Easy dinner recipe using frozen cauliflower rice, canned chicken, cream cheese, bacon, and a few other ingredients you probably already have at home.
A cheesy, creamy, low carb chicken casserole with lots of hidden vegetables!
Looking for an easy dinner that sneaks plenty of vegetables into a comforting meal? This cheesy buffalo chicken cauliflower rice skillet combines convenient ingredients like frozen cauliflower rice and canned chicken with cream cheese, cheddar, bacon, and hot sauce.
The result is a creamy, cheesy, flavorful dinner that comes together without complicated preparation. Since cauliflower rice takes the place of traditional rice, the dish is naturally low in carbohydrates and can also be made gluten-free with suitable ingredients.
Crispy bacon adds a delicious savory crunch, while buffalo-style hot sauce gives the creamy chicken mixture a flavorful kick. It is a great option for busy weeknights when you want something filling without spending hours in the kitchen.
Another advantage is that everything can be prepared in one skillet when using an oven-safe cast iron pan. That means less cleanup after dinner and more time to relax.
Ingredients
- 12.5 ounces canned chicken, drained
- 4 cups riced cauliflower
- 4 slices cooked bacon
- 8 ounces cream cheese
- ¾ cup mayonnaise
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 3 tablespoons hot sauce
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
How to Make Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Cauliflower Rice Skillet
Prepare the cauliflower rice according to the package directions by microwaving or steaming it until warm. While the cauliflower is heating, cook the bacon in a cast iron skillet until crisp. Remove the bacon, crumble it into small pieces, and reserve about 1 tablespoon of the bacon grease in the skillet.
Add the cream cheese and hot sauce to the skillet with the reserved bacon grease. Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring regularly, until the cream cheese has melted and everything is smooth and well combined.
Drain the canned chicken and add it to the creamy buffalo mixture. Stir in the warm cauliflower rice, mayonnaise, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Mix everything thoroughly until the ingredients are evenly distributed.
If you are not using an oven-safe cast iron skillet, transfer the mixture to a lightly greased 9×13-inch baking dish before adding the toppings.
Sprinkle the crumbled bacon evenly over the chicken and cauliflower mixture. Add the remaining shredded cheddar cheese across the top.
Place the skillet or baking dish in a preheated 350°F oven. Bake for approximately 25–30 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and the cheese on top is melted and lightly browned.
Allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving. You can adjust the amount of hot sauce depending on how mild or spicy you prefer your buffalo chicken.
A Quick and Easy Weeknight Dinner
One of the best things about this recipe is how little preparation it requires. Frozen cauliflower rice eliminates the need to chop or prepare fresh cauliflower, while canned chicken makes it possible to skip cooking and shredding chicken from scratch.
Most of the ingredients can be kept on hand, making this an excellent last-minute dinner when you need something quick. Simply prepare the creamy mixture, add the toppings, bake, and serve.
The combination of tender chicken, cauliflower rice, creamy cheese, spicy buffalo sauce, and crispy bacon creates a comforting dish that feels indulgent while still including a generous serving of vegetables.
Why This Recipe Is So Convenient
This skillet casserole is especially useful for busy evenings because it requires very little hands-on work. Using one oven-safe skillet also helps reduce the number of dishes you need to wash afterward.
It is also easy to customize. You can add more hot sauce for extra heat, use your favorite shredded cheese, or adjust the seasoning according to your taste. Serve it as a complete meal or pair it with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables.
If you enjoy creamy, cheesy comfort food but want an easy way to add more vegetables to dinner, this buffalo chicken cauliflower rice skillet is a great recipe to keep in your regular meal rotation.