Jalapeño Buffalo Chicken Casserole (Whole30, Keto, Paleo, GF) Recipe

If you love meals that bring bold flavors, satisfying textures, and wholesome ingredients together, then you’re going to adore this Jalapeño Buffalo Chicken Casserole (Whole30, Keto, Paleo, GF) Recipe. I absolutely love how this casserole combines spicy jalapeños with creamy buffalo sauce, all wrapped up with tender shredded chicken and cauliflower rice for a deliciously healthy twist on comfort food.

Whenever I make this dish, it feels like the perfect weeknight dinner or even a crowd-pleaser for casual gatherings. You’ll find that it’s not only flavor-packed but also fits beautifully into multiple eating plans, whether you’re Whole30, keto, paleo, or need gluten-free options. Trust me, once you try it, this casserole will become one of your go-to recipes that’s both simple and impressive.

this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each of the ingredients in this Jalapeño Buffalo Chicken Casserole (Whole30, Keto, Paleo, GF) Recipe plays a crucial role in balancing heat, creaminess, and nourishment. Here’s a little insight into the essentials so you can shop smart and prep smoothly.

• Chicken breast: Using cooked shredded chicken speeds things up; you can roast it fresh or use leftovers.
• Frozen cauliflower rice: An excellent low-carb stand-in for traditional rice, it soaks up flavor and adds texture.
• Jalapeños: Finely diced for just the right amount of spicy heat, with more for garnish if you like extra kick.
• Onion (white or yellow): Adds a sweet and savory base flavor when baked with the casserole.
• Red pepper: For crunch and a touch of sweetness to balance the heat.
• Carrots (shredded or finely diced): Sneaks in a little natural sweetness and color.
• Canned coconut cream: The thick part of the can, it’s creamy and dairy-free, making this dish luscious and paleo-friendly.
• Buffalo sauce: The star of the show for that iconic spicy, tangy bite.
• Ranch: Adds cooling creaminess; you can make your own Whole30-approved ranch for extra freshness.
• Minced garlic: Brings savory depth and rounds out all the bold flavors.
• Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings to tie everything together perfectly.
• Optional garnishes (green onion, extra jalapeños): These brighten up the casserole and add a fresh pop of color and flavor.

Variations

One of the best parts about this Jalapeño Buffalo Chicken Casserole (Whole30, Keto, Paleo, GF) Recipe is how easy it is to tweak based on what you love or what you have on hand. I encourage you to make it your own and have fun experimenting!

• Dairy-Free Ranch: I often whip up my own Whole30-compliant ranch dressing instead of store-bought to keep things fresh and friendly to the diet.
• Extra Veggies: Sometimes I throw in diced zucchini or spinach to sneak more greens into the mix without overpowering the dish.
• Heat Level Adjustment: If you prefer less spice, simply reduce the jalapeños or swap them for milder peppers—you won’t lose the vibrant flavor.
• Chicken Swap: Grilled chicken or even rotisserie chicken works great if you want to cut down on prep time.

How to Make Jalapeño Buffalo Chicken Casserole (Whole30, Keto, Paleo, GF) Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Chicken and Veggies

Start by setting your oven to 400°F so it’s hot and ready. If you don’t have cooked chicken yet, I like to roast it on a sheet pan for about 25 minutes while I prep other ingredients—this multitasking saves me a ton of time. Meanwhile, dice your jalapeños, onion, red pepper, and shred your carrots. Toss those veggies with your shredded chicken right in a large casserole dish to get everything consolidated.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Saucy Goodness

In a small bowl, combine the canned coconut cream, buffalo sauce, ranch, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Whisk everything thoroughly until it’s smooth and creamy. This sauce is what ties the whole casserole together—you want it well-mixed so it evenly coats the chicken and veggies.

Step 3: Mix and Smooth

Pour your sauce over the chicken and vegetable mixture in the casserole dish. Then use two forks or a pair of tongs to fold everything together gently but thoroughly—make sure every bit of chicken and cauliflower rice gets a coating of that spicy ranchy buffalo sauce. Once combined, smooth the top evenly to help it bake consistently.

Step 4: Bake and Finish

Pop the dish in the oven and bake for about 45 minutes. If you like a crispier top, you can leave it in a bit longer. When it’s done, I love adding a drizzle of extra buffalo sauce or ranch on top, plus a handful of chopped green onions and more diced jalapeños for that fresh punch. It looks so inviting and adds another layer of flavor.

How to Serve Jalapeño Buffalo Chicken Casserole (Whole30, Keto, Paleo, GF) Recipe

Garnishes

I almost always finish this casserole with fresh, bright garnishes like sliced green onions and extra diced jalapeños to add that crisp bite and a pop of color. A light drizzle of ranch or buffalo sauce right before serving really elevates the look and flavor. It makes the dish feel so inviting and personal, like I just plated it especially for friends.

Side Dishes

This casserole stands strong on its own, but I like pairing it with simple leafy greens dressed in lemon juice or a crunchy side salad for a fresh balance. Roasted vegetables or steamed broccoli work well too if you want to keep things low-carb and light. For family dinners, sometimes I serve it alongside cauliflower mashed potatoes or even a grain like quinoa for those not strictly keto or paleo.

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings, I’ve laid this casserole out in individual ramekins for fun, personalized servings that impress guests. Another time, I turned it into a layered dip-style platter with tortilla chips for game day—it was a big hit! Presentation is such an easy way to jazz things up beyond the delicious base recipe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and they usually last up to 4 days. I’ve noticed the casserole tastes even better the next day once the flavors have had time to meld—and the texture stays great if you reheat it gently.

Freezing

This recipe freezes beautifully. I like to portion it out into freezer-safe containers and label them for quick weekday meals. When frozen properly, it keeps well for up to 3 months and defrosts quickly overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

To reheat, I cover the casserole with foil to retain moisture and warm it in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works fine—just stir halfway through so it heats through evenly without drying out.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Jalapeño Buffalo Chicken Casserole (Whole30, Keto, Paleo, GF) Recipe is one I can’t stop making because it hits all the right notes: spicy, creamy, wholesome, and comforting. It’s that kind of dish you’ll want on repeat, especially if you love meals that are easy but feel special. I hope you enjoy making it as much as my family and I do—it’s a real keeper!

Print