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- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded - 1 cup bold buffalo sauce - 1 cup creamy ranch dressing - 2 cups cooked pasta (penne or rotini) - 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese - 1 cup diced celery - 1 cup diced bell peppers - ½ cup green onions, finely chopped - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - ½ teaspoon salt - ½ teaspoon black pepper - 1 tablespoon olive oil (for drizzling) Gathering the right ingredients is key. You need cooked chicken for protein. Shredded chicken mixes well with other flavors. The buffalo sauce gives it a spicy kick. Ranch dressing adds creaminess and coolness. Choose cooked pasta like penne or rotini for good texture. Next, add some crunch with celery. Diced bell peppers bring color and sweetness. Green onions add a fresh touch and great flavor. For the cheesy goodness, use sharp cheddar cheese. It melts beautifully and tastes great. Don’t forget the seasonings. Garlic powder enhances the dish. A little salt and pepper boost the taste. A drizzle of olive oil helps the cheese brown nicely. This mix of ingredients creates a hearty meal you'll love to share. - Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). - In a large bowl, mix the shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, and cooked pasta. - Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with non-stick spray or olive oil. - Spread half of the chicken mixture evenly in the dish. Sprinkle half of the cheddar cheese on top. - Cover the casserole with foil and bake for 25 minutes. - Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes. The cheese should be bubbly and golden brown. - Let it cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped green onions and a drizzle of ranch dressing. - Ensure chicken is shredded thoroughly for even distribution. This helps each bite taste great. - Adjust buffalo sauce for desired spice level. Start with less if you prefer mild flavors. - Pair with a fresh salad or vegetables. A crisp side adds color and crunch. - Serve with extra ranch dressing on the side. This gives a creamy dip for each bite. - Use a large, colorful serving dish to enhance visual appeal. Bright colors make your meal inviting. - Garnish with additional green onions for freshness. This adds a pop of green and flavor. {{image_4}} You can make this dish easier by using shredded rotisserie chicken. It saves time and still tastes great. You can also change the pasta type. Fusilli or ziti works well and adds a fun twist. To boost the taste, add other veggies like spinach or corn. They add color and nutrition. You can also spice it up with paprika or cayenne. A little heat can make the dish even better. If you want a gluten-free meal, use gluten-free pasta. It cooks just like regular pasta. For a vegan option, try dairy-free cheese instead of regular cheese. This way, everyone can enjoy the casserole. Store your leftover Buffalo Ranch Chicken Casserole in an airtight container. Keep it in the refrigerator. It tastes best when eaten within 3-4 days. This keeps the flavors fresh and tasty. For longer storage, freeze portions of the casserole. Use freezer-safe containers to prevent freezer burn. You can keep it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you're ready to enjoy it again, thaw it in the refrigerator. This method helps maintain the dish's texture. To reheat, place the casserole in the oven at 350°F. Heat it until it's warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. If you're in a hurry, use the microwave. Just cover it to keep moisture in. This way, your casserole stays delicious and juicy. You can easily spice up your buffalo ranch chicken casserole. Simply add extra buffalo sauce to the mixture. You can also mix in chopped jalapeños for a kick. This way, you control the heat level. I love the extra flavor these ingredients bring. Yes, you can prepare the buffalo ranch chicken casserole ahead of time. Just assemble it and place it in the fridge. When you are ready to bake it, remember to add extra time if it is cold. This makes it perfect for busy days. This dish pairs well with several sides. A fresh garden salad complements the casserole nicely. You could also serve it with garlic bread for a tasty touch. Roasted vegetables add color and nutrition to your meal. This recipe combines shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, and creamy ranch dressing for a tasty dish. You can add vegetables and cheese for more flavor. I shared tips for perfecting your casserole and suggested variations to fit your taste. Remember, you can store leftovers for future meals, so don’t hesitate to make a big batch. Enjoy your cooking, and keep experimenting to find what you love best!

Buffalo Ranch Chicken Casserole

Indulge in the mouthwatering delight of Buffalo Ranch Chicken Casserole! This easy recipe combines tender shredded chicken, bold buffalo sauce, and creamy ranch dressing, all tossed with cooked pasta and topped with melty cheddar cheese. Perfect for a family dinner or game day gathering, this cheesy casserole is sure to impress.
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Ingredients
  

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded

1 cup bold buffalo sauce

1 cup creamy ranch dressing

2 cups cooked pasta (penne or rotini)

1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1 cup diced celery for crunch

1 cup diced bell peppers (your choice of colors)

½ cup green onions, finely chopped for garnish

1 teaspoon garlic powder for flavor

½ teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

1 tablespoon olive oil (for drizzling)

Optional garnish: additional sliced green onions, a drizzle of ranch dressing

Instructions
 

Preheat Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it's hot when your casserole is ready to bake.

    Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, cooked pasta, diced celery, diced bell peppers, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir thoroughly until all the ingredients are well incorporated.

      Prepare Baking Dish: Lightly grease a 9x13 inch casserole dish with non-stick spray or a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking.

        Layer Chicken Mixture: Spread half of the chicken mixture evenly across the bottom of the prepared casserole dish. This forms a solid foundation for your casserole.

          Cheese Layer: Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese over the chicken mixture evenly. This will provide a deliciously cheesy layer.

            Finish Layering: Add the remaining chicken mixture on top of the cheese layer, pressing down lightly. Then finish with the remaining shredded cheddar cheese on top for a beautiful, bubbly finish.

              Add Olive Oil: To promote nice browning of the cheese, drizzle a tablespoon of olive oil over the entire casserole, if desired.

                Bake Covered: Cover the casserole with foil to retain moisture and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.

                  Bake Uncovered: After 25 minutes, carefully remove the foil and allow the casserole to bake uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the cheese is bubbling and golden brown on top.

                    Cool and Serve: Once baked, take it out of the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes before serving. This will help the layers set for easier slicing.

                      Garnish: For an extra touch, garnish each serving with chopped green onions and a drizzle of ranch dressing, enhancing both flavor and presentation.

                        Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes | Servings: 6