Buffalo Chicken Lasagna Recipe
If you adore bold flavors with a comforting twist, this Buffalo Chicken Lasagna Recipe is about to become your new go-to dinner. Imagine tender shredded chicken drenched in tangy buffalo sauce, layered between creamy ricotta and gooey mozzarella, all nestled within tender lasagna noodles. It’s a playful fusion of spicy buffalo wings and classic Italian comfort food that delivers a delightful kick in every bite. Whether for family dinners or casual gatherings, this lasagna brings a lively, satisfying punch that’s guaranteed to please any crowd.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this dish plays a vital role in building layers of flavor and texture, making the Buffalo Chicken Lasagna Recipe both simple and unforgettable. From the creamy cheeses to the spicy buffalo sauce, every element works harmoniously to create that perfect balance you’ll crave.
- Cooked shredded chicken (2 cups): Rotisserie chicken is an easy shortcut that adds juicy, tender meat to the dish.
- Buffalo sauce (1/2 cup): Brings the signature heat and tang that makes the lasagna uniquely irresistible.
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing (1/4 cup): Adds a cool, creamy contrast to the spicy buffalo punch.
- Lasagna noodles (9-12, cooked): The perfect sturdy layers to hold all the flavorful fillings together.
- Ricotta cheese (1 1/2 cups): Offers a smooth, mild creaminess to balance the spice.
- Mozzarella cheese (1 1/2 cups shredded): For that irresistibly stretchy, melty cheesy goodness.
- Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup grated): Adds a sharp, savory depth to the cheesy filling.
- Egg (1): Helps bind the cheese mixture into a luscious, smooth layer.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1 1/2 cups): Provides a rich, sharp topping that browns beautifully in the oven.
- Heavy cream or milk (1 cup): Keeps the lasagna moist and creamy without overwhelming.
- Fresh cilantro or parsley (1/4 cup chopped, optional): A pop of freshness to brighten up every slice.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Lasagna Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Buffalo Chicken
Start by tossing the shredded chicken with buffalo sauce and ranch or blue cheese dressing in a medium bowl. This ensures every morsel of chicken is delightfully coated in that signature spicy, creamy flavor that forms the heart of this dish. Set this mixture aside as you move on.
Step 2: Make the Cheese Mixture
In another bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, one cup of shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, and the egg. Whisk these ingredients until smooth, creating a rich and velvety cheese filling that will add luscious creaminess to the lasagna layers.
Step 3: Preheat and Start Assembling
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it ready for baking this divine dish. Begin with a thin layer of the buffalo chicken mixture spread across the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish—this prevents sticking and infuses every bite right from the base.
Step 4: Layer the Lasagna
Place 3 to 4 cooked lasagna noodles over the buffalo chicken. Layer half of your ricotta cheese mixture on top, spreading it evenly. Follow with half of the remaining buffalo chicken mixture to build bold, spicy layers filled with cheesy goodness.
Step 5: Repeat the Layers and Top
Add another layer of noodles, then spread the rest of the ricotta mixture followed by the remaining buffalo chicken mixture. Finally, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese followed by the remaining mozzarella, creating a golden, cheesy crown for your masterpiece.
Step 6: Bake the Lasagna
Cover the dish with aluminum foil to trap moisture and bake for 25 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes, allowing the cheese to bubble and turn a delicious golden-brown shade that signals perfection.
Step 7: Rest and Garnish
Once your lasagna is out of the oven, let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes to set and make slicing easy. If you like, sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro or parsley over the top for a fresh, colorful touch that cuts through the richness.
How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Lasagna Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh cilantro or parsley not only adds a burst of color but also lifts the dish with a fresh herbal note that contrasts beautifully against the spicy, cheesy layers. You can also drizzle a little extra ranch or blue cheese dressing on top for creaminess and flair.
Side Dishes
For a well-rounded meal, serve your Buffalo Chicken Lasagna with a crisp side salad tossed in a light vinaigrette or some classic garlic bread to mop up every bit of that amazing sauce. The crisp textures and bright flavors in sides balance the richness perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving individual portions in small ramekins for a charming presentation at a dinner party. Alternatively, add a layer of thinly sliced celery inside the lasagna before baking for an unexpected crunch that echoes traditional buffalo wing platters.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Buffalo Chicken Lasagna keeps wonderfully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container to maintain its moisture and flavors. When you’re ready, simply reheat to enjoy the same bold, comforting taste as freshly baked.
