If you are searching for a dish that brilliantly fuses comfort food with a spicy kick, this Buffalo Chicken Lasagna Recipe is your next go-to favorite. Imagine the classic richness of lasagna intertwined with the bold, tangy flavors of buffalo wing sauce and creamy cheeses, creating an irresistible harmony that delights every bite. It’s the perfect marriage of Italian heartiness and American zest, guaranteed to satisfy any craving for a crowd-pleasing meal that carries just the right amount of heat and gooey goodness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this Buffalo Chicken Lasagna Recipe is simpler than you might think, yet each component plays a vital role in achieving that perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color. From the creamy ricotta and tangy blue cheese to the spicy buffalo wing sauce and hearty noodles, every item is essential to making this dish truly special.
- 12 sheets lasagna noodles, oven ready: Convenient no-boil noodles save time while providing the classic layered structure you expect.
- 1 cup ricotta cheese: Adds creamy richness and a smooth texture that balances the spicy chicken.
- 8 ounces blue cheese, crumbled: Delivers sharp, pungent flavor, complementing the buffalo sauce perfectly.
- 1 large egg: Helps bind the cheese mixture for a luscious, cohesive filling.
- ¼ cup chopped parsley: Brings fresh, herbal notes and a pop of green color to brighten the dish.
- ¼ teaspoon salt, or to taste: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
- ¼ teaspoon pepper, or to taste: Adds just a touch of warmth and depth to the cheese filling.
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded: The star protein, soaking up all the saucy goodness.
- ¾ cup buffalo wing sauce: Packs the signature spicy kick this recipe is known for.
- ¾ cup ranch dressing: Offers creamy coolness to balance the heat and adds a familiar flavor twist.
- 15 ounces diced tomatoes, canned: Adds moisture, a hint of acidity, and vibrant color to the chicken mixture.
- 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully to provide gooey, cheesy layers that hold the lasagna together.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Lasagna Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by setting your oven to 375°F (190°C). Having a properly preheated oven ensures your lasagna bakes evenly and develops that perfect bubbly and golden top texture that’s so inviting.
Step 2: Mix the Cheese Filling
In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, crumbled blue cheese, the egg, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix these ingredients thoroughly until smooth. This mixture forms a creamy, slightly tangy layer that perfectly complements the spicy chicken and adds richness to every bite.
Step 3: Prepare the Chicken Mixture
Now, take your shredded cooked chicken and toss it in a bowl with buffalo wing sauce, ranch dressing, and diced tomatoes. Stir until everything is coated evenly. This amalgamation ensures each forkful bursts with spicy, tangy, and savory notes that are the hallmark of this Buffalo Chicken Lasagna Recipe.
Step 4: Assemble the Lasagna
In a 9×13-inch baking dish, start by spreading a quarter of the chicken mixture evenly on the bottom. Layer 4 lasagna noodles on top, followed by another quarter of the chicken mixture, then a third of the cheese filling, and a sprinkle of mozzarella. Repeat these layers two more times, finishing with a generous layer of mozzarella cheese on top. This careful layering ensures each element is perfectly distributed for maximum flavor in every slice.
Step 5: Bake the Dish
Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and continue baking for another 20 minutes, or until the lasagna is bubbling and the noodles are tender. This baking process melds the ingredients into an irresistible casserole that’s both spicy and comforting.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Let the lasagna sit for a few minutes after removing it from the oven to set, making it easier to slice and serve. Each portion will reward you with layers of creamy cheese, spicy chicken, and tender noodles that make this Buffalo Chicken Lasagna Recipe a true showstopper.
How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Lasagna Recipe
Garnishes
Finish this dish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chopped green onions to add a refreshing contrast to the richness and spice. A drizzle of extra ranch dressing or a few crumbles of additional blue cheese on top can elevate the flavor and presentation perfectly.
Side Dishes
Consider pairing your Buffalo Chicken Lasagna with crunchy celery sticks, crisp carrot slices, or a light green salad dressed simply with lemon juice and olive oil. These sides help balance the creamy, spicy main dish and add a refreshing crunch to your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve individual portions in smaller ramekins for a personalized touch. You could also offer a build-your-own topping bar with extra blue cheese, ranch, or hot sauce, allowing guests to tweak the spice level to their liking.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Buffalo Chicken Lasagna Recipe keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to four days when stored in an airtight container. Leftovers taste even better the next day as the flavors have more time to marry!
