If you are craving a dish that’s bursting with flavor, cozy in texture, and just downright satisfying, you have to try this Buffalo Chicken Sweet Potato Casserole. This comforting casserole marries tender chunks of chicken with sweet, vibrant sweet potatoes and the unmistakable kick of buffalo sauce, all roasted to perfection. Each bite brings a balance of spicy, sweet, and savory that will keep you coming back for more. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing potluck dish, the Buffalo Chicken Sweet Potato Casserole is a true showstopper that surprises and delights.

Buffalo Chicken Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

While the ingredient list might seem straightforward, each item plays an indispensable role in this dish’s success. From the sweetness of the potatoes to the spicy zing of buffalo sauce and the crisp freshness of broccoli, every element contributes to the ultimate flavor and texture combination.

2 lbs boneless chicken breasts: Cubed chicken breasts provide tender, juicy protein that soaks up all the delicious buffalo flavors.
5 medium sweet potatoes: Cut into small cubes, their natural sweetness balances the heat and adds a hearty base.
2 heads broccoli: Small florets bring crunch, color, and a healthy component to the casserole.
1 cup buffalo sauce: The star of the dish, offering that signature spicy kick; choose your favorite brand.
1/2 cup avocado oil or olive oil: Helps roast the veggies and chicken perfectly, adding a subtle richness.
1/2 tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
1 tsp pepper: Adds a mild heat and depth.
2 tsp garlic powder: Infuses a warm, aromatic note throughout the dish.
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully on top to add gooey, savory goodness.
1/4 cup chopped green onion: Gives a fresh, sharp contrast and vibrant color.
1/2 cup cooked turkey bacon: Crispy bits sprinkled on top create an irresistible smoky crunch.
Drizzle of ranch: Optional but highly recommended to cool down the heat and add creaminess.

How to Make Buffalo Chicken Sweet Potato Casserole

Step 1: Prep and Roast the Sweet Potatoes

Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F and greasing a 9×13 casserole dish to prevent sticking later on. While the oven is warming, prepare your sweet potatoes by cutting them into small cubes. Toss these cubes with half of the buffalo sauce mixture—alongside avocado oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder—to coat them evenly. Spread the sweet potatoes in the casserole dish and roast for 30 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure every side caramelizes beautifully. This roasting step is crucial because it softens the potatoes while developing a slight crispness on the edges, infusing the base of your casserole with deep flavor.

Step 2: Combine Chicken, Broccoli, and Buffalo Sauce

While the sweet potatoes roast, cube the chicken breasts and cut broccoli into small florets. In the large bowl you used for tossing the sweet potatoes, mix the chicken and broccoli with the remaining buffalo sauce blend. Toss until every piece is generously coated. This step ensures that the chicken and broccoli soak up all that spicy, garlicky goodness, promising a harmonious blend of tastes when layered over the sweet potatoes.

Step 3: Layer and Bake the Casserole

Once the sweet potatoes have finished roasting their initial 30 minutes, evenly spread the buffalo-coated chicken and broccoli mixture on top. Return the casserole dish to the oven for another 20 to 25 minutes or until the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F and the broccoli is tender yet bright green. This baking melds the flavors together beautifully, while the chicken cooks through and the vegetables soften just right.

Step 4: Add Final Toppings and Melt

After removing the casserole from the oven, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese, chopped green onion, and cooked turkey bacon over the hot surface. Pop the dish back in the oven for 5 minutes until the cheese melts into a bubbly, golden topping. Let it cool slightly before serving, then drizzle with ranch dressing or blue cheese for that perfect creamy contrast. This last step elevates your Buffalo Chicken Sweet Potato Casserole into a decadent, irresistible feast.

How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Sweet Potato Casserole

Garnishes

Garnishing your casserole is where you can get playful and add freshness, crunch, or cooling elements to balance the heat. Fresh chopped green onions sprinkled over the top provide a zingy brightness. Crumbled blue cheese or a drizzle of ranch dressing complements the spicy buffalo flavor perfectly, softening the heat while adding savory creaminess. For an extra touch of texture, toss on some crispy turkey bacon or even some toasted nuts.

Side Dishes

Since Buffalo Chicken Sweet Potato Casserole is pretty rich and robust on its own, pairing it with lighter sides works best. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette refreshes the palate and adds an extra veggie boost. Steamed or roasted green beans or asparagus provide a simple, clean contrast without competing for flavor. If you want a heartier option, soft dinner rolls are fantastic for sopping up the extra sauce and melted cheese.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to impress guests or just shake up your usual routine? Serve the casserole in individual ramekins for a personal touch, making each portion feel special. Layer the ingredients in a clear glass dish so the beautiful colors peek through, tempting everyone before the first bite. Another fun idea is to turn leftovers into stuffed sweet potato skins, reheating the casserole and spooning it back into hollowed-out potato halves topped with extra cheese and green onions.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Buffalo Chicken Sweet Potato Casserole keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 5 days when stored in an airtight container. The flavors meld further, making leftovers even more delicious by day two or three. Just be sure to cool it completely before refrigerating to maintain texture and freshness.

Freezing

This casserole also freezes really well if you want to make it far ahead for busy weeks. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating and adding fresh toppings to revive its vibrant taste and texture.

Reheating

For best results, reheat individual portions in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, usually about 15-20 minutes. Alternatively, microwave on medium power, stirring occasionally, but note some crispness may be lost this way. Adding fresh cheese or green onions after reheating brings back that fresh, just-made feel.

FAQs

Can I use regular potatoes instead of sweet potatoes?

You certainly can swap in regular potatoes, but the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes really balances the buffalo sauce’s heat beautifully. If you go with regular potatoes, consider adding a small pinch of brown sugar or honey to maintain some sweetness.

Is this casserole very spicy?

The spice level mainly depends on the buffalo sauce you choose. If you prefer mild heat, opt for a milder buffalo sauce or reduce the amount used. Adding ranch or blue cheese dressing also softens the spiciness for sensitive palates.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! Swap the chicken and turkey bacon for roasted cauliflower or crispy chickpeas to maintain a hearty texture without the meat. You could also add more broccoli or other sturdy veggies like bell peppers to bulk it up.

What’s the best cheese to use?

Cheddar cheese melts nicely and adds a sharp, savory flavor that complements buffalo sauce well. Feel free to mix in mozzarella for extra gooeyness or blue cheese crumbles if you love that classic buffalo wing pairing.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The most reliable way is to check with a meat thermometer—look for an internal temperature of 165°F. The chicken should also be opaque and no longer pink inside. Baking times may vary slightly depending on your oven and how large the chicken cubes are.

Final Thoughts

This Buffalo Chicken Sweet Potato Casserole has quickly become one of those dishes I reach for when I want comfort food with a punch of flavor and a touch of creativity. It’s straightforward to prepare, versatile, and hits all the right notes with every forkful. Whether you’re feeding a family or hosting friends, this casserole is sure to be a memorable and beloved meal. Give it a try soon—you might just find your new favorite!