Buffalo Chicken Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe
If you love bold flavors and comforting, wholesome meals that hit all the right spots, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Buffalo Chicken Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe. Imagine tender chunks of buffalo-spiced chicken mixed with roasted sweet potatoes and broccoli, all topped with melty cheddar and crispy bacon. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug after a long day—simple to put together but totally satisfying. Stick with me, and I’ll walk you through every step so your casserole turns out just perfect!
Why This Recipe Works
- Balanced Flavors: The spicy buffalo sauce paired with naturally sweet potatoes creates a perfect sweet-and-sassy combo.
- Nutritious & Filling: Chicken, sweet potatoes, and broccoli make this casserole both hearty and healthy.
- One-Dish Convenience: You roast everything in one casserole dish — easy cleanup and less fuss in the kitchen.
- Customizable Layers: You can adjust spice level, swap veggies, or swap proteins to suit your tastes or dietary needs.
Ingredients & Why They Work
The ingredients in this Buffalo Chicken Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe come together to give you that perfect blend of heat, creaminess, and texture. Each component plays a role—sweet potatoes add a comforting sweetness and creamy texture, broccoli adds freshness and crunch, and the buffalo sauce gives the whole dish a fiery kick that’s irresistible.
- Boneless chicken breasts: Look for firm, fresh chicken to ensure tender, juicy bites after baking.
- Sweet potatoes: I love leaving the skin on for extra nutrition and texture, but peeling is fine if you prefer.
- Broccoli: Choose firm, green heads with tight florets for the best taste and color after roasting.
- Buffalo sauce: I’m a fan of New Primal, but classic Frank’s RedHot is a great choice and easy to find.
- Avocado or olive oil: Helps everything crisp up beautifully and balances the heat from the buffalo sauce.
- Spices (salt, pepper, garlic powder): Simple seasonings that enhance all the other flavors without overpowering.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Adds gooey, melty richness and a sharp kick that pairs perfectly with buffalo flavors.
- Green onion: Fresh and bright, it cuts through the richness and adds a pop of color.
- Cooked turkey bacon: Crispy bits on top bring a smoky, savory crunch that’s pure magic.
- Ranch dressing: Optional but highly recommended to drizzle on top for a creamy counterpoint.
Tweak to Your Taste
One of the things I love most about this Buffalo Chicken Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe is how easy it is to make your own. I often switch up the veggies or spice level based on what my family is craving, and it always turns out delicious. Feel free to experiment!
- Mild variation: If you’re not big on heat, use half the buffalo sauce and add a bit more ranch dressing on top for creaminess instead.
- Extra veggies: I’ve tossed in bell peppers or cauliflower before, which gives a nice texture contrast and boosts the veggie factor.
- Protein swap: Sometimes I use rotisserie chicken or turkey instead of raw chicken breasts for a shortcut that still tastes fantastic.
- Dairy-free version: Skip the cheese and drizzle with ranch made from coconut yogurt or avocado for a creamy finish.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Buffalo Chicken Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prep your ingredients like a pro
First things first, get your chicken, sweet potatoes, and broccoli ready by cutting them into bite-sized pieces. I like my sweet potatoes cubed pretty small – about half an inch – so they roast evenly and get nice and tender. If you don’t want to peel the sweet potatoes, just give them a good scrub and leave the skins on; that little extra fiber is worth it. Pro tip: Keep your chicken pieces uniform too so everything cooks at the same rate.
Step 2: Toss those sweet potatoes in buffalo sauce and roast
In a small bowl, stir together the buffalo sauce, avocado oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder to make a flavorful marinade. Then, toss the sweet potatoes with half of this mixture in a large bowl until they’re fully coated. Spread them out in your greased 9×13 casserole dish, and roast at 425°F for about 30 minutes, flipping them halfway through. This step helps get a lovely caramelization on the potatoes that makes all the difference.
Step 3: Mix chicken and broccoli with remaining buffalo sauce
Once your sweet potatoes have been roasting for 30 minutes, add the chicken and broccoli to the bowl the sweet potatoes were in. Pour the rest of the buffalo sauce mixture over and toss well so everything is completely coated. This step ensures every bite has that electric buffalo flavor without drying out the chicken or broccoli.
Step 4: Combine and bake again
Pour the buffalo-coated chicken and broccoli right on top of the roasted sweet potatoes. Pop the casserole back into the oven for 20-25 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F—always double-check with a meat thermometer to be safe. You’ll know it’s done when the chicken is juicy and white through, and the broccoli is tender but still bright green.
Step 5: Top with cheese, bacon, and bake till melty
Pull the casserole out of the oven and sprinkle shredded cheddar, chopped green onions, and cooked turkey bacon evenly on top. Bake for 5 more minutes, just until the cheese melts into ooey-gooey perfection. Take it out, let it cool for a few minutes for easier serving, then drizzle with ranch or blue cheese dressing if you like that creamy contrast.
Pro Tips for Making Buffalo Chicken Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe
- Don’t Overcrowd: Give your sweet potatoes plenty of space in the casserole to roast instead of steam for crispy edges.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: It’s the best way to avoid dry chicken—once it hits 165°F, it’s perfectly cooked.
