Buffalo Chicken Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

If you’re looking for a delicious twist on comfort food that’s packed with flavor and just a little bit of a kick, you’ve got to try this Buffalo Chicken Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe. It’s one of those dishes I find myself making again and again because it’s so cozy, filling, and frankly, downright addictive. Think tender chunks of chicken tossed in spicy buffalo sauce, roasted sweet potatoes that give a natural sweetness, and crunchy broccoli all baked into a bubbly casserole topped with cheddar, bacon, and green onions. Trust me, once you dig in, you’ll want to make it your new go-to dinner!

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Why This Recipe Works

  • Perfect Balance: The natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes contrasts beautifully with the spicy buffalo sauce for a flavor combo that sings.
  • One-Dish Wonder: This casserole combines protein, veggies, and carbs in a single pan, making clean-up a breeze and dinner straightforward.
  • Layered Textures: Crispy roasted edges, tender chicken, and gooey melted cheese give every bite a satisfying mix of textures.
  • Flexible Ingredients: You can easily swap out broccoli for other veggies or switch up the toppings to suit your mood or pantry.

Ingredients & Why They Work

This Buffalo Chicken Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe shines because of its carefully chosen ingredients that harmonize to deliver hearty, spicy, and comforting flavors. Here’s a little breakdown of why each one matters and how I pick mine for the best results.

Buffalo Chicken Sweet Potato Casserole, buffalo chicken baked dish, spicy sweet potato casserole, healthy buffalo chicken dinner, cheesy buffalo chicken casserole - Flat lay of boneless chicken breasts cut into cubes, medium sweet potatoes with skin on cut into small cubes, fresh broccoli florets, small white bowl of bright orange buffalo sauce, small white bowl of golden avocado oil, small white bowl of coarse salt, small white bowl of black peppercorns, small white bowl of garlic powder, small white bowl of shredded cheddar cheese, small white bowl of chopped green onions, small white bowl of cooked turkey bacon pieces, small white bowl with a drizzle of creamy ranch dressing, all ingredients arranged in perfect symmetry on simple white ceramic dishes placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997
  • Boneless chicken breasts: They cook evenly and soak up the buffalo sauce wonderfully while staying tender when baked properly.
  • Sweet potatoes: Their natural sweetness mellows the heat and adds a creamy roasted texture; I love leaving the skin on for added fiber and nutrients.
  • Broccoli florets: Adds a fresh crunch and vibrant color that cuts through the richness of the dish.
  • Buffalo sauce: Choose a brand you love; I’ve tried New Primal and Franks, and both work fantastically depending on your heat preference.
  • Avocado or olive oil: Helps the buffalo sauce coat the ingredients well and aids roasting for perfect caramelization.
  • Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully on top, adding gooey, savory richness that ties everything together.
  • Green onion: Freshness and a mild bite make it a perfect final garnish!
  • Cooked turkey bacon: For that irresistible smoky crunch on top—trust me, it’s a game-changer.
  • Ranch dressing drizzle: A creamy element that cools the heat and adds another layer of flavor at serving time.
  • Salt, pepper, garlic powder: Essential for bumping up flavor and seasoning each layer perfectly.
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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

One of the reasons I keep coming back to this Buffalo Chicken Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe is how forgiving it is when you personalize it. Feel free to swap veggies or cheese, adjust the spiciness, or even turn it into a vegetarian dish if you want. Cooking should be fun, not stressful!

  • Vegetarian variation: Replace the chicken with chickpeas or cauliflower florets roasted in buffalo sauce. I tried cauliflower once, and it soaked up the flavors beautifully.
  • Mild version: If you’re not big on spice, reduce the buffalo sauce or use a milder wing sauce; adding more cheese helps cool things down too.
  • Extra heat: For spice lovers, toss in some sliced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne powder along with the buffalo sauce.
  • Cheese swap: Feel free to try pepper jack for extra kick or mozzarella for more meltiness.
  • Make it keto-friendly: Skip the sweet potatoes and roast extra broccoli or cauliflower instead; it’s still delicious and low-carb.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Buffalo Chicken Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Roast the Sweet Potatoes

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F and greasing a 9×13 casserole dish—it helps prevent sticking and ensures easy cleanup. Cube your sweet potatoes into bite-sized pieces; I like to keep the skin on for texture but peel if you prefer a smoother bite. Toss the sweet potato cubes with half of your buffalo sauce mixture made from combining buffalo sauce, avocado oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Spread them evenly in the casserole dish and roast for 30 minutes, flipping halfway through so they brown evenly. Roasting sweet potatoes first not only softens them but also brings out their natural sweetness, which balances the spicy buffalo sauce superbly.

