Whole30 Paleo Buffalo Chicken Casserole Recipe | Wicked Spatula (2024)

Paleo buffalo chicken casserole is EASY and loaded with toppings! Healthy buffalo chicken cauliflower casserole needs just a few minutes prep time. No one will believe this is a whole30 buffalo chicken casserole.

by Maya Last Updated on May 29, 2020 102 Comments

Paleo and casserole aren’t two things that go usually go hand in hand. When I think of casserole, I think of gooey, melt-y cheese and noodles. But, easy paleo casseroles are definitely possible and this is one of my faves. This paleo buffalo chicken casserole recipe has all the good qualities of casserole, without the allergens! And, the entire family will love buffalo chicken cauliflower casserole. Huge win!

When I came up with this dish, I wanted to create a dairy-free, healthy buffalo chicken casserole that I could load up with toppings – because I’m a huge fan of toppings! This one hits the spot for sure. It’s quick and easy, it’s naturally low in carbs but high on flavor, it even works for those of you that eat keto… AND it makes a perfect loaded buffalo chicken casserole with your favorite toppings.

Can you tell I’m excited to show you how to make whole30 buffalo chicken casserole? I have a feeling you’ll be hooked like I was. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleasing dish that is perfect for your next potluck or backyard barbecue.

How To Make Paleo Buffalo Chicken Casserole

Ready for an easy recipe that you will keep coming back to? One of the best parts of buffalo chicken cauliflower bake is that there is very little you need to do to make it!

• First, preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
• In a large bowl, add in grated cauliflower and eggs.
• Mix well and stir in shredded chicken, onion, bell pepper, garlic powder, sea salt, smoked paprika, and buffalo sauce.
• Pour cauliflower mixture into a casserole dish and bake.

TIP: You can use frozen riced cauliflower in a bag to save time grating your own.

That’s it! Can you believe the steps for how to make buffalo chicken casserole are this simple?

How Do I Cook Chicken To Shred For Healthy Buffalo Chicken Casserole?

There are several ways to cook chicken to shred for this buffalo chicken and cauliflower casserole. If you already have a favorite method of preparing chicken for shredding, by all means, stick with that.

However, if you are just starting out and aren’t sure exactly the best way to go about preparing chicken here are a few ideas for you to try:

• Roasted Chicken – If you happen to have leftover roasted chicken from another recipe, you can simply shred it, and it will be perfect for buffalo chicken casserole. You can roast a chicken by seasoning then placing it in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes. It is done cooking when the internal temperature is 165 degrees F.
• Slow-Cooker – Add chicken broth or water, and chicken breasts or thighs along with your favorite seasonings to the slow-cooker. Place on lid and cook for 2-3 hours until the chicken shreds easily and reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F.
• Boiled – If you are short on time and need the chicken cooked faster, you can simply boil it for 15-20 minutes. It tastes better if you cook it in chicken broth and seasonings. Plus, if you make extra, you can use the chicken in several recipes.
• Instant Pot – This is my favorite way to make it!

Variations For Whole30 Buffalo Chicken Casserole

Buffalo chicken cauliflower casserole tastes impressive on its own, and my version is naturally paleo and whole30 friendly.

Sometimes I like to toss in extra ingredients to change it up from time to time. A loaded buffalo chicken casserole with plenty of toppings is the best! Here are some ideas for things to put inside or on top of your paleo buffalo chicken casserole:

• Green onions – You can garnish with green onions, but they also taste delicious cooked in the casserole. Give it a try!
• Sweet Potatoes – There is something amazing about the combining the sweetness of sweet potatoes with the zestiness of the buffalo sauce. These work better inside than as a topping.
• Spinach Leaves – Spinach is a superfood that you can add to all kinds of recipes for extra nutrients. This is especially good if you are trying to sneak in veggies for your kids! Be sure to cook the spinach first and squeeze to release any water, to avoid a watery buffalo chicken casserole.
• Carrots – Adding in some carrots is another way to get some veggies in.
• Pico de Gallo – This is amazing for topping! Check out my homemade Pico de Gallo recipe here. Plain diced tomatoes also work fine. Either way, better to avoid putting the tomatoes inside the casserole, so that it doesn’t get watery.
• Avocado – I’m a huge avocado fan! It’s amazing on top of this buffalo chicken cauliflower casserole.
• Crispy Bacon – Everything is better with bacon, right? Just add pre-cooked bacon either inside or on top.
• Cilantro – Sprinkle it on top if it’s your thing!
• Ranch dressing – The regular kind isn’t paleo, but you can make a dairy-free, paleo version using my homemade ranch seasoning mix recipe here. You can even stir the seasoning mix inside the casserole for a buffalo ranch chicken casserole.
• Extra buffalo sauce – duh!

Can I Make Paleo Buffalo Chicken Casserole Ahead?

Yes, you can make paleo buffalo chicken casserole ahead. Simply follow the directions and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.

It’s important to store it in an airtight container because if air gets to it, it will affect the flavor and texture of the buffalo chicken cauliflower casserole. Glass containers are great for storing leftovers, and you can heat the food up in them too.

Additionally, you can prepare the whole30 buffalo chicken casserole and not bake it until you are ready. Refrigerate once assembled, and you can bake it within 2 days. This makes it fantastic for meal prepping or an upcoming party.

PRO TIP: If you are making healthy buffalo chicken casserole ahead of time, leave off the toppings until you are ready to serve. This will prevent the buffalo cauliflower and chicken from getting too much moisture. Plus, many toppings wilt fairly quickly.

Can You Freeze Healthy Buffalo Chicken Casserole?

Absolutely, you can freeze this healthy buffalo chicken casserole recipe. That’s one advantage of no dairy – it freezes better.

In fact, you can freeze the paleo buffalo chicken casserole whether you have baked it or not. Keep it frozen, wrapped tightly, for up to 6 months.

When you are ready to serve, defrost it in the refrigerator overnight, then bake as directed. Toss on your favorite toppings and enjoy!

More Easy Paleo Dinner Recipes To Try

If you love this whole30 buffalo chicken casserole recipe, here are more with similar flavors:

• Cauliflower Pizza Bites
• Buffalo Chicken Pizza
• Buffalo Chicken Caesar Salad

Take a look at even more paleo dinner recipes here.