Chicken

Keto Buffalo Chicken Casserole

Name: Keto Buffalo Chicken Casserole
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) chicken thighs, boneless and skinless; 1/2 cup (120g) buffalo sauce; 1 cup (250g) cream cheese, softened; 1 cup (115g) shredded cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup (55g) grated mozzarella cheese; 6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled; 1/4 cup (15g) chopped scallions; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp (5g) dried parsley; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 tbsp (30g) olive oil

By Hannah Voss · June 18, 2026 · Chicken

Prep20 min

Cook30 min

Total50 min

Serves6

I still remember the first time I made a keto buffalo chicken casserole for my family. It was a weeknight, and I wanted something easy but flavorful. The combination of spicy buffalo sauce, creamy cheese, and tender chicken was a hit. Since then, it's become a staple in our household, and I'm excited to share the recipe with you.

This keto buffalo chicken casserole is more than just a recipe - it's a technique. By using high-heat searing and a combination of cheeses, we create a crispy, golden-brown crust on top of a creamy, spicy sauce. And the best part? It's incredibly easy to make, requiring just a few ingredients and some basic cooking skills.

One of the things I love about this recipe is its versatility. You can serve it as a main dish, a side, or even as a snack for a party. It's also a great way to use up leftover chicken or vegetables, making it a practical and economical option for weeknights.

In this recipe, we'll be using a combination of chicken thighs, buffalo sauce, and a blend of cheeses to create a rich and creamy sauce. We'll also be adding some crispy bacon and scallions on top for extra flavor and texture. By the end of this article, you'll have all the skills and knowledge you need to make this delicious keto buffalo chicken casserole at home.

So, who is this recipe for? It's for anyone who loves spicy food, creamy sauces, and tender chicken. It's for those who are looking for a low-carb, keto-friendly option that's easy to make and delicious to eat. And it's for anyone who wants to impress their family and friends with a mouth-watering, comforting casserole that's sure to become a favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal ingredients and cooking skills.
It's a low-carb, keto-friendly option that's perfect for those following a ketogenic diet.
The combination of spicy buffalo sauce, creamy cheese, and tender chicken is a crowd-pleaser.
It's a versatile dish that can be served as a main course, side, or snack.
It's a great way to use up leftover chicken or vegetables, making it a practical and economical option.
The crispy bacon and scallions on top add a nice texture and flavor contrast to the dish.
It's a comforting and flavorful dish that's perfect for weeknights or special occasions.

Why This Recipe Works

The key to this recipe is the combination of high-heat searing and a blend of cheeses. By searing the chicken in a hot skillet, we create a crispy, golden-brown crust on the outside, while keeping the inside tender and juicy. The cheese blend, which includes cream cheese, cheddar, and mozzarella, adds a rich and creamy texture to the sauce.

The buffalo sauce is also a crucial component of this recipe. Made with hot sauce and butter, it adds a spicy and tangy flavor to the dish. By cooking the sauce in the oven, we allow the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken, creating a rich and creamy texture.

The crispy bacon and scallions on top add a nice texture and flavor contrast to the dish. The bacon adds a smoky, savory flavor, while the scallions add a fresh, oniony flavor. By combining all these elements, we create a dish that's greater than the sum of its parts - a delicious, comforting, and flavorful keto buffalo chicken casserole.

Finally, the resting time is crucial in this recipe. By allowing the casserole to rest for 10-15 minutes before serving, we allow the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken, creating a rich and creamy texture. This also helps to prevent the casserole from becoming too watery or soggy, ensuring that it stays crispy and golden-brown on top.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this keto buffalo chicken casserole, you'll need a few basic ingredients, including chicken thighs, buffalo sauce, and a blend of cheeses. You'll also need some crispy bacon and scallions for added flavor and texture. Be sure to choose high-quality ingredients, such as fresh chicken and real cheese, to ensure the best flavor and texture.

