Name: Buffalo Chicken Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 lbs boneless chicken breasts (about 3 large breasts), cut into cubes; 1/2 cup cooked turkey bacon; 5 medium sweet potatoes, cut into small cubes (skin on or off); 2 heads broccoli, cut into small florets; 1/4 cup chopped green onion; 1 cup buffalo sauce (e.g., New Primal or Franks); 1/2 cup avocado oil or olive oil; 1/2 tsp salt; 1 tsp pepper; 2 tsp garlic powder; drizzle of ranch dressing; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Jump to Recipe· 4.6 from 24 reviews

Okay, if you’re craving something that’s cozy, spicy, and absolutely packed with flavor, you’re going to love this Buffalo Chicken Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe. I first made this dish last fall when I wanted something warm and a little bit different from your usual chicken casserole. The mix of tender buffalo chicken, roasted sweet potatoes, and broccoli, all topped with melty cheddar and crispy turkey bacon? Trust me, it’s fan-freaking-tastic. Stick around, and I’ll walk you through every step to make sure yours turns out just as delicious.

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Why This Recipe Works

Perfect Flavor Balance: The spicy buffalo sauce pairs beautifully with the natural sweetness of the potatoes, creating a harmony that’s irresistible.
Layered Textures: Roasted sweet potatoes, tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and melty cheese combine for a variety of mouthfeel sensations.
Simple, Crowd-Pleasing Ingredients: You probably already have most of these in your kitchen, and the recipe comes together quickly!
Flexible and Customizable: You can tweak spices, swap ingredients, or adjust heat levels to suit your taste.

Buffalo Chicken Sweet Potato Casserole, spicy sweet potato casserole, baked buffalo chicken dish, healthy buffalo casserole, easy dinner ideas - This image shows a glass baking dish filled with a layered casserole. The bottom layer is a mix of roasted broccoli and sweet potato chunks with a slightly crisp texture and green and orange colors. On top of this, there are slices of cooked chicken pieces with a light brown color, scattered with reddish-brown bacon pieces. Melted cheddar cheese sheets with a rich orange color cover the chicken and vegetables, adding a smooth texture. There are dollops of white sauce spread over the dish, with small bits of crumbly white cheese and sliced green onions sprinkled on top, adding contrast and freshness. The dish is placed on a white marbled surface with a silver spatula partially inside the baking dish. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Behind every great recipe is a solid cast of ingredients, and this Buffalo Chicken Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe is no exception. These ingredients complement each other perfectly — the sweet potatoes offer a mellow base, while the chicken and buffalo sauce bring that punch of heat and savoriness.

Boneless chicken breasts: Lean and easy to cube, chicken breasts soak up buffalo sauce nicely, keeping the dish juicy.
Sweet potatoes: Their natural sweetness balances the spicy buffalo sauce; you can leave the skin on for extra nutrients or peel for smoother bites.
Broccoli: Adds crispness and a slight earthiness; roasting helps maintain that perfect tender-crisp texture.
Buffalo sauce: The star flavor, bringing the iconic spicy, tangy kick; I like using New Primal for its clean ingredients, but Frank’s is a classic.
Avocado or olive oil: Helps roast sweet potatoes perfectly and meld flavors; avocado oil’s subtle flavor and high smoke point is ideal.
Salt and pepper: Enhance all the flavors and balance the heat.
Garlic powder: A savory layer that deepens the flavor without overpowering.
Cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully over top adding richness and gooey goodness.
Green onion: Adds fresh bite and color contrast.
Cooked turkey bacon: For that satisfying smoky crunch without too much fat.
Ranch drizzle: A cool, creamy finish that tames the spice and adds tang.

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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.

Make It Your Way

The beauty of this Buffalo Chicken Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe is how easy it is to make your own. Maybe you’re like me and want to turn down the heat, or perhaps you love things fiery—either way, there’s room to play. I often swap turkey bacon for crispy pancetta or add some blue cheese crumbles when I’m feeling fancy. You do you!

Mild Version: Swap buffalo sauce for a milder wing sauce or mix in some honey to tame the spice; it’s still just as tasty and kid-friendly.
Vegetarian Twist: Skip the chicken and turkey bacon; substitute with hearty roasted cauliflower or chickpeas for protein.
Extra Veggie Boost: Toss in some roasted bell peppers or mushrooms along with the broccoli for a more complex veggie layer.
Make it Keto: Swap sweet potatoes with cauliflower florets roasted till tender; still loads of flavor without the carbs.

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

Step 1: Prep and Roast the Sweet Potatoes

First things first—preheat your oven to 425°F and grease a 9×13 casserole dish. I like to dice the sweet potatoes into small cubes so they cook evenly and get that lovely roasted caramelization. Toss half of the buffalo sauce mixed with avocado oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder in a large bowl with the potatoes. Spread them out in your casserole dish and roast for 30 minutes, flipping the potatoes halfway through so they brown nicely on all sides. This step is key because fully cooking the potatoes upfront means they’re perfectly tender when your casserole comes together.

Step 2: Coat the Chicken and Broccoli

While the sweet potatoes roast, cube your chicken breasts and cut broccoli into small florets. In the same bowl you used for the potatoes (makes cleanup way easier!), toss the chicken and broccoli with the remaining buffalo sauce mixture until everything’s thoroughly coated. Patience here pays off—you want every bite of chicken to have that spicy buffalo flavor.

Step 3: Bake it All Together

Once the sweet potatoes have had their roasting time, add your buffalo-coated chicken and broccoli on top. Pop it back into the oven for 20-25 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temp of 165°F. When you’re close, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese, chopped green onions, and cooked turkey bacon over the top. Return to the oven for another 5 minutes, or until the cheese melts into a glorious gooey layer.

Step 4: Rest and Serve

Let your casserole cool for a few minutes before serving—this helps all the flavors settle, and it’s just easier to dig into without burning your mouth! I like to drizzle a little ranch on top right before serving to cut the heat and add a refreshing creaminess.

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Tips from My Kitchen

Evenly Sized Cubes: When dicing your sweet potatoes and chicken, aim for uniform pieces to ensure everything cooks evenly—no one likes half raw chicken or undercooked potatoes!
Use a Meat Thermometer: I always check the chicken’s internal temperature to avoid overcooking—it makes a huge difference in tenderness.
Don’t Skimp on Tossing: Tossing the veggies and chicken thoroughly in buffalo sauce is what guarantees even, bold flavor throughout.
Layer Cheese Last: Adding cheese right at the end means it melts perfectly without drying out or browning too much.

How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

I’m all about the finishing touches, and for this casserole, I love sprinkling fresh green onions on top—they add a slight crunch and pop of color. A drizzle of ranch or blue cheese dressing beautifully cools down the spice, and sometimes, I add a little extra crispy turkey bacon because bacon just makes everything better.

Side Dishes

This casserole holds its own, but pairing it with something light balances the meal. A crisp side salad with a tangy vinaigrette or some simple steamed green beans helps keep things fresh. If you want more carbs, garlic bread is always a crowd-pleaser.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this casserole in smaller individual ramekins topped with extra cheese and a little sprinkle of fresh parsley. It instantly elevates the presentation and makes it feel just a touch more festive. Plus, friends appreciate their own personal portions!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying the first round, I promptly cover leftovers tightly with foil or transfer them to airtight containers. Stored this way in the fridge, the casserole keeps great for about five days—perfect for a quick lunch or dinner.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this casserole several times with success. Just cool it completely before wrapping tightly in plastic wrap and then foil or putting it in a freezer-safe container. It’s best eaten within 2-3 months for optimal flavor and texture.

Reheating

For reheating, I prefer the oven to keep that crispy top intact—cover with foil for the first 10 minutes at 350°F, then remove the foil for the last 5 to bring back the melted cheese’s golden glow. Microwaving works in a pinch but can sometimes leave things a bit soggy.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh for this casserole?

Yes, you can use frozen broccoli if that’s what you have on hand. Just make sure to thaw and drain it well before mixing so you don’t end up with a watery casserole. Fresh broccoli tends to hold up better with roasting but frozen works in a pinch.
How spicy is the Buffalo Chicken Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe?

The spiciness depends on the buffalo sauce you choose. I usually use a moderately spicy New Primal or Frank’s sauce, which delivers a satisfying kick without overwhelming heat. If you prefer milder flavors, you can reduce the amount of sauce or mix it with a little butter or honey.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time and bake it later?

Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole a day ahead, cover it tightly, and keep it in the fridge. When ready to bake, just add about 5-10 minutes onto the baking time since it’s chilled. This makes it wonderful for busy weeknights or entertaining.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers without drying out the chicken?

Reheating in the oven is your best bet—cover the casserole with foil initially to lock in moisture, then uncover towards the end to refresh the cheese topping. Microwaving can dry out the chicken, so use it sparingly or add a splash of water before heating.

Final Thoughts

This Buffalo Chicken Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe isn’t just a meal; for me, it’s a cozy hug in food form. It’s brought me back from hectic days and made weekday dinners feel special with minimal fuss. I hope you try it soon — whether for a family dinner or when friends drop by, this dish is always a winner. And once you’ve tasted that spicy-sweet comfort, I bet it’ll become one of your go-to recipes too!