Freezing
If you want to meal prep or save some for later, freeze the lasagna before baking or after it’s fully cooked and cooled. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and it will keep for up to three months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat portions in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying out. Alternatively, microwave reheating works well for quick meals, but keep an eye to avoid overheating which can toughen the noodles.
FAQs
Can I use fresh lasagna noodles instead of oven-ready?
Absolutely! Fresh noodles work wonderfully but remember to boil them briefly before layering since they require that extra prep step. Oven-ready noodles keep things easier for a quicker assembly.
What can I substitute for blue cheese if I don’t like it?
You can swap blue cheese for feta or even omit it altogether if you prefer milder flavors. The ricotta and mozzarella still provide plenty of creamy, melty goodness to keep your lasagna delicious.
How spicy is this Buffalo Chicken Lasagna Recipe?
The heat level is moderate thanks to the buffalo wing sauce, but you can adjust it according to your taste by choosing a milder or hotter sauce. Adding extra ranch dressing also helps mellow the spice.
Can I prepare this dish vegetarian?
For a vegetarian twist, replace the chicken with roasted cauliflower or shredded jackfruit and use a vegetarian wing sauce alternative. The cheese and sauce layers will still deliver that fantastic Buffalo flavor.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Many kids enjoy the combination of gooey cheese and mild spice in this lasagna. You can reduce the buffalo sauce or replace it with a sweeter wing sauce to make it even more appealing to younger palates.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the cozy, spicy, and cheesy comfort that this Buffalo Chicken Lasagna Recipe brings to the table. Whether you’re feeding a large group or just treating yourself to a flavorful weekend dinner, it delivers on both taste and satisfaction. I can’t wait for you to make it, share it, and fall in love with every bold, creamy, delightful layer.
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Buffalo Chicken Lasagna Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Buffalo Chicken Lasagna is a flavorful twist on classic lasagna, combining the spicy kick of buffalo wing sauce with creamy cheeses and tender shredded chicken. Layers of oven-ready noodles, tangy tomato, and rich mozzarella make this hearty dish perfect for game day, family dinners, or any occasion where comfort food with a spicy edge is desired.
Ingredients
Lasagna
- 12 sheets lasagna noodles, oven ready
Cheese Filling
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 8 ounces blue cheese, crumbled
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup chopped parsley
- ¼ teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon pepper, or to taste
Chicken Mixture
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- ¾ cup buffalo wing sauce
- ¾ cup ranch dressing
- 15 ounces diced tomatoes, canned
Topping
- 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking when your lasagna is assembled.
- Mix the cheese filling: In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, crumbled blue cheese, egg, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated. Set this mixture aside.
- Prepare the chicken mixture: In another bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken, buffalo wing sauce, ranch dressing, and diced tomatoes. Mix thoroughly so the chicken is well coated with the sauce and flavors.
- Assemble the lasagna: In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread ¼ of the chicken mixture evenly on the bottom. Layer 4 lasagna noodles over the chicken mixture. Spread another ¼ of the chicken mixture over the noodles, then add ⅓ of the cheese mixture, and sprinkle with about ⅓ of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Repeat layering two more times, finishing with a topping layer of mozzarella cheese.
- Bake the dish: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to prevent drying out, and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 20 minutes, or until the dish is bubbly and the noodles are tender.
- Serve: Let the lasagna cool slightly after baking to allow it to set up. Slice into portions and serve warm for a spicy, cheesy delight.
Notes
- Oven-ready lasagna noodles save time by eliminating the need to boil noodles before assembling.
- Adjust the amount of buffalo wing sauce depending on your preferred spice level.
- Allowing the lasagna to rest after baking helps it slice more cleanly.
- Use freshly shredded mozzarella for best melting quality.
- For a milder version, substitute buffalo wing sauce with a mild wing sauce or BBQ sauce.