Freezing
This recipe also freezes beautifully—perfect for prep ahead meals. Wrap the entire assembled lasagna tightly in foil and plastic wrap, then freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directed.
Reheating
To reheat, cover the lasagna with foil and warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes until heated through. Removing the foil for the last 5 minutes of reheating lets the cheese crisp back up nicely.
FAQs
Can I use homemade buffalo sauce instead of store-bought?
Absolutely! Homemade buffalo sauce with melted butter, hot sauce, and a hint of garlic offers a fantastic personal touch and allows you to adjust the heat level to your liking.
What if I don’t have ricotta cheese? Can I substitute it?
Yes, you can substitute ricotta with cottage cheese blended until smooth or even cream cheese for a richer texture, though it will slightly change the flavor profile.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Definitely. Just use gluten-free lasagna noodles and double-check that your buffalo sauce and dressings are gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
For a vegetarian twist, swap the shredded chicken with roasted cauliflower or jackfruit tossed in buffalo sauce. You’ll still get that spicy, creamy magic but without the meat.
How spicy is the Buffalo Chicken Lasagna Recipe?
The heat level depends on the buffalo sauce you use. You can choose mild, medium, or hot buffalo sauce to tailor the spiciness exactly to your preference, making it family-friendly or more adventurous.
Final Thoughts
This Buffalo Chicken Lasagna Recipe is a delightful way to bring the excitement of buffalo wings to the comforting world of Italian cuisine. The layers of spicy chicken, creamy cheese, and tender noodles come together to create a meal you’ll want to make again and again. Trust me, once you try it, it’s going to be a new favorite in your recipe collection. So roll up your sleeves and get ready for a tasty adventure that’s bursting with flavor and heartwarming satisfaction!
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Buffalo Chicken Lasagna Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This Buffalo Chicken Lasagna is a flavorful twist on traditional lasagna, combining shredded chicken tossed in tangy buffalo sauce with creamy ricotta and melting mozzarella cheeses. Layers of tender lasagna noodles, spicy buffalo chicken, and rich cheese are baked to bubbling perfection, creating a satisfying, spicy, and cheesy casserole that’s perfect for game day or a hearty family dinner.
Ingredients
Buffalo Chicken Mixture
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works well)
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
- 1/4 cup ranch dressing (or blue cheese dressing)
Cheese Mixture
- 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (from the total 1 1/2 cups)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
Other Ingredients
- 9–12 lasagna noodles, cooked and drained
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (total)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream or milk
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Buffalo Chicken: In a medium bowl, combine the shredded chicken with buffalo sauce and ranch dressing (or blue cheese dressing). Stir until the chicken is evenly coated. Set aside.
- Prepare the Lasagna Filling: In a separate bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, and the egg. Mix well to create a smooth cheese mixture.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking.
- Layer Buffalo Chicken: Spread a thin layer of the buffalo chicken mixture at the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- First Layer: Layer 3-4 lasagna noodles over the chicken. Spread half of the ricotta cheese mixture evenly over the noodles, followed by half of the buffalo chicken mixture.
- Second Layer: Repeat the layers with more noodles, the remaining ricotta mixture, and the remaining buffalo chicken mixture. Top this final layer with shredded cheddar cheese and the remaining mozzarella cheese.
- Bake Covered: Cover the lasagna with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes to heat through and melt the cheeses.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and bake an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top.
- Rest and Garnish: Let the lasagna rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing to set. Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley if desired.
- Serve: Serve warm with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal experience.
Notes
- You can substitute blue cheese dressing for ranch dressing for a stronger buffalo flavor.
- Use rotisserie chicken to save time on cooking and shredding chicken.
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half or milk for heavy cream.
- Allowing the lasagna to rest before slicing helps it hold together better.
- Fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley add a fresh flavor and enhance presentation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
