If you’re on the hunt for a dish that’s rich in flavor and comfort, look no further. Buffalo Chicken Lasagna is a delicious fusion that perfectly marries the spicy and tangy notes of buffalo chicken with the comforting, cheesy goodness of classic lasagna. It’s the perfect dish to spice up your lasagna game.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Spicy Kick: For those who love some heat, the buffalo sauce delivers a delicious spicy punch.
- Creamy Texture: The combination of ricotta and mozzarella cheese adds a creamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Easy Preparation: With ready-to-bake noodles, this dish comes together faster than your typical lasagna.
- Crowd Pleaser: Perfect for gatherings, this unique twist on lasagna is always a hit at parties!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for Buffalo Chicken Lasagna is a breeze. Each ingredient plays a vital role in creating the irresistible flavors and textures that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
- 12 sheets of oven-ready lasagna noodles: No boiling needed, saving you time and effort.
- 1 cup ricotta cheese: Adds a creamy layer that balances the heat from the buffalo wing sauce.
- 8 ounces blue cheese: For a tangy kick that complements the spicy buffalo sauce.
- 1 large egg: Binds the cheese filling together, ensuring a perfect texture.
- ¼ cup parsley, chopped: Brings a fresh, bright flavor to the dish.
- ¼ teaspoon salt and pepper: Season to taste and enhance the overall flavor.
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded: Rotisserie chicken works great here for its flavor and convenience.
- ¾ cup buffalo wing sauce: Choose your preferred brand for desired spiciness and flavor.
- ¾ cup ranch dressing: Balances the heat and adds creaminess.
- 15 ounces diced tomatoes: Adds a layer of juicy texture and freshness.
- 4 cups mozzarella cheese: Melts perfectly to give you that stretchy cheese layer on top.
Variations
Buffalo Chicken Lasagna is incredibly versatile. Don’t hesitate to make changes that suit your taste buds or dietary preferences. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Vegetarian: Swap the chicken for roasted vegetables like zucchini or eggplant for a hearty vegetarian option.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free lasagna noodles to accommodate gluten sensitivities without compromising on taste.
- Mild Heat: If you prefer less spice, reduce the buffalo wing sauce or opt for a milder sauce version.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Lasagna
Step 1: Mix the Cheese Filling
In a medium bowl, blend together the ricotta cheese, blue cheese, egg, parsley, salt, and pepper. This mixture will form the rich, creamy base of your lasagna, adding depth and flavor to each bite.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Filling
In another bowl, combine the shredded chicken, buffalo wing sauce, ranch dressing, and diced tomatoes. This spicy, tangy mixture will be the hero of your dish, providing that classic buffalo chicken flavor.
Step 3: Assemble the Lasagna
Layer a portion of the chicken mixture on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish, followed by lasagna noodles, cheese mixture, and mozzarella. Repeat this process, ending with a top layer of mozzarella for that classic cheesy finish.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Cover your dish with aluminum foil and bake at 375°F for 30 minutes. Uncover and continue baking for another 20 minutes until the top is bubbly and golden brown. Let it cool slightly before serving.
Pro Tips for Making Buffalo Chicken Lasagna
- Perfect Texture: Ensure the chicken is finely shredded for a more even distribution and smoother texture.
- Customize Your Heat: Adjust the amount of buffalo sauce to suit your preferred spice level, adding more for extra heat or less for subtle warmth.
- Make Ahead: This lasagna can be assembled a day in advance and stored, covered, in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake.
- Ingredient Swap: Substitute ranch dressing with blue cheese dressing for an amplified tangy flavor.
How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Lasagna
Garnishes
Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley or green onions on top for a burst of color and freshness. A drizzle of extra buffalo sauce or ranch on top just before serving can enhance the presentation and flavor.
Side Dishes
This zesty lasagna pairs perfectly with a crisp green salad or some crunchy garlic bread to balance the rich flavors. For a lighter side, consider a simple cucumber salad.
Creative Ways to Present
To wow your guests, serve individual portions in ramekins or small cast-iron skillets. This not only makes the dish feel special but also keeps portions neat and appealing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Properly cool your Buffalo Chicken Lasagna before storing it in an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh in the refrigerator for 3-5 days. Perfect for weekday lunches or a quick dinner option!
Freezing
Buffalo Chicken Lasagna freezes beautifully! After cooling completely, seal it in an airtight container and store for 2-3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating
For best results, reheat your lasagna in the oven at 350°F until heated through. The microwave works too, just cover and heat in intervals to avoid drying it out.
FAQs
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Can I make this lasagna ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble this Buffalo Chicken Lasagna a day in advance. Just cover it tightly and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake.
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What can I substitute for blue cheese?
If you’re not a fan of blue cheese, feta or even extra ricotta cheese can be wonderful alternatives while maintaining a creamy texture.
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Is there a way to make it less spicy?
Yes, you can customize the heat by using less buffalo sauce or choosing a milder version. Adding extra ranch dressing will also mellow the overall spiciness.
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What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheating in the oven maintains the lasagna’s texture best. If using a microwave, make sure to cover it and use a lower power setting to ensure even heating.
Final Thoughts
This Buffalo Chicken Lasagna is a game-changer, offering a spicy twist on a classic favorite. It’s incredibly satisfying and sure to impress family and friends. Give it a try, and watch it become a new staple in your kitchen!
Print
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
Buffalo Chicken Lasagna is a flavorful twist on traditional lasagna, featuring layers of tender shredded chicken coated in spicy buffalo wing sauce, creamy blue cheese, and a blend of cheeses all baked to perfection. This hearty dish combines bold flavors with the comfort of classic lasagna, making it perfect for game nights or a crowd-pleasing dinner.
Ingredients
Lasagna and Cheese
- 12 sheets lasagna noodles oven ready
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 8 ounces blue cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup parsley chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon salt or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper or to taste
- 4 cups mozzarella cheese
Chicken Mixture
- 2 cups cooked chicken shredded
- 3/4 cup buffalo wing sauce
- 3/4 cup ranch dressing
- 15 ounces diced tomatoes (1 can)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the assembled lasagna.
- Prepare the cheese filling: In a medium bowl, mix together ricotta cheese, blue cheese, the egg, parsley, salt, and pepper until well combined. Set aside for layering.
- Combine the chicken mixture: In another bowl, mix the shredded cooked chicken, buffalo wing sauce, ranch dressing, and diced tomatoes to create a spicy, creamy filling.
- Assemble the lasagna: Spread ¼ of the chicken mixture evenly on the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Layer four lasagna noodles over the chicken, then add another ¼ of the chicken mixture, followed by ⅓ of the cheese mixture (ricotta and blue cheese blend), and sprinkle about ⅓ of the mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layers two more times, ending with mozzarella cheese on top. Ensure there are three layers of noodles.
- Bake the lasagna: Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking uncovered for an additional 20 minutes, or until bubbly and the noodles are cooked through. Let rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Properly cool the lasagna before storing to ensure even freezing and reheating. It stays fresh for 3-5 days in an airtight container in the fridge.
- For longer storage, freeze the lasagna in an airtight container; it will last 2-3 months. Thaw fully in the fridge before reheating for best results.
- To customize heat level, adjust the amount of buffalo wing sauce according to your spice preference.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (roughly 1/16th of the dish)
- Calories: 332 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 949 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 19 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 19 g
- Cholesterol: 71 mg
