When the leaves turn golden and the air gets crisp, nothing hits the spot quite like a bubbling, hearty dish from the oven. Gluten Free Buffalo Chicken Casserole is the comfort food you didn’t know you needed, spicy, cheesy, and soul-warming, all in one bite.
Ciao! I’m Matteo Romano, a Tuscan-born chef turned gluten-free culinary guide. This recipe comes straight from my post-culinary school life when I was searching for bold flavors that didn’t rely on wheat. I still remember the first time I pulled this bubbling dish from the oven, it was a chilly November evening, and the kitchen smelled like spice, roasted chicken, and bubbling cheese. One bite took me straight to that kind of comfort only homemade food can bring.
I created this casserole to capture everything people love about buffalo wings, zest, heat, and that savory finish, but in a format that’s meal-prep friendly, easy to make, and 100% gluten free. The recipe has become a weeknight staple, game-day crowd-pleaser, and cozy fall favorite all wrapped into one dish. Let’s walk through how to bring it to your table.
Gluten Free Buffalo Chicken Casserole
Equipment
- large mixing bowl
- 9×13-inch casserole dish
- spatula or large spoon
- oven
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie works great)
- 1.5 cups cooked white or brown rice (or gluten-free pasta)
- 1 cup diced celery
- 1 cup chopped green onions
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 0.5 cup cream cheese, softened
- 0.33 cup buffalo hot sauce (adjust to your spice preference)
- 0.5 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 0.5 tsp onion powder
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 0.25 tsp black pepper
- optional chopped parsley or green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
- In a large bowl, combine cream cheese, buffalo sauce, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy.
- Fold in shredded chicken, rice or pasta, celery, green onions, and half of the mozzarella cheese.
- Spread the mixture evenly in the greased casserole dish and sprinkle remaining cheese over the top.
- Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden. Let sit for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish as desired.
Notes
Nutrition
Ingredients List: What You’ll Need
This Gluten Free Buffalo Chicken Casserole keeps things simple but full of flavor. Every ingredient is easy to find at your local store, and many are pantry staples. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 3 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie works great)
- 1 ½ cups cooked white or brown rice (or gluten-free pasta)
- 1 cup diced celery
- 1 cup chopped green onions
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup cream cheese, softened
- ⅓ cup buffalo hot sauce (adjust to your spice preference)
- ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Optional: chopped parsley or green onions for garnish
Pro Tip: This pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables or a side like BBQ Chicken Drumsticks with Roasted Potatoes.
Step-by-Step Instructions: From Prep to Plate
This dish comes together in under 45 minutes from start to finish. Follow these simple steps:
1. Preheat and Prep
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
2. Mix the Sauce
- In a large bowl, combine cream cheese, buffalo sauce, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Mix until smooth and creamy.
3. Combine the Filling
- Fold in shredded chicken, rice (or gluten-free pasta), celery, green onions, and half of the shredded cheese.
4. Assemble the Casserole
- Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared dish.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top.
5. Bake and Serve
- Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden.
- Let it sit for 5 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with parsley or extra green onions if desired.
Craving another dinner favorite? Try this Gluten-Free Mac and Cheese with Hidden Veggies for a veggie-boosted twist.
Tips for Success: Make It Perfect Every Time
- Shred Ahead: Use leftover rotisserie chicken or slow-cooked breasts for ultra-tender meat.
- Adjust the Heat: If you’re cooking for kids or spice-sensitive eaters, use mild buffalo sauce or mix it with a little extra sour cream.
- Rice or Pasta? Both work great. If you want a creamier finish, go with rice. Pasta gives a firmer bite.
- Extra Creamy Option: Add a splash of milk or more sour cream to make the casserole extra smooth and creamy.
For a similar creamy dish that’s also family-friendly, check out this Quick Gluten-Free Chicken Stir Fry with Veggies.
Delicious Variations: Make It Your Own
Make-Ahead Friendly
Assemble the casserole the night before, refrigerate, then bake the next day. Perfect for busy weekdays or prepping for guests.
Swap the Base
Instead of rice or pasta, try cooked quinoa or mashed potatoes for a new texture twist.
Add Extra Veggies
Stir in sautéed spinach, chopped carrots, or even riced cauliflower for extra nutrition without sacrificing flavor.
Top with Crunch
Craving a crispy topping? Add crushed gluten-free tortilla chips before baking, or sprinkle with Gluten-Free Chicken Nuggets crumbles for a fun twist.
Looking for another meal-prep hero? This Easy Gluten-Free One-Pot Green Chili Chicken Rice has been a reader favorite for good reason.
Storage and Reheating Tips
This Gluten Free Buffalo Chicken Casserole stores beautifully, making it perfect for leftovers or freezing.
Refrigerator
- Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 2 minutes or warm the whole dish in the oven at 350°F until heated through.
Freezer
- Freeze in individual portions for grab-and-go meals.
- To reheat from frozen, microwave on defrost for 5–6 minutes or bake at 350°F covered with foil until hot.
Want more dinner ideas that reheat well? Try this Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas for another delicious make-ahead option.
Why Readers Love This Gluten Free Buffalo Chicken Casserole
- One-dish wonder: Everything bakes in one pan, easy prep and easy cleanup.
- Comfort food flavor: Creamy, spicy, cheesy, satisfying.
- Perfect for meal prep: Make once, eat for days.
- Customizable: Change the protein, spice level, or base, whatever suits your kitchen.
- Gluten-free crowd-pleaser: Even wheat eaters love this dish!
This cozy fall casserole pairs wonderfully with lighter sides like a green salad or steamed broccoli, or get indulgent and serve it next to these Gluten-Free Chicken Taquitos.
FAQ Section
Can I make this casserole dairy-free?
Yes, you can use dairy-free cream cheese, shredded cheese, and yogurt substitutes. The flavor stays delicious with plant-based swaps.
Is it too spicy for kids?
Not necessarily. Use a mild buffalo sauce and reduce the quantity to half. You can also add extra sour cream to tone it down.
Can I use gluten-free pasta instead of rice?
Absolutely! Use a sturdy shape like penne or rotini and cook it just until al dente before mixing into the casserole.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Microwave individual servings for 1.5 to 2 minutes, or reheat in the oven at 350°F until warm. Add a little water or broth if it looks dry.
Need more gluten-free weeknight ideas? This Easy Gluten-Free Dinner Recipes roundup is a goldmine of inspiration.
Conclusion
Fall is made for cozy casseroles, and this Gluten Free Buffalo Chicken Casserole checks every box, comforting, flavorful, simple, and great for leftovers. Whether you’re feeding your family, meal prepping for the week, or hosting friends on game day, this dish will keep everyone coming back for seconds.
Ready to get cooking? Stock your fridge, grab a baking dish, and let the spicy, creamy magic begin.
If you love casseroles with bold flavor, don’t miss the Baked Parmesan Crusted Chicken, a crispy oven-baked dish that’s just as easy and satisfying.