Get ready to cozy up with a dish that brings the bold flavor of buffalo chicken into the world of comfort food with a veggie-forward twist. This Buffalo Chicken Cauliflower Bake is creamy, cheesy, and bubbling with spicy goodness—everything you want in a warm casserole dish without the heaviness of traditional pasta or rice. Perfect for weeknights or casual gatherings, it satisfies those game-day cravings in a more wholesome way.

This recipe is a game-changer if you’re looking to lighten things up without sacrificing flavor. Roasted cauliflower florets are tossed in a zesty buffalo sauce with tender shredded chicken and melty cheese, then baked until golden and bubbly. Whether you’re low-carb, gluten-free, or just a lover of bold flavor, this dish hits all the right notes.

What Kind of Cauliflower Should I Use?

Fresh cauliflower florets are ideal for this recipe. They roast up beautifully, absorbing the buffalo flavor while maintaining their texture. If you’re short on time, you can also use frozen cauliflower, but be sure to thaw and pat it dry to avoid excess moisture in the bake.

Ingredients for the Buffalo Chicken Cauliflower Bake

Cauliflower florets – The base of the dish, they provide heartiness and soak up the buffalo sauce perfectly.
Cooked shredded chicken – Adds protein and makes this a complete meal; rotisserie chicken works great here.
Buffalo wing sauce – Brings the heat and tang that defines the recipe.
Cream cheese – Adds creaminess and balances the spice.
Cheddar cheese – Melts into the mixture and gives a gooey, comforting texture.
Mozzarella cheese – Offers that classic cheese pull and browns beautifully on top.
Garlic powder and onion powder – Enhances the overall flavor without overpowering.
Salt and pepper – Basic seasoning to round everything out.
Chopped parsley – For a fresh pop of color and herby brightness at the end.

How To Make the Buffalo Chicken Cauliflower Bake

Step 1: Roast the Cauliflower

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread the cauliflower florets on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Roast for 20-25 minutes until they start to brown and soften.

Step 2: Mix the Sauce Base

While the cauliflower roasts, melt the cream cheese in a large bowl using the microwave or stovetop. Stir in the buffalo sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder until smooth.

Step 3: Combine with Chicken

Add the shredded chicken to the sauce mixture and stir until well coated. Once the cauliflower is roasted, fold it in as well, making sure every piece is coated in the creamy buffalo blend.

Step 4: Layer and Top with Cheese

Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. Sprinkle the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses evenly over the top.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Place the dish in the oven and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. You can broil for the last 2-3 minutes for a crispier top if desired.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Remove from the oven, let it rest for a few minutes, and sprinkle chopped parsley over the top before serving.

Serving and Storing Your Buffalo Chicken Cauliflower Bake

Serve this dish piping hot, straight from the oven, as a hearty main course. It’s great with a side salad or crunchy celery sticks if you’re channeling classic buffalo wing vibes. For a crowd, double the recipe and bake in a larger dish.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave in 30-second bursts. It also freezes well for up to 2 months—just thaw and reheat when ready to enjoy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble everything up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate for up to a day. When ready, bake as directed.

Can I use a different kind of cheese?

Yes! Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or even blue cheese crumbles can add a fun twist to the flavor profile.

Is this recipe keto-friendly?

Yes, it is low in carbs and high in fats and protein, making it a great option for keto eaters.

What kind of chicken works best?

Rotisserie chicken is ideal for ease, but any cooked, shredded chicken breast or thighs will do the trick.

How spicy is this dish?

It depends on the buffalo sauce you use. You can adjust the heat level by using a mild or extra hot sauce.

Can I add more veggies?

Sure! Try adding diced bell peppers or spinach to boost the nutritional value without changing the flavor too much.

Want More Dinner Ideas?

If you love this Buffalo Chicken Cauliflower Bake, here are some other satisfying and creative dinner recipes you might enjoy:

Creamy Parmesan Pasta with Sauteed Garlic Butter Chicken for rich and savory comfort.
Low Carb Greek Chicken Bowls if you’re after something light and refreshing.
Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine for a zesty twist on pasta night.
Classic Chicken with Buttered Noodles when you’re craving something timeless.
Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne for another wholesome casserole-style meal.

Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go extra cheesy? Add a veggie twist? Maybe drizzle ranch on top?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook smarter.

Buffalo Chicken Cauliflower Bake

Author: Nina Johnson
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes (including roasting and baking)
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
Category: Dinner

Print Recipe

Description

This Buffalo Chicken Cauliflower Bake delivers bold, spicy comfort in every bite with roasted cauliflower, shredded chicken, and plenty of melty cheese. It’s a lighter take on classic buffalo chicken dishes—ideal for weeknight meals, game-day spreads, or meal prep.

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss cauliflower florets with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast on a baking sheet for 20-25 minutes until golden and tender.
While cauliflower is roasting, melt cream cheese in a large bowl (microwave or stovetop). Stir in buffalo sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Add shredded chicken to the sauce and mix well.
When cauliflower is done, fold it into the chicken and buffalo mixture.
Transfer everything to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with cheddar and mozzarella.
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and lightly golden. Broil for 2-3 minutes if desired.
Let it rest a few minutes before garnishing with parsley and serving.