If you’re craving a dish that brilliantly fuses the spicy kick of buffalo wings with the comforting layers of traditional Italian lasagna, then this Buffalo Chicken Lasagna Recipe is about to become your new favorite. Packed with shredded chicken smothered in tangy buffalo sauce, creamy ricotta and blue cheese, and nestled between tender sheets of lasagna noodles, this recipe brings a bold flavor explosion while maintaining that perfect cheesy, melty texture you love. It’s the ideal crowd-pleaser for game day, family dinners, or any moment when you want to turn up the deliciousness without turning up the effort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for this Buffalo Chicken Lasagna Recipe is simpler than it sounds, and each one plays a crucial role. From the tangy buffalo wing sauce that adds the characteristic heat, to the combination of rich cheeses that create a luscious, creamy filling, every component is essential to delivering that addictive blend of flavors and textures.
- 12 sheets lasagna noodles, oven ready: Using oven-ready noodles saves time and ensures perfect tenderness without extra boiling.
- 1 cup ricotta cheese: Adds a creamy, mild base to balance the spicy buffalo flavors.
- 8 ounces blue cheese, crumbled: Offers a sharp, tangy contrast that elevates the dish’s depth.
- 1 large egg: Helps bind the cheese mixture for a creamy, stable filling.
- ¼ cup chopped parsley: Adds fresh herbaceous notes and a splash of color.
- ¼ teaspoon salt, or to taste: Enhances all the other ingredients without overpowering.
- ¼ teaspoon pepper, or to taste: Adds subtle warmth and complexity.
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded: The hearty protein base soaked in buffalo goodness.
- ¾ cup buffalo wing sauce: The signature spicy sauce that gives the dish its kick.
- ¾ cup ranch dressing: Brings a cooling, creamy counterpoint to the heat.
- 15 ounces diced tomatoes, canned: Adds slight acidity and moisture to balance richness.
- 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully for that irresistible gooey top layer.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Lasagna Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first: set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Preheating ensures your lasagna bakes evenly and achieves that perfect golden, bubbly finish. While the oven warms up, you can start prepping the rest of the ingredients without a pause.
Step 2: Mix the Cheese Filling
In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, crumbled blue cheese, egg, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until smooth and well incorporated. This luscious mixture adds not just creaminess but a tangy depth of flavor that complements the buffalo chicken perfectly.
Step 3: Prepare the Chicken Mixture
Grab another bowl and toss the shredded cooked chicken with buffalo wing sauce, ranch dressing, and canned diced tomatoes. Mix until the chicken is evenly coated in this spicy, tangy blend that will coat every bite with exciting flavor and moisture.
Step 4: Assemble the Lasagna
Now for the fun part: layering. Start by spreading one-quarter of the chicken mixture evenly on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Next, layer 4 oven-ready lasagna noodles on top. Spread another quarter of the chicken mixture, then add one-third of the cheese mixture, and sprinkle about one-third of the shredded mozzarella. Repeat these layers two more times, finishing with a generous topping of mozzarella cheese. This layering technique ensures every forkful is packed with flavor and creaminess.
Step 5: Bake the Dish
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to keep the lasagna moist during the first part of baking. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for another 20 minutes until the cheese on top bubbles and turns a beautiful golden hue, and the noodles are wonderfully tender.
Step 6: Serve
Let the lasagna sit for a few minutes before slicing. This resting time helps it firm up just enough for neat slices while allowing the flavors to settle. Then dive in and enjoy the perfect harmony of spicy, creamy, and cheesy layers that make this Buffalo Chicken Lasagna Recipe so irresistible.
How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Lasagna Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh garnishes can brighten up the rich flavors of this buffalo chicken lasagna. Try sprinkling extra chopped parsley or green onions on top for a pop of color and freshness. A drizzle of extra ranch dressing or blue cheese crumbles on the side can be a delightful bonus for those who love bold flavors.
Side Dishes
This dish holds its own, but pairing it with simple sides can make your meal even more satisfying. Crisp celery sticks or a crunchy green salad with a light vinaigrette help balance the richness of the lasagna. For a heartier option, roasted vegetables or garlic bread work beautifully alongside this bold, cheesy casserole.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re hosting, try serving the Buffalo Chicken Lasagna Recipe in individual ramekins for a stylish, portion-controlled presentation. Alternatively, layering it in a clear glass casserole dish lets guests admire the beautiful layers before diving in. You can also offer a small bowl of extra buffalo sauce or ranch on the side for dipping bites to tailor each serving to individual heat preferences.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Buffalo Chicken Lasagna keeps wonderfully in the refrigerator for up to four days. Store it in an airtight container to retain moisture and avoid fridge odors. When ready, the flavors will have melded even more, making your reheated lasagna taste just as fantastic.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy this dish later, Buffalo Chicken Lasagna freezes beautifully. Wrap individual portions or the entire dish tightly in plastic wrap and foil to prevent freezer burn. It will stay fresh for up to three months, making it a great option for meal prep or busy weeknight dinners.
Reheating
For reheating, thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen. Warm leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil until heated through, about 20-30 minutes. You can also microwave single portions, but be mindful to avoid overcooking; heating in intervals helps maintain a creamy texture and prevents dryness.
FAQs
Can I use fresh lasagna noodles instead of oven-ready?
Absolutely! If you prefer fresh noodles, just cook them according to package instructions before assembling the lasagna. Oven-ready noodles are a convenient shortcut, but fresh noodles work beautifully if you want that tender bite.
Is there a substitute for blue cheese in this recipe?
Yes! If you’re not a fan of blue cheese or can’t find it, feta cheese is a great alternative that offers a similar tang and crumbly texture. You could also omit it entirely, but keep in mind the blue cheese adds a signature sharpness that complements the buffalo sauce perfectly.
How spicy is the Buffalo Chicken Lasagna Recipe?
The spice level depends on the buffalo wing sauce you choose. Mild sauces will give a gentle heat, while hotter varieties turn up the intensity. You can always adjust by adding more or less sauce and balancing with ranch dressing to suit your taste buds.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, replace the shredded chicken with cooked cauliflower florets or jackfruit, and swap buffalo wing sauce for a vegetarian-friendly version. This keeps the spicy and creamy elements while offering a satisfying meatless option.
What wine pairs well with Buffalo Chicken Lasagna?
A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light, fruity red like Pinot Noir pairs wonderfully. These wines have enough acidity to cut through the richness and complement the spicy buffalo flavors without overpowering them.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you make this Buffalo Chicken Lasagna Recipe, it will quickly become a staple in your kitchen for all the right reasons. The perfect blend of spicy, creamy, and cheesy goodness wrapped in layers of tender noodles is irresistible and sure to wow your family and friends. So grab those ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to enjoy a lasagