Delicious Gluten-Free Buffalo Chicken Casserole
Hello, fellow health enthusiasts! As a nutritionist and food blogger, I always strive to create healthy and delicious recipes that cater to everyone’s dietary restrictions. Today, I am excited to share my new gluten-free buffalo chicken casserole recipe with you!
This dish is the perfect comfort food for all those who love the bold flavor of buffalo chicken without compromising on their health goals. Whether you are following a low-carb, whole30 or keto diet, this casserole will satisfy your cravings.
In this recipe, we use wholesome ingredients such as chicken breasts, gluten-free penne pasta, and Progresso vegetable classics creamy mushroom soup. Plus, don’t forget about the creamy texture of cream cheese that brings this dish together.
The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make, so you can whip up a batch for a quick weeknight dinner or impress your guests at a party. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you a fan of buffalo chicken? Do you love creamy, hearty casseroles but avoid gluten and dairy? Then this Gluten Free Buffalo Chicken Casserole recipe is perfect for you!
Not only is this dish low-carb and gluten-free, but it’s also deliciously creamy and full of flavor. The cream cheese adds a rich and tangy dimension to the dish, making it even more satisfying.
But that’s not all – this recipe is also incredibly versatile, with many substitutions and variations. You can use cauliflower rice instead of penne pasta for a healthier twist, or switch out the shredded chicken for diced chicken breast or even spaghetti squash for a different texture.
And let’s not forget about the buffalo sauce, which gives this casserole its signature spicy kick. You can adjust the amount of sauce to your liking or even make your own homemade buffalo sauce for a truly authentic taste.
This recipe is perfect for meal prep, date nights, potlucks, or simply enjoying at home with family and friends. Plus, it’s easy to make ahead of time and even store leftovers in the fridge or freezer for later.
So go ahead and indulge in some healthy comfort food with this Gluten Free Buffalo Chicken Casserole recipe – trust me, you won’t regret it!
Ingredient List
Here is a list of ingredients you will need to make this delicious and healthy gluten-free buffalo chicken casserole. While there are several ingredients, don’t be intimidated! These are all simple and easy-to-find ingredients that you might already have in your pantry.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 lb of uncooked gluten-free penne pasta
- 2 pounds of chicken breast, cooked and shredded
- 12 oz gluten-free cream cheese, cut into cubes
- 1 cup of buffalo wing sauce
- 1 can (10oz) of Progresso Vegetable Classics Creamy Mushroom Soup
- 3 cups of cauliflower rice
- 1 large spaghetti squash
- ½ cup of low-calorie dairy-free milk (e.g. almond or coconut milk)
- 4 cloves garlic powder
- 4 tsp salt
Optional toppings: green onions or chopped fresh cilantro
(Note: if you prefer more spice, add some red pepper flakes to taste!)
All the ingredients above are easily accessible at your local grocery store. With these wholesome ingredients, you can make a healthy, low-carb gluten-free buffalo chicken casserole that is satisfying, flavorful and guilt-free!
The Recipe How-To
Let’s dive into the heart of the matter, the Gluten Free Buffalo Chicken Casserole Recipe. This recipe is not only gluten-free but dairy-free, low-carb and has a full flavor of buffalo sauce that every chicken lover will appreciate.
Ingredients
To make this recipe, you will need:
- 1 lb uncooked gluten-free penne pasta (I recommend using Barilla Gluten-Free Penne Pasta)
- 2 pounds boneless chicken breast, cooked and shredded
- 1 large cauliflower head, riced
- 1 (12 oz) can Progresso Vegetable Classics Creamy Mushroom Soup (gluten-free)
- 4 oz gluten-free cream cheese, cut into small pieces
- 3 cups baked buffalo wing sauce
- ½ cup salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Steps
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions for al dente.
- In a separate pot or pan, heat up the cauliflower rice until tender.
- In a medium saucepan over low heat, mix together cream cheese and mushroom soup until smooth.
- Pour baked buffalo wing sauce into the same saucepan and stir until well combined.
- Add salt and garlic powder to taste.
- Place cooked pasta and cauliflower rice in one big mixing bowl.
- Add shredded chicken and sauce mixture to the mixing bowl and stir everything together.
- Pour contents of mixing bowl into a greased 9×13 inch casserole dish
- Bake in preheated oven for 25 minutes or until bubbly hot.
Cooking Tips
- If there are any leftovers, they can be kept in the refrigerator for up to three days or frozen for up to two months in an airtight container.
- Experiment with different kinds of hot sauce to find the perfect one for your taste buds.
- To make this recipe even healthier, swap out the pasta with spaghetti squash or the chicken breast with tofu.
This gluten-free buffalo chicken casserole recipe is a delicious, creamy and easy-to-make dish that will satisfy your cravings without sacrificing your health goals. Bon appetit!
Substitutions and Variations
Looking for a way to switch up the recipe and make it your own? Here are some substitutions and variations to try:
– For a lower carb option, swap out the penne pasta for cauliflower rice or spaghetti squash.
– Want to make the casserole even creamier? Add an extra 4 oz of cream cheese.
– If you’re lactose intolerant or following a dairy-free diet, replace the cream cheese with a dairy-free alternative.
– Love spicy food? Swap out the buffalo sauce for a hotter variety or add some red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
– Want to sneak in some extra veggies? Add some diced bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini to the mix.
– For a whole30/keto-friendly version of the recipe, leave out the pasta and use chicken breast cooked in olive oil instead. You can also use whole30/keto-friendly versions of ingredients like buffalo sauce, cream cheese, and mushroom soup.
– Don’t have buffalo sauce on hand? Use your favorite hot sauce instead.
– Want to try a different protein? Substitute shredded pork or ground turkey for the shredded chicken.