Step 2: Prepare and Toss Chicken & Broccoli

While the sweet potatoes are roasting, cube your chicken breasts and chop broccoli into small florets. In a large bowl, combine the chicken, broccoli, and the remaining buffalo sauce mixture—make sure everything is well coated. When the sweet potatoes have roasted for 30 minutes, remove the dish from the oven and add this chicken and broccoli mix on top. This layering ensures the veggies stay tender-crisp and the chicken bakes juicy without drying out.

Step 3: Bake Until Chicken Is Perfect

Bake the entire casserole for 20-25 minutes more, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F — you can check with a meat thermometer to be sure. I find this step crucial because underdone chicken is no fun, but overcooked means dry bites, and no one wants that.

Step 4: Add Toppings and Melt the Cheese

Once the chicken and broccoli are cooked through, remove the casserole and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese, chopped green onions, and cooked turkey bacon evenly over the top. Pop it back into the oven for about 5 minutes or until the cheese is bubbling and melted. The combination of smoky bacon and creamy cheese takes this dish to another level, and fresh green onions add a welcome pop of color and bite.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

After the cheese melts, take the casserole out and let it sit a few minutes to set up. When ready to serve, drizzle a little ranch or blue cheese dressing on top if you like a cooling contrast to the spicy buffalo flavors. Dig in and enjoy your homemade comfort in every bite!

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Pro Tips for Making Buffalo Chicken Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

  • Even Cubes: Cut chicken and sweet potatoes into similar-sized pieces so everything cooks evenly and finishes at the same time.
  • Roast Sweet Potatoes First: Trust me, this step prevents sogginess and ensures they have that great roasted flavor and texture.
  • Check Chicken Temp: Use a meat thermometer to avoid under- or overcooking; juicy chicken is key here.
  • Add Cheese Last: Putting cheese on in the final minutes prevents burning and keeps it melty and gooey.

How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

Buffalo Chicken Sweet Potato Casserole, buffalo chicken baked dish, spicy sweet potato casserole, healthy buffalo chicken dinner, cheesy buffalo chicken casserole - A clear glass baking dish filled with a colorful mix of food layers on a white marbled surface. The bottom layer is made of orange roasted cubes, likely sweet potatoes, topped with bright green roasted broccoli pieces. Large chunks of cooked white chicken pieces are scattered evenly on top of the vegetables. On the top layer, there are dark red crispy bacon strips breaking up the texture and sprinkled yellow shredded cheddar cheese adds a soft texture and color contrast. Around the dish, there are small white bowls filled with chopped green onions, more bacon strips, and an orange sauce. The overall look is warm and inviting with a mix of soft and crispy textures, set against the white marbled background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I always love topping my casserole with fresh chopped green onions and a sprinkle of crispy turkey bacon because they add fresh bursts of flavor and crunch. And don’t get me started on a drizzle of ranch or blue cheese dressing—perfect on a spicy buffalo dish to cool things off and boost that creamy mouthfeel.

Side Dishes

This casserole is quite the hearty meal, but I like to pair it with something green and fresh like a crisp mixed salad or simple steamed green beans to balance it all out. If you want a lighter touch, some celery sticks or carrot sticks with ranch make a fun side that echoes classic buffalo wings vibes.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun gathering or game day, serve this dish in individual ramekins or mini casserole dishes to make it feel a bit more special. Another idea: top with sliced avocado and a handful of fresh cilantro or parsley for a fresh contrast and pretty presentation that’ll have guests asking for your recipe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and they’re good for up to 5 days. Make sure to cool the casserole before covering and refrigerating so it keeps its texture and flavor as much as possible.

