Dinner

Easy Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe

ByAiden Wells January 16, 2026January 16, 2026

Introduction

This Easy Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Rice Casserole is a flavorful and comforting dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Combining tender chicken, spicy buffalo sauce, and creamy cheese, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s simple to prepare and satisfyingly delicious.

This close-up image shows a creamy layered dish with soft shredded orange chicken on top mixed with diced onions and green onion pieces. Underneath the chicken is a smooth layer of bright orange melted cheese sauce covering a white marbled surface. White creamy sauce with black specks is drizzled over the top, adding texture and contrast. Bright red sauce is also drizzled around, giving a pop of color. A metal spoon is scooping into the creamy chicken layer, showing its soft and rich texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 bag Success Boil-in-Bag Basmati Rice, or 1 heaping cup of cooked rice
2 cups shredded chicken
1 cup cottage cheese
1/2 cup buffalo sauce
3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup diced onion
1 tbsp minced garlic
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
Olive oil or olive oil spray

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step 2: Prepare the Success Boil-in-Bag Basmati Rice according to the package directions and set aside. If not using the boil-in-bag, cook 1 heaping cup of rice and set aside.
Step 3: In a blender or food processor, combine the cottage cheese and buffalo sauce. Blend until smooth.
Step 4: Heat olive oil or spray a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing for a few minutes until soft and fragrant.
Step 5: Lower the heat to low. Add the shredded chicken, cooked rice, and the blended cottage cheese mixture to the skillet. Stir well to combine evenly. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Step 6: Spread the mixture evenly in the skillet. Top with shredded cheddar cheese. If your skillet isn’t oven-safe, transfer the mixture to a casserole dish before adding the cheese.
Step 7: Place the skillet or casserole dish in the oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
Step 8: Remove from the oven and serve. For extra flavor, drizzle with blue cheese or ranch dressing and sprinkle with chopped green onions.

Tips & Variations

Use rotisserie chicken to save time and add extra flavor.
Add diced celery or bell peppers for crunch and color.
Swap buffalo sauce for your favorite wing sauce to adjust spice level.
For a creamier texture, stir in a few spoonfuls of sour cream.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through. To prevent dryness, cover with foil when reheating in the oven.

How to Serve

The image shows a cooked dish in a red cast iron skillet with a black inside. The dish has three visible layers: a base layer of soft, shredded orange chicken mixed with a creamy sauce, a middle layer of melted yellow-orange cheddar cheese spread evenly on top, and several dollops of white creamy sauce mixed with green herbs scattered across the cheese. There are splashes of bright red sauce drizzled in lines over the cheese, and chopped green onions sprinkled on top adding some green color. A silver fork is scooping into the dish, lifting a portion of the cheesy, creamy chicken mixture. The skillet sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of rice?

Yes, you can substitute basmati rice with jasmine, long-grain white rice, or even brown rice. Just adjust cooking times according to the rice type.

Is this casserole freezer-friendly?

Yes, this casserole can be frozen before baking. Place it in a freezer-safe dish, cover well, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.