When shopping for ingredients, look for chicken thighs that are boneless and skinless, and opt for a high-quality buffalo sauce that's low in carbs and sugar. You can also make your own buffalo sauce at home using hot sauce and butter, which is a great way to control the ingredients and the flavor.

1 lb (450g) chicken thighs, boneless and skinlessChoose fresh, high-quality chicken thighs that are boneless and skinless, and opt for organic or free-range if possible. You can also use chicken breast if you prefer, but thighs are more tender and juicy.
1/2 cup (120g) buffalo sauceOpt for a high-quality buffalo sauce that's low in carbs and sugar, or make your own at home using hot sauce and butter. This will ensure the best flavor and texture, and allow you to control the ingredients.
1 cup (250g) cream cheese, softenedChoose a high-quality cream cheese that's full-fat and unflavored, and opt for organic or grass-fed if possible. This will ensure the best flavor and texture, and provide a rich and creamy sauce.
1 cup (115g) shredded cheddar cheeseOpt for a high-quality cheddar cheese that's full-fat and unflavored, and choose a sharp or extra-sharp variety for the best flavor. You can also use other types of cheese, such as mozzarella or parmesan, but cheddar is a classic choice for this recipe.
1/2 cup (55g) grated mozzarella cheeseChoose a high-quality mozzarella cheese that's full-fat and unflavored, and opt for a fresh or buffalo-style variety for the best flavor. This will add a creamy and melty texture to the sauce, and help to bind the ingredients together.
6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbledOpt for a high-quality bacon that's thick-cut and smoked, and choose a variety that's low in carbs and sugar. This will add a smoky and savory flavor to the dish, and provide a nice texture contrast.
1/4 cup (15g) chopped scallionsChoose fresh, high-quality scallions that are thinly sliced and chopped, and opt for a variety that's mild or sweet. This will add a fresh and oniony flavor to the dish, and provide a nice texture contrast.
2 cloves garlic, mincedOpt for high-quality garlic that's fresh and flavorful, and choose a variety that's mild or sweet. This will add a rich and savory flavor to the sauce, and help to bind the ingredients together.
1 tsp (5g) dried parsleyChoose a high-quality parsley that's fresh and flavorful, and opt for a variety that's curly or flat-leaf. This will add a fresh and herbaceous flavor to the dish, and provide a nice texture contrast.
Salt and pepper to tasteOpt for high-quality salt and pepper that are fresh and flavorful, and choose a variety that's unrefined or artisanal. This will ensure the best flavor and texture, and allow you to control the seasoning.
2 tbsp (30g) olive oilChoose a high-quality olive oil that's extra-virgin and unflavored, and opt for a variety that's cold-pressed or artisanal. This will add a rich and fruity flavor to the sauce, and help to bind the ingredients together.

Ingredients for Keto Buffalo Chicken Casserole

Equipment You’ll Need

Large heavy skillet or wokSharp chef's knifeCutting boardMeasuring cups and spoonsWooden spoon or spatula9x13 inch baking dishOven thermometer

How to Make Keto Buffalo Chicken Casserole

1
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare the baking dish by greasing it with olive oil or cooking spray.
2
In a large skillet or wok, cook the bacon over medium-high heat until crispy, then remove from heat and set aside.
3
In the same skillet, add the chicken thighs and cook until browned on both sides, about 5-7 minutes per side. Remove from heat and set aside.
4
In a large bowl, combine the cream cheese, cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix well until smooth and creamy.
5
Add the cooked chicken to the cheese mixture and stir until coated.
6
Add the buffalo sauce to the cheese mixture and stir until well combined.
7
Transfer the chicken and cheese mixture to the prepared baking dish and top with the crumbled bacon and chopped scallions.
8
Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the chicken is cooked through.
9
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before serving.
10
Serve the casserole hot, garnished with additional scallions and parsley if desired.
11
Enjoy your delicious keto buffalo chicken casserole!

