Buffalo Chicken Sweet Potato Casserole

If you’re looking for a cozy, hearty dish that brings the whole family together, then look no further than this Buffalo Chicken Sweet Potato Casserole! This recipe has quickly become a favorite in my home because it’s not only delicious but also packed with nutrition. The combination of tender chicken, sweet potatoes, and spicy buffalo sauce creates a flavor explosion that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Plus, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings when you want to impress without spending all day in the kitchen.

Imagine pulling this bubbling casserole out of the oven, the aroma filling your home and making everyone feel welcomed. It’s comforting yet healthy—just what you need for those chilly evenings or when you’re hosting friends. Let’s dive into why this dish is so special!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick prep time: With just 10 minutes of prep, you can get this dish ready to pop into the oven in no time.
• Family-friendly: The mild heat from the buffalo sauce is balanced by the sweetness of the potatoes, making it appealing to both kids and adults alike.
• Make-ahead convenience: Prep it ahead of time and bake it when you’re ready, perfect for meal prep or busy weeknights!
• Packed with nutrients: The combination of chicken, sweet potatoes, and broccoli provides a healthy dose of protein and vitamins.
• Deliciously satisfying: Each bite is a delightful mix of flavors and textures that will keep you coming back for more.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this Buffalo Chicken Sweet Potato Casserole, you’ll need some simple and wholesome ingredients. These are easy to find at your local grocery store, so let’s gather them up!

For the Casserole

• 2 lbs boneless chicken breasts, cut into cubes.
• 5 medium sweet potatoes, cut into small cubes (you can leave the skin on or take it off).
• 2 heads broccoli, cut into small florets.

For the Sauce

• 1 cup buffalo sauce (I used New Primal, but Franks would be great too).
• 1/2 cup avocado oil or olive oil
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp pepper
• 2 tsp garlic powder

For Toppings

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped green onion
• 1/2 cup cooked turkey bacon
• Drizzle of ranch

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! You can easily adjust it to suit your taste or what you have on hand. Here are some fun variation ideas:

• Swap the protein: Try using shredded rotisserie chicken or diced turkey instead of chicken breasts for a quicker option.
• Add more veggies: Toss in some bell peppers or spinach for extra color and nutrients.
• Make it spicy: If you love heat, add some sliced jalapeños or use a hotter buffalo sauce!
• Cheese it up: Swap out cheddar for pepper jack or mozzarella for a different cheesy twist.

How to Make Buffalo Chicken Sweet Potato Casserole

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

First things first, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This ensures that your casserole cooks evenly throughout. Grease your 9×13 casserole dish while you’re at it—this helps everything come out easily once it’s baked.

Step 2: Prepare Your Ingredients

Next up, grab your chicken, sweet potatoes, and broccoli. Chop them into smaller pieces; this helps them cook evenly and lets all those delicious flavors mingle together.

Step 3: Mix the Sauce

In a small bowl, combine your buffalo sauce with avocado oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Mixing these together first enhances their flavors before they meet all those lovely veggies and protein.

Step 4: Toss the Sweet Potatoes

In a large bowl, add your sweet potatoes along with half of that tasty buffalo sauce mixture. Toss everything together until well coated. This step is crucial because it infuses those sweet potatoes with flavor right from the beginning.

Step 5: Roast the Sweet Potatoes

Pour your seasoned sweet potatoes into the greased casserole dish and roast them in the oven for about 30 minutes. Remember to flip them halfway through—this helps achieve that golden-brown crispiness we all love!

Step 6: Combine Chicken and Broccoli

While those sweet potatoes are roasting away, add your chicken cubes and broccoli florets to the bowl that held your sweet potatoes. Pour in the remaining buffalo sauce mixture and toss until everything is nicely coated.

Step 7: Add Chicken and Broccoli to Casserole

After 30 minutes have passed on those sweet potatoes—time flies when you’re cooking!—take them out of the oven and layer your chicken and broccoli mixture on top.

Step 8: Bake Until Done

Pop that casserole back into the oven for another 20-25 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). This ensures everything is cooked perfectly!

