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Alex, MS, RD | Nutrition
Alex, MS, RD | Nutrition

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A close-up of a finished buffalo chicken quinoa casserole in a glass dish, topped with melted cheese, white sauce, and chopped green onions. A wooden spoon is partially visible, and the recipe title is overlaid.
A baked buffalo chicken quinoa casserole in a glass dish, featuring melted cheese, diced chicken, a white sauce drizzle, and chopped green onions on top.
An overhead view of all the ingredients for the buffalo chicken quinoa casserole, including chicken breast, quinoa, buffalo sauce, Greek yogurt, shredded carrots, bell peppers, cheese, and seasonings, each labeled.
A glass baking dish containing layers of uncooked quinoa, shredded carrots, diced bell peppers, and diced cooked chicken, ready for the next step of the casserole assembly.
A bowl containing the orange-colored buffalo sauce mixture, with a wooden spoon resting inside, prepared for pouring over the casserole ingredients.
The assembled casserole in a glass dish, with the buffalo sauce mixture poured over the chicken and vegetables, and then topped with a generous layer of shredded cheese.
A glass baking dish, likely containing the casserole, completely covered with aluminum foil, indicating it is prepared for baking or is in the process of baking.
A close-up of the baked casserole, showcasing bubbly, golden-brown melted cheese, with visible pieces of chicken and colorful vegetables underneath.
A close-up of a serving of the buffalo chicken quinoa casserole in a wooden bowl, highlighting the texture of quinoa, chicken, vegetables, melted cheese, and a white sauce drizzle.
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One Pan Buffalo Chicken Quinoa Casserole

This buffalo chicken quinoa casserole is the perfect mix of easy, healthy, and meal-prep friendly. Everything bakes together in one pan for a high-protein, gluten-free dinner that is low prep so nutritious! It's a perfect combination of comfort and nutrition. Prep ahead friendly and leftovers make delicious lunches for meal prep!

I love a good casserole so, so much as a busy mom. When I find a good one, it immediately goes into my monthly meal rotation – and this one is no different.

Most of my casseroles use rice, so I love that this one utilizes the complete protein and antioxidant-rich quinoa! It adds some extra protein, fiber, magnesium, and iron. Plus, this casserole is cheesy spicy goodness!

Everything you could ever want with a buffalo chicken casserole, in my opinion!

Ingredients

1 cup of uncooked quinoa – pre-rinsed for convenience. If you don’t have a sieve to rinse quinoa, I would recommend an already pre-rinsed quinoa like Bob’s Red Mill Organic.

1 1/2 pounds of raw, skinless, boneless chicken breast or about 3.5-4 cups of cooked chicken breast. I typically partially cook the chicken before adding to the casserole. Cooked chicken can be used, too!

1/2 cup buffalo sauce. I used Kinder’s Buttery Buffalo Sauce and I highly recommend for this recipe. It is lower in sodium than many other sauces, too.

1 cup of water or low sodium chicken broth.

1/2 cup of plain Greek yogurt.

1 cup of shredded carrots.

2 bell peppers, diced small. I like to use yellow and red to add some color.

1 white onion, diced small – optional, or you can just top with green onions.

8 ounces of sharp cheddar or Colby Jack cheese

Garlic powder, one teaspoon.

Onion powder, one teaspoon.

Green onions, optional, for topping

Bleu cheese, optional, for topping

Directions

Preheat oven to 400°F.

Partially cook chicken: While the oven preheats, air fry or sauté chicken for about 10–12 minutes until mostly cooked, then dice into small pieces. (You can also use cooked or even raw chicken — just ensure it reaches 165°F by the end of baking.)

Prep veggies: Finely dice onion and bell peppers. If needed, rinse quinoa using a fine mesh sieve (or start with pre-rinsed quinoa to save time).

Assemble casserole: Add quinoa to the bottom of a 9×13-inch glass baking dish. Layer on the diced vegetables and chicken.

Make sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together buffalo sauce, Greek yogurt, garlic powder, onion powder and broth (or water) until smooth.

Combine: Pour sauce evenly over the casserole, making sure everything is coated. Sprinkle with half the cheese.

Bake covered: Cover tightly with foil and bake for 60 minutes.

Uncover + finish: Remove foil, top with remaining cheese, and bake uncovered for another 10 minutes, until bubbly and golden.

Rest + serve: Let stand for 10 minutes before serving. Drizzle with extra buffalo sauce, ranch, or sprinkle with green onions or bleu cheese if desired.

Full recipe & nutrition (plus more healthy recipes):

www.moderatelymessyRD.com

Or click link in bio!

#lowcaloriedinners #one pan meal #onepanmeals #casserolerecipe #quinoa

2025/10/6 Edited to

... Read moreIf you’re looking to combine convenience with nutrition, this one pan buffalo chicken quinoa casserole is a game changer. Incorporating quinoa, a complete protein packed with fiber, magnesium, and iron, elevates this dish beyond traditional casseroles that commonly use rice. Quinoa not only enhances nutritional value but also adds a subtle nutty flavor and pleasing texture to the casserole. The choice of buffalo sauce plays a significant role in balancing taste and health; opting for a lower sodium version like Kinder’s Buttery Buffalo Sauce helps you enjoy bold flavors without excess salt. Adding Greek yogurt into the sauce mixture gives a creamy tang while boosting protein and probiotics, promoting gut health. Shredded carrots, diced bell peppers, and onions not only provide vibrant colors but also contribute antioxidants and essential vitamins, complementing the spicy, cheesy components of the casserole. Using sharp cheddar or Colby Jack cheese guarantees that melty, rich cheese pull that makes any casserole irresistible. For meal prep enthusiasts, this casserole holds an advantage due to its one-pan assembly and the ability to bake everything together, reducing cleanup time. After baking covered then uncovered for a bubbly, golden finish, leftovers store well and reheat beautifully for easy lunches or quick dinners. To customize, consider topping with fresh green onions or crumbled bleu cheese to add layers of flavor. This casserole is versatile — it can accommodate cooked or raw chicken, just ensure it reaches a safe internal temperature. Using low sodium chicken broth instead of water enriches the dish with more depth. Incorporating this recipe into your meal rotation supports a balanced diet that fits well in plans for weight management or simply nourishing family dinners. You can experiment with spice levels by adjusting the buffalo sauce quantity or complementing it with a cool ranch drizzle. Overall, this one pan buffalo chicken quinoa casserole is an excellent example of comfort food made healthy and accessible — perfect for anyone wanting to enjoy wholesome, flavorful meals with minimal fuss.