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- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded - 1 cup buffalo sauce - 1 cup ranch dressing The main stars of this dish are the cooked chicken, buffalo sauce, and ranch dressing. The chicken adds protein and texture. The buffalo sauce gives it a spicy kick. The ranch dressing brings creaminess and balances the heat. Together, they create a rich base that makes this casserole so tasty. - 2 cups cooked pasta (penne or rotini) - Gluten-free options For pasta, I suggest using penne or rotini. These shapes hold the sauce well and add a nice bite. If you need a gluten-free option, try using gluten-free pasta. Just cook it according to the package instructions. This way, everyone can enjoy the dish! - 1 cup diced celery - 1 cup diced bell peppers (any color) - ½ cup green onions, chopped - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - ½ teaspoon salt - ½ teaspoon pepper - 1 teaspoon olive oil Next, we add some veggies for crunch and flavor. Diced celery and bell peppers brighten the dish. Green onions add freshness. Garlic powder, salt, and pepper enhance the taste. A drizzle of olive oil helps everything brown nicely in the oven. You can even garnish with more green onions or a bit of ranch dressing before serving. 1. First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is important for even cooking. 2. Next, take a large mixing bowl. Combine the shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, cooked pasta, diced celery, diced bell peppers, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything combines well. 1. Grease a 9x13 inch casserole dish. Spread half of the chicken mixture evenly in the dish. 2. Next, sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese over the chicken mixture. This adds a nice cheesy layer. 3. Then, layer the remaining chicken mixture on top of the cheese layer. Finally, top with the rest of the cheddar cheese. 1. Cover the casserole with foil. Bake it in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. This keeps it moist. 2. After 25 minutes, remove the foil. Bake for an additional 10-15 minutes. You want the cheese to be golden and bubbly. 3. Once baked, take it out of the oven. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. To get the best texture, you need to watch the baking time. Bake your casserole covered for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil. Bake for another 10 to 15 minutes. This helps the cheese get golden and bubbly. When it comes to cheese, I recommend using sharp cheddar. It melts well and adds great flavor. You can also mix in Monterey Jack for a creamier taste. Want to boost the flavor? Try adding extra spices! A pinch of cayenne pepper can give a nice kick. You can also sprinkle in some smoked paprika for a deeper taste. Feel free to swap the buffalo sauce too. BBQ sauce works well if you want a sweeter taste. You can even use a mix of both for a fun twist! For side dishes, I love serving this casserole with a fresh salad. A simple Caesar salad or coleslaw goes great with it. Presentation matters! Serve it in the casserole dish for a rustic look. Add a sprinkle of green onions on top for color. A drizzle of ranch dressing on the side makes it even better! {{image_2}} You can make this dish healthier with a few simple swaps. Start by using low-fat ranch dressing instead of the regular kind. This cuts calories without losing flavor. You can also use low-fat shredded cheese. It melts well and keeps the taste light. Adding more vegetables is another great idea. Consider adding broccoli, spinach, or zucchini. These veggies boost nutrition and add color to your meal. They also help balance the richness of the cheese and sauce. If you want a twist, try different sauces. Swap out buffalo sauce for BBQ sauce for a sweeter taste. You can also mix in some hot sauce for extra heat. This keeps the dish exciting and new. Cheese is another area to explore. Instead of cheddar, try mozzarella or pepper jack. Each cheese brings its unique flavor and texture. Mixing cheeses can also create a creamy, rich topping. For those who need gluten-free options, use gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer great choices that taste just as good. You can also check labels on sauces to ensure they meet gluten-free standards. If you want a vegetarian version, try using meat substitutes like chickpeas or tofu. They absorb flavors well and provide protein. This way, everyone can enjoy the casserole, no matter their dietary needs. To keep your Buffalo Ranch Chicken Casserole fresh, store it in the fridge. Use airtight containers for best results. This helps prevent the casserole from drying out. You can also cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil. Leftovers will last about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. You can reheat this casserole in the microwave or oven. If you use the microwave, heat it in short bursts. Check every minute to avoid overcooking. For the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Cover the casserole with foil to keep it moist. Bake for about 15 to 20 minutes until warm. You can freeze Buffalo Ranch Chicken Casserole for longer storage. First, let it cool completely. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. This helps avoid freezer burn. To thaw, move it to the fridge overnight before baking. You can also bake it directly from frozen but add extra time. Buffalo Ranch Chicken Casserole lasts about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Make sure to store it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and tasty. Check for any signs of spoilage before eating. Yes, you can make this casserole ahead of time. Prepare the dish and store it in the fridge before baking. Just cover it with foil. When ready, bake it for about 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake until the cheese is bubbly. You can use hot sauce or BBQ sauce if you want a different flavor. Mix it with ranch dressing for a nice taste. Adjust the amount to suit your heat level. - For a milder version, try a sweet BBQ sauce. - For a spicier kick, use extra hot sauce. This casserole has a mild to medium spice level. The buffalo sauce gives it a nice kick, but the ranch dressing cools it down. If you prefer less heat, use less buffalo sauce. Adjust it to fit your taste. This makes it great for everyone! In this blog post, I covered how to make a delicious Buffalo Ranch Chicken Casserole. We looked at key ingredients like cooked chicken, buffalo sauce, and ranch dressing. I shared step-by-step instructions for perfect preparation and baking. Plus, I offered tips for texture and flavor. Don’t forget about variations for health and diet needs. Now you can create this tasty dish with ease. Enjoy making it your own and sharing it with others!

Buffalo Ranch Chicken Casserole

Get ready to spice up your dinner with this delicious Buffalo Ranch Chicken Casserole! With flavors of tangy buffalo sauce and creamy ranch dressing, this easy recipe combines shredded chicken, pasta, and plenty of cheese for a one-pan meal your family will love. Perfect for busy weeknights, it's quick to prepare and bake. Click through to discover the step-by-step guide and make this mouthwatering casserole tonight!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded

1 cup buffalo sauce

1 cup ranch dressing

2 cups cooked pasta (penne or rotini)

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1 cup diced celery

1 cup diced bell peppers (any color)

½ cup green onions, chopped

1 teaspoon garlic powder

½ teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon pepper

1 teaspoon olive oil

Optional garnish: additional green onions, ranch dressing drizzle

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

    In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, cooked pasta, diced celery, diced bell peppers, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.

      In a greased 9x13 inch casserole dish, spread half of the chicken mixture evenly across the bottom.

        Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese over the chicken mixture in the casserole dish.

          Layer the remaining chicken mixture on top of the cheese layer, and then top with the remaining cheddar cheese.

            Drizzle a little olive oil over the top to enhance browning, if desired.

              Cover the casserole with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.

                After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.

                  Once baked, remove from the oven and allow to cool for a few minutes before serving.

                    Garnish with chopped green onions and a drizzle of ranch dressing, if desired.

                      Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes | Servings: 6