Expert Tips

Use high-quality ingredients, such as fresh chicken and real cheese, to ensure the best flavor and texture.
Don't overcook the chicken, as it can become dry and tough.
Let the casserole rest for 10-15 minutes before serving, as this will help the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken.
Add some diced vegetables, such as bell peppers or onions, to the casserole for added flavor and nutrition.
Use a variety of cheeses, such as cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan, to create a rich and creamy sauce.
Experiment with different types of hot sauce, such as Frank's RedHot or Sriracha, to find the one that you like best.
Add some crispy bacon or chopped nuts to the top of the casserole for added texture and flavor.
Serve the casserole with a side of cauliflower rice or a green salad for a low-carb and keto-friendly meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the chicken, which can make it dry and tough.
Not letting the casserole rest for 10-15 minutes before serving, which can result in a watery or soggy texture.
Using low-quality ingredients, such as processed cheese or frozen chicken, which can affect the flavor and texture of the dish.
Not stirring the cheese mixture well enough, which can result in a lumpy or uneven sauce.
Not baking the casserole at the right temperature, which can affect the texture and flavor of the dish.
Not adding enough seasoning, such as salt and pepper, which can result in a bland or unflavorful dish.

Variations and Substitutions

Add some diced vegetables, such as bell peppers or onions, to the casserole for added flavor and nutrition.
Use a variety of cheeses, such as cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan, to create a rich and creamy sauce.
Experiment with different types of hot sauce, such as Frank's RedHot or Sriracha, to find the one that you like best.
Add some crispy bacon or chopped nuts to the top of the casserole for added texture and flavor.
Serve the casserole with a side of cauliflower rice or a green salad for a low-carb and keto-friendly meal.
Use chicken breast instead of thighs for a leaner and lower-fat option.
Add some diced ham or cooked sausage to the casserole for added protein and flavor.

What to Serve With Keto Buffalo Chicken Casserole

This keto buffalo chicken casserole is perfect for serving as a main course, side dish, or snack. It's also a great option for meal prep, as it can be made ahead of time and reheated as needed. Serve it with a side of cauliflower rice or a green salad for a low-carb and keto-friendly meal.

Some other options for serving this casserole include:

Cauliflower riceGreen saladRoasted vegetablesGrilled steak or chickenSauteed spinach or kaleRoasted sweet potatoes

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

This keto buffalo chicken casserole can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. To store, simply cool the casserole to room temperature, then cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate or freeze.

To reheat, simply thaw the casserole overnight in the fridge, then bake it in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until hot and bubbly. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be careful not to overheat, as this can result in a dry or rubbery texture.

Some tips for storing and reheating this casserole include:

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best type of chicken to use for this recipe?

The best type of chicken to use for this recipe is boneless, skinless chicken thighs. They are tender, juicy, and have a rich flavor that pairs well with the buffalo sauce and cheese.

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes, you can use chicken breast instead of thighs, but it may be slightly less tender and juicy. Chicken breast is also leaner than thighs, so it may be a good option for those looking for a lower-fat meal.

What is the best type of cheese to use for this recipe?

The best type of cheese to use for this recipe is a blend of cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan. This combination provides a rich, creamy flavor and a smooth texture that pairs well with the buffalo sauce and chicken.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time and store it in the fridge or freezer. Simply cool the casserole to room temperature, then cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate or freeze.

How do I reheat this casserole?

To reheat this casserole, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge, then bake it in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until hot and bubbly. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be careful not to overheat, as this can result in a dry or rubbery texture.

Can I customize this recipe to suit my tastes?

Yes, you can customize this recipe to suit your tastes by adding or substituting different ingredients. Some options include adding diced vegetables, using different types of cheese or hot sauce, or adding cooked bacon or sausage.

Is this recipe keto-friendly?

Yes, this recipe is keto-friendly, as it is low in carbs and high in fat. The cheese and chicken provide a rich source of protein and fat, while the buffalo sauce adds a spicy and tangy flavor without adding carbs.

Can I serve this recipe as a main course or side dish?

Yes, you can serve this recipe as a main course or side dish. It's a hearty and satisfying meal that pairs well with a variety of sides, such as cauliflower rice or a green salad.

The Full Recipe

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