- Let It Rest: Waiting 5 minutes after baking lets the cheese set up and the casserole cool slightly to avoid burns.
- Customize Your Sauce: Mix in a splash of honey or maple syrup if you want a touch of sweetness to balance the buffalo heat.
How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
On my plate, a drizzle of ranch dressing over the top is non-negotiable—it tames the heat and adds a creamy richness every single time. I also sprinkle extra chopped green onion for freshness and sometimes a little crumbled blue cheese if I’m feeling fancy. A handful of fresh parsley or cilantro can brighten it up too!
Side Dishes
I like to keep sides simple so this hearty casserole shines. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette or some garlic-roasted green beans work perfectly. If you want more comfort food vibes, homemade coleslaw or cornbread crumbs are delightful companions.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party, I’ve scooped this casserole into small ramekins and topped each with a mini celery stick, making it feel like an appetizer. I’ve also served it family-style with a big bowl of ranch on the side for dipping. Layering it with extra cheese and bacon on top turns it into a real showstopper for game day dinners.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
When my family can’t finish the whole casserole in one sitting (rare but it happens!), I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps wonderfully for up to five days. I usually reheat portions in the microwave, covered with a paper towel to keep moisture in.
Freezing
This casserole freezes beautifully. I recommend freezing before the final cheese and bacon topping for best quality. Portion it into freezer-safe containers, then thaw overnight in the fridge before baking and adding the toppings fresh. It’s a lifesaver on busy nights!
Reheating
To reheat, I pop leftovers in the oven at 350°F covered with foil to avoid drying out until warmed through—usually about 15-20 minutes. Then, I uncover and sprinkle a bit more cheese or extra bacon to refresh the toppings before serving.
FAQs
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Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great swap and tend to stay moister during baking. Just cut them into similar-sized pieces and check doneness with a meat thermometer to keep your Buffalo Chicken Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe perfectly juicy.
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Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can prep the casserole up to the point right before adding cheese and bacon, then refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready, bake as instructed and add the toppings toward the end. This makes weeknight dinners a breeze.
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What if I don’t like spicy food?
No worries—just reduce the amount of buffalo sauce or switch to a mild wing sauce. You can also swirl in some ranch dressing before baking to mellow out the heat. It still tastes great and keeps the creamy texture you love.
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Can I use fresh sweet potatoes or frozen?
Fresh sweet potatoes work best because they roast up nicely and hold their shape well. Frozen sweet potatoes might release too much moisture and get mushy, so I don’t recommend them for this recipe.
Final Thoughts
This Buffalo Chicken Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen because it’s packed with flavor, wholesome ingredients, and that cozy “just like home” feeling. Whether you’re feeding family or hosting friends, it’s an easy dish with serious wow-factor. I really hope you give it a try—you might just find it becomes one of your go-to dinners, like it did for me.
Print
Buffalo Chicken Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Buffalo Chicken Sweet Potato Casserole combines tender chicken, roasted sweet potatoes, and broccoli tossed in a spicy buffalo sauce, topped with melted cheddar, green onions, and turkey bacon. Perfect for a flavorful and hearty dinner that balances spice and comfort in one dish.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless chicken breasts, cut into cubes
- 5 medium sweet potatoes, cut into small cubes
- 2 heads broccoli, cut into small florets
- 1 cup buffalo sauce
- 1/2 cup avocado oil or olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp pepper
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped green onion
- 1/2 cup cooked turkey bacon
- Drizzle of ranch dressing
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit and grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Ingredients: Cut the chicken breasts into cubes, sweet potatoes into small cubes (skin on or off), and broccoli into small florets for even cooking.
- Mix Buffalo Sauce: In a small bowl, combine buffalo sauce, avocado oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder to create a flavorful coating.
- Toss Sweet Potatoes: Place sweet potatoes in a large bowl and add half of the buffalo sauce mixture. Toss well to ensure even coverage on all pieces.
- Roast Sweet Potatoes: Spread the sweet potatoes evenly in the casserole dish and roast in the oven for 30 minutes, flipping them halfway through roasting for even caramelization.
- Combine Chicken and Broccoli: While potatoes roast, add the chicken and broccoli to the bowl that held the sweet potatoes. Pour in the remaining buffalo sauce and toss everything until fully coated.
- Add Chicken and Broccoli to Casserole: After the sweet potatoes have roasted for 30 minutes, carefully add the buffalo-coated chicken and broccoli on top of the sweet potatoes in the casserole dish.
- Bake Chicken and Broccoli: Return the casserole to the oven and bake for 25 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit, ensuring it is fully cooked.
- Add Toppings and Melt Cheese: Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese, chopped green onions, and cooked turkey bacon evenly over the top. Place it back in the oven for 5 minutes until the cheese melts beautifully.
- Serve and Garnish: Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving. Add a drizzle of ranch or blue cheese dressing if desired for extra flavor.
Notes
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for longer storage.
- You can substitute turkey bacon with regular bacon or omit for a lower-fat version.
- Adjust the amount of buffalo sauce to your spice preference.
- Sweet potato skin can be left on for extra fiber and nutrients or peeled for a smoother texture.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is safely cooked to 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
