Buffalo Chicken Tender Casserole – Saucy Perfection

I can’t believe how this Buffalo Chicken Tender Casserole has become my go-to saucy delight—it’s packed with spicy Buffalo sauce, creamy cream cheese, and tender chicken that hits all the right notes. I whip it up by mixing shredded tenders with cheddar and ranch, then bake it until it’s golden and bubbly. Stick around for my tips on variations that’ll make your next meal even more unforgettable.

History

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Buffalo Chicken Tender Casserole traces its roots to the iconic Buffalo wings, invented in the 1960s at the Anchor Bar in Buffalo, New York, as a spicy, comfort-food staple of American cuisine influenced by working-class bar culture.

Regional variations often adapt the dish with local twists, such as using different cheeses or heat levels in the South for a bolder flavor, signifying regional pride and creativity in comfort cooking.

Traditionally, it’s served at casual gatherings like Super Bowl parties, family barbecues, or tailgating events, where its hearty, shareable nature fosters a sense of community and celebration.

Ingredients

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• Chicken tenders (about 1.5 pounds, boneless and skinless): Oh, let’s start with the star of the show here—these juicy little guys form the hearty base of any Buffalo casserole, you know, because who can resist that tender, pull-apart goodness that makes your mouth water just thinking about it? Picture them as the reliable friend who shows up to every potluck, always ready to please.
• Buffalo sauce (1 cup, your favorite brand or homemade): Now, this is where the fun kicks in, isn’t it? That tangy, spicy elixir that brings the heat without overwhelming the party—go for something with a good kick, like Frank’s RedHot, because let’s face it, a casserole without that Buffalo zing is like a joke without a punchline, mildly amusing but missing the edge.
• Cream cheese (8 ounces, softened, and wait, does that sound familiar?): Here’s a sneaky addition that ties into those cloud bread vibes we stumbled upon—soften it up and mix it in for that creamy, dreamy layer, making everything melt together in a way that whispers, “Hey, who needs traditional bread when we’ve got this cozy comfort?”
• Shredded cheddar cheese (2 cups, sharp for extra bite): Cheese, oh cheese, the ultimate crowd-pleaser that pulls it all together—think of it as that chatty neighbor who knows everyone’s business, adding gooey strings of flavor that make you pause and say, is there anything better than watching this bubbly topping turn golden in the oven?
• Ranch dressing (1/2 cup, or blue cheese if you’re feeling adventurous): What would a Buffalo dish be without this cool counterpart? It’s like the calm to the storm, balancing out the spice with its creamy tang, and I mean, who hasn’t wondered if ranch is secretly the hero we all deserve on a rough day?
• Eggs (3 large, separated, because why not borrow a trick from that cloud bread recipe?): Separating these might seem like a fussy step, but it’s all about that light, airy lift—egg whites for fluff, yolks for richness, turning your casserole into something that says, hey, let’s elevate this without getting too complicated, right?
• Celery (2 stalks, diced, for that classic crunch): Don’t overlook these green heroes; they’re the underappreciated sidekick that adds a fresh, crisp bite, making you think, is there a veggie more perfect for cutting through the richness, almost like it’s winking at you from the plate?
• Onion powder (1 teaspoon, or fresh onion if you’re up for the extra prep): A little of this goes a long way, infusing that subtle, savory depth—it’s like that quiet voice in the back of your head saying, “Add me in, and watch how I tie everything together without stealing the spotlight.”
• Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon, echoing those optional flavors from elsewhere): Because every good casserole needs a hint of garlic’s warm hug, don’t you agree? It’s that playful nudge that says, let’s keep things interesting, even if it’s just a dash to avoid overwhelming the Buffalo vibes.
• Breadcrumbs or crushed crackers (1 cup, for a crispy top): Finally, this is your chance to add some texture—crumbly bits that bake up golden, making the whole thing feel like a warm, welcoming hug, and who knows, maybe it’s my way of saying, even a simple topping can turn ordinary into oh-so-satisfying.
• Salt and pepper (to taste, because every dish needs its personal touch): Last but not least, these basics are like the unsung commas in a sentence, seasoning things just right so nothing feels out of place—go easy, taste as you go, and ask yourself, is this the perfect balance we’ve been chasing?

Cooking Steps

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Let’s jump into making this Buffalo Chicken Tender Casserole, where we’ll borrow a clever trick from that cloud bread method to keep things light and fluffy.

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F, which gives us a solid base for that golden bake we’re aiming for.

Now, take your 1.5 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken tenders and give them a quick cook—either by sautéing them in a pan for about 5-7 minutes until they’re no longer pink inside, or baking them briefly to save on dishes.

Once that’s done, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces, because who wants big chunks interrupting the creamy bliss?

Next, in a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of Buffalo sauce with 8 ounces of softened cream cheese, stirring until it’s smooth and tangy—think of it as creating a spicy hug for your taste buds.

Add in 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese, 1/2 cup of ranch dressing, and 2 diced celery stalks for that classic crunch that cuts through the heat.

For the eggs, separate your 3 large eggs, whipping the whites in a separate bowl until they form stiff peaks, just like in cloud bread prep, to add some airy lift.

Then, fold the whipped egg whites gently into the mixture along with the yolks, the 1 teaspoon of onion powder, and your shredded chicken, creating a bubbly, cohesive batter that promises a casserole with real texture.

Spoon this mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly for that perfect bake.

Pop it into the oven for 25-30 minutes, or until it’s golden and set in the middle—kind of like waiting for the punchline of a good joke, building anticipation for that first bite.

Let it cool for 10 minutes before serving, so everything holds together without falling apart on your plate.

Tips and Variations

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If you’re tweaking this Buffalo Chicken Tender Casserole for a crowd, consider swapping in Greek yogurt for some of the cream cheese to cut back on richness while keeping that creamy texture intact—it’s a sneaky way to make it feel a bit healthier without sacrificing flavor.

For variations, amp up the fun by adding crumbled blue cheese or swapping chicken for turkey to keep things lighter, especially if you’re borrowing that cloud bread fluff technique to make the whole dish airier.

Ever wonder how to dial down the spice? Mix in a handful of diced carrots for extra sweetness and crunch, turning potential heat overload into a balanced bite that even spice-averse folks might enjoy.

And don’t forget, when folding in those whipped egg whites, take your time with gentle strokes to preserve that airy lift, because nothing’s worse than a casserole that ends up more brick than bliss.

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