatic sweetness and depth.
• Red pepper, diced: Brings color and a gentle, sweet backdrop that balances the heat.
• Shredded or finely diced carrots: Adds a subtle sweetness and a pretty pop of color.
• Canned coconut cream: Only the thick, dreamy part from the top of the can – it gives a luscious, creamy texture with a subtle flavor that never overpowers!
• Buffalo sauce: All the tang and spice that makes this dish truly craveable.
• Ranch: Cools things down with classic herby flavor – choose any GF version you like.
• Minced garlic: Just enough for those deep savory notes in every bite.
• Salt: Essential for lifting up all the flavors.
• Black pepper: For a gentle, finishing warmth.
• Optional garnishes (green onion, extra jalapeños): These add a fresh, crisp contrast and a pop of color at serving time.

How to Make 

Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Oven

Start by heating your oven to 400 degrees F. This high temp is exactly what you need to get all the components of this GF casserole bubbly and a little golden on top. While the oven is preheating, grab your favorite large casserole dish so you’re ready for assembly.

Step 2: Combine the Chicken and Vegetables

Add your cooked, shredded chicken, cauliflower rice, diced jalapeños, onions, red pepper, and carrots straight into the casserole dish. It’s a colorful veggie party in there already! The cauliflower rice will form a hearty base while the rest brings crunch, color, and just the right amount of heat to this GF masterpiece.

Step 3: Whisk the Creamy Buffalo Sauce

In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the coconut cream, buffalo sauce, ranch, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. The coconut cream is what makes this dish uniquely GF and Whole30-friendly, marrying all the tangy and spicy notes into a decadent sauce. Make sure to whisk really well so you don’t have any coconut bits left behind.

Step 4: Mix Sauce with Casserole Ingredients

Pour that gorgeous, creamy buffalo sauce over the chicken and veggie mixture in your casserole dish. Use two forks or a set of tongs to really mix everything together, making sure every shred of chicken and every bite of cauliflower rice is completely coated. Once everything’s well mixed, smooth it out into an even layer – this will help with even cooking and that beautiful golden top.

Step 5: Bake Until Bubbly and Browned

Place the casserole in your hot oven and let it bake for about 45 minutes. If you love those crispy, caramelized edges (who doesn’t?) leave it in just a little bit longer. The aroma will be so tempting you might find yourself sneaking around the kitchen timer.

Step 6: Add Final Toppings and Serve

Once your GF casserole is gloriously golden on top, pull it from the oven and add a final drizzle of buffalo sauce or ranch. Pepper the top with extra green onions and more jalapeños if you’re feeling bold. Don’t skip this step – just a few fresh toppings make the comfort factor go through the roof!

How to Serve GF

Garnishes

Make your GF casserole pop with a sprinkle of finely sliced green onions and a few extra jalapeño rings for a beautiful finish. You could even add a dusting of chopped cilantro if you want to lean into the fresh, herbaceous flavors. For those who love creamy, an extra drizzle of ranch right before serving is always welcome.

Side Dishes

This cheesy, spicy GF casserole is bold enough to be the main star, so keep your side dishes simple and fresh. Think a crisp green salad with a squeeze of lemon, or steamed green beans tossed with olive oil and sea salt to cut through the richness of the casserole. Roasted sweet potatoes also make a naturally sweet, hearty contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun, party-ready spread, scoop individual servings of the casserole into GF lettuce cups or small ramekins and offer a variety of toppings so everyone can customize their own bowl. If you’re feeding a crowd, layer the casserole on a big platter, add a shower of cilantro, and serve it family-style with napkins on the side for saucy fingers.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Casserole leftovers are the hero of busy lunches or next-day dinners! Simply transfer any remaining GF casserole into an airtight container, and it will keep beautifully in the fridge for up to four days. The flavors actually mingle and intensify as it rests, so you might just love it even more the next time around.

Freezing

To freeze, let your casserole cool completely, then portion it out into freezer-safe containers. Always label with the date! It will keep for up to three months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results. Freezing is a lifesaver if you love quick, healthy meals on standby that never compromise on your GF lifestyle.

Reheating

To reheat, pop a serving in the microwave until it’s piping hot, or warm larger quantities in a covered dish in the oven at 350 degrees F. Add a splash of broth or an extra spoonful of buffalo sauce if it looks a little dry – your GF casserole will be as creamy and flavorful as the day you made it.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken to save time?

Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken is a fantastic GF shortcut that gets dinner on the table even faster. Just make sure your chicken doesn’t contain any non-GF ingredients or hidden additives if you’re staying strictly gluten free.

What’s the best buffalo sauce to keep this GF?

Many classic buffalo sauces are naturally GF, but always check labels for hidden wheat or gluten. Primal Kitchen and Frank’s RedHot both offer GF versions – pick your favorite level of heat and tang for this recipe.

Do I have to use coconut cream, or is there a dairy-free sub?

Coconut cream gives this dish a luscious texture and keeps it GF, but if coconut isn’t your fave, try a plain, unsweetened cashew cream or an extra spoonful of thickened almond milk yogurt. Just ensure your substitute is still compliant with your GF goals.

Can I add cheese?

If you’re not following paleo or Whole30, feel free to sprinkle on a layer of shredded cheddar or mozzarella before baking. It won’t impact the GF factor, and the extra melted goodness is always welcome!

Can I make this casserole extra spicy or kid-friendly?

To up the heat, double the jalapeños or add a pinch of cayenne to the sauce. For a milder, family-friendly GF version, simply use less jalapeño or swap it for bell pepper slices. The recipe is flexible and totally customizable to your crew’s preferences.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to fall in love with a dish that’s as bold and craveable as it is easy to prepare, this GF Jalapeño Buffalo Chicken Casserole is calling your name. Simple, saucy, and adaptable for any crowd, it’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to keep on rotation all year. Don’t just take my word for it – try the GF for yourself and get ready for everyone at the table to ask for seconds!

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