Freezing

This Buffalo Chicken Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe freezes beautifully. I like to flash-freeze individual portions on a tray before transferring them to freezer bags; this way, portions thaw and reheat quickly without sticking together, making busy weeknights so much easier.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop leftovers in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes so the casserole warms through evenly and the cheese gets melty again. If you’re in a rush, a microwave will do, but the texture is better when reheated in the oven.

FAQs

  1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts in this casserole?

    Absolutely! Chicken thighs tend to stay more moist and flavorful due to their higher fat content. Just make sure to cut them into evenly sized pieces and monitor their cooking time, as they sometimes cook faster than breasts.

  2. What if I don’t have buffalo sauce on hand—can I make a substitute?

    You can mix hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot) with melted butter or olive oil and a pinch of garlic powder to mimic that classic buffalo flavor. Adjust the amount of hot sauce to your spice preference.

  3. Is it necessary to roast the sweet potatoes before adding the chicken and broccoli?

    Roasting the sweet potatoes first ensures they cook through evenly and develop a lovely roasted sweetness and slight crispness. If you skip this step, your sweet potatoes might be undercooked or mushy by the time the chicken is done.

  4. Can I make this Buffalo Chicken Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe dairy-free?

    Definitely! Skip the cheese or use a dairy-free cheese alternative. Ranch and blue cheese drizzles can be swapped with dairy-free dressings as well. It still tastes great with all the spicy buffalo goodness.

Final Thoughts

This Buffalo Chicken Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe has become a beloved staple in my kitchen for all the right reasons—it’s easy to make, packed with bold flavors, and comforting enough to satisfy everyone at the table. I love how the sweet potatoes mellow the heat and the cheesy, smoky toppings pull it all together perfectly. If you want a fuss-free, crowd-pleasing dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, give this recipe a try. I promise it’ll quickly become one of your favorites, just like it did mine.

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Buffalo Chicken Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.8 from 24 reviews
  • Author: Amanda
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Low Lactose

Description

Buffalo Chicken Sweet Potato Casserole is a flavorful and hearty dish featuring tender chicken, roasted sweet potatoes, and broccoli coated in spicy buffalo sauce, then topped with cheddar cheese, green onions, and crispy turkey bacon. Perfect for a comforting dinner with a zesty kick.


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

Sauce and Seasoning

  • 1 cup buffalo sauce
  • 1/2 cup avocado oil
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp pepper
  • 2 tsp garlic powder

Toppings

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


Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit and grease a 9×13 casserole dish thoroughly to prevent sticking.
  2. Cut Ingredients: Prepare the chicken by cutting into cubes, chop sweet potatoes into small cubes (with or without skin), and cut broccoli into small florets for even cooking.
  3. Mix Buffalo Sauce: In a small bowl, combine buffalo sauce, avocado oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder to create a well-seasoned spicy sauce.
  4. Toss Sweet Potatoes: Place sweet potatoes in a large bowl and add half of the buffalo sauce mixture. Toss thoroughly to coat all pieces.
  5. Roast Sweet Potatoes: Spread the sweet potatoes evenly in the casserole dish and roast in the oven for 30 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure even browning.
  6. Coat Chicken and Broccoli: While sweet potatoes roast, add chicken and broccoli to the bowl that held the sweet potatoes, add the remaining buffalo sauce, and toss well to coat.
  7. Combine and Bake: After 30 minutes, remove the casserole dish and layer the buffalo-coated chicken and broccoli on top of the roasted sweet potatoes. Return to the oven and bake for 25 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
  8. Add Toppings: Remove the casserole from the oven, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese, chopped green onions, and cooked turkey bacon over the top. Place it back into the oven for 5 minutes or until the cheese melts.
  9. Serve: Allow the casserole to cool for a few moments before serving. Drizzle with ranch or blue cheese dressing if desired for added 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 a vegetarian alternative.
  • Adjust the amount of buffalo sauce for milder or spicier flavor according to your preference.
  • Use fresh or frozen broccoli florets but ensure they are thawed and drained if frozen.
  • Sweet potato skins add extra fiber but can be peeled if preferred for a smoother texture.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Sugar: 7 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 25 g
  • Fiber: 5 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 85 mg

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