– Need a vegetarian option? Replace the chicken with sliced mushrooms or tofu.
With these substitutions and variations, this recipe can easily become your go-to dish that’s unique and tailored to your taste buds.
Serving and Pairing
This gluten-free buffalo chicken casserole is an excellent standalone dish and pairs well with many sides. The creamy and spicy flavor profile of the casserole makes it a great match for cool, refreshing sides to balance out the heat. Here are some recommendations for serving and pairing:
– Serve with a side salad of mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, shredded carrots, and cucumbers dressed with a light vinaigrette. The crispness of the veggies will complement the creaminess of the casserole.
– Roasted vegetables like zucchini, squash, peppers, or asparagus would be a great addition to this casserole. Roasting brings out their sweetness and earthiness, which balances the spicy kick of the buffalo sauce.
– For a starchy side that complements the casserole’s creamy texture, try adding some roasted sweet potato or butternut squash cubes. These sweet and savory veggies pair well with buffalo chicken and add a pop of color.
– Cauliflower rice is an excellent low-carb option to serve alongside this casserole. Its mild flavor won’t overpower the flavors of the main course while working in harmony with its taste.
– If you’re looking to indulge without blowing your diet plan completely away, try some air-fried or baked sweet potato chips on the side. They’ll give crunch and flavor contrast, making satisfying bites.
No matter what you choose for a side dish, make sure to enjoy it alongside this delicious gluten-free buffalo chicken casserole!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
This gluten-free buffalo chicken casserole recipe is perfect for make-ahead meals or batch cooking for the week. The casserole can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 2 months in a tightly sealed container. To reheat, simply remove from the fridge and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes or until heated through. If reheating from frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat following the same method.
To make this recipe even easier to prepare throughout the week, consider making ahead some of the components. Cook and shred the chicken breast in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also cook the cauliflower rice or spaghetti squash ahead of time, then store it in separate containers in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Whether you’re taking leftovers to work for lunch or need a quick weeknight dinner option, this buffalo chicken casserole recipe doesn’t disappoint. With its low carb, gluten-free, and creamy buffalo sauce, it’s no wonder this casserole is always a crowd pleaser.
Tips for Perfect Results
As a nutritionist cum food blogger, I always strive to make sure that my recipes not only taste fantastic but are also healthy and easy to make. After testing this Gluten-Free Buffalo Chicken Casserole recipe multiple times, I have come up with some tips that will perfect your results:
1. Cook the Chicken to Perfection
The key to a delicious casserole is perfectly cooked chicken. Avoid overcooking to maintain its juiciness and tenderness.
2. Use High-quality Cream Cheese
Using high-quality cream cheese will bring out the full flavor of the dish. I recommend using organic cream cheese or plant-based cream cheese as a dairy-free alternative.
3. Choose Your Buffalo Sauce Wisely
Different brands of buffalo sauce have different levels of spiciness and saltiness, so choose wisely based on your taste preference. You can also make your own buffalo sauce by combining hot sauce with melted butter.
4. Add Extra Vegetables
Adding vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms not only adds nutritional value but also brings more texture and flavor to the dish.
5. Don’t Overcook the Pasta
Overcooked pasta can make the casserole mushy and ruin its texture. Cook the pasta until it’s al dente, which means firm yet tender.
6. Experiment with Substitutions
Feel free to experiment with substitutions such as spaghetti squash or cauliflower rice in place of penne pasta for a low-carb version, or opt for shredded chicken instead of whole chicken breasts for convenience.
7. Keep an Eye on Serving Size
The serving size should be appropriate for your dietary needs or goals. Stick to a moderate portion size, especially if you’re watching your calorie or carb intake.
8. Test Before Serving
Before serving, test your casserole to ensure that it is flavorful and cooked through. This gives you an opportunity to add more seasoning or cook it longer if needed.
By following these tips, your Gluten-Free Buffalo Chicken Casserole will come out perfect every time, with the right blend of creaminess, spiciness, and full flavor.
Bottom Line
Now that you’re equipped with my gluten-free buffalo chicken casserole recipe and all of the helpful tips and advice I’ve provided, there’s no excuse not to give this flavorful dish a try. Whether you’re following a low-carb, dairy-free, or whole30 lifestyle, this casserole is perfect for anyone looking to indulge in some good old fashioned comfort food without any of the guilt.
And with easy substitutions and variations available, you can customize this recipe to suite your own unique taste preferences. From spaghetti squash to cauliflower rice to baked potato casserole, the options are endless.
So go ahead, gather up all of the required ingredients and let’s get cooking! You’ll be amazed at how easy it is to make this creamy buffalo chicken dish burst with full flavor. And once you’ve indulged in a mouth-watering breakfast, lunch or dinner, don’t forget to share your delicious creation with family, friends and on social media.
Thank you for reading! I hope you found this article helpful and informative. Remember to stay adventurous in the kitchen and never stop exploring new and exciting recipes.
Gluten Free Buffalo Chicken Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb uncooked gluten free penne pasta
- 1 (18 ounce) can Progresso Vegetable Classics creamy mushroom soup
- 4 ounces gluten free cream cheese, cut into chunks
- 1/2 cup gluten free hot sauce
- 2 cups chopped cooked chicken breasts
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups potato chips, coarsely crushed
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (4 oz.)
Instructions
- Heat oven to 375°F. Spray 13x9-inch (3-quart) glass baking dish with cooking spray. Cook and drain pasta as directed on package, using minimum cooking time.
- Return pasta to same pot; stir in soup, cream cheese and hot sauce. Add chicken, garlic powder and salt. Pour pasta into baking dish. Sprinkle with chips. Bake 15 minutes, adding Cheddar cheese the last 5 minutes. Sprinkle with blue cheese crumbles. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.