Step 9: Top with Cheese and More Goodness

Once cooked through, take your dish out again and sprinkle cheese over everything along with green onions and cooked turkey bacon. Return it to the oven for an additional five minutes until that cheese is beautifully melted.

Step 10: Serve It Up!

Let your casserole cool for a few moments before serving—it will be hard to resist! Feel free to drizzle on any remaining toppings like ranch dressing or blue cheese if desired. Enjoy every savory bite!

Pro Tips for Making Buffalo Chicken Sweet Potato Casserole

Making this Buffalo Chicken Sweet Potato Casserole is a breeze, but a few handy tips will help you achieve the best results!

• Prep Ahead: Chop your veggies and chicken in advance. This way, you can save time on busy weeknights and make assembly a snap.
• Customize Your Heat: Adjust the buffalo sauce to suit your taste. If you prefer a milder flavor, start with less sauce and add more to your portion after baking.
• Roast for Flavor: Ensure you roast the sweet potatoes until they’re tender and slightly caramelized. This enhances their natural sweetness and adds depth to the dish.
• Use Leftovers Creatively: If you have leftover casserole, it makes a fantastic filling for wraps or tacos! Just scoop some into a tortilla for a quick lunch option.
• Let It Rest: Allow the casserole to cool for about 5-10 minutes after baking. This helps it set up nicely for serving and makes portioning easier.

How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Sweet Potato Casserole

This casserole is not only delicious but also visually appealing, making it perfect for family dinners or meal prep. Here are some fun ideas on how to present this hearty dish!

Garnishes

• Chopped Cilantro: A sprinkle of fresh cilantro adds a burst of color and freshness that complements the bold flavors of the buffalo sauce.
• Avocado Slices: Creamy avocado slices on top provide a wonderful contrast to the heat of the dish while adding healthy fats.
• Extra Green Onions: For an added crunch and flavor layer, garnish with more chopped green onions right before serving.

Side Dishes

• Mixed Green Salad: A light salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a zesty vinaigrette balances out the richness of the casserole.
• Quinoa: Cooked quinoa sprinkled with lemon juice and herbs makes for a nutritious side that’s packed with protein and fiber.
• Steamed Veggies: Lightly steamed vegetables like green beans or asparagus are simple yet complement the casserole beautifully while adding extra nutrients.
• Cauliflower Rice: This low-carb option is fluffy and mild, making it perfect as a base under your delicious buffalo chicken sweet potato casserole.

Now that you’re equipped with tips and serving suggestions, it’s time to gather your ingredients and enjoy creating this delightful meal! Happy cooking!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Buffalo Chicken Sweet Potato Casserole is a fantastic option for meal prep! It can be made ahead of time and stored, making your weeknight dinners a breeze.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the casserole to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing

• Cool the casserole completely, then cut into individual portions.
• Wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Place wrapped portions in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• For refrigerated leftovers, reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through (about 20 minutes at 350F).
• If reheating from frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating, or bake directly from frozen, adding about 15-20 extra minutes to the heating time.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delicious recipe!

Can I make Buffalo Chicken Sweet Potato Casserole vegetarian?

Yes! You can replace chicken with chickpeas or tofu for a tasty vegetarian version while keeping the rest of the ingredients the same.

How do I store Buffalo Chicken Sweet Potato Casserole?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, consider freezing individual portions.

What kind of buffalo sauce should I use for Buffalo Chicken Sweet Potato Casserole?

Any buffalo sauce works well! New Primal and Frank’s are great options. Choose one that suits your taste preferences!

Can I add other vegetables to my Buffalo Chicken Sweet Potato Casserole?

Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite veggies such as bell peppers, zucchini, or even corn for extra flavor and nutrition.

Is Buffalo Chicken Sweet Potato Casserole healthy?

Yes! This casserole is packed with lean protein from chicken and fiber-rich sweet potatoes and broccoli, making it a nutritious choice for dinner!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this Buffalo Chicken Sweet Potato Casserole as much as I do! It’s a perfect blend of flavors that brings comfort while being nutritious. Whether you’re prepping for busy weeknights or hosting friends, this dish is sure to impress. Happy cooking, and don’t forget to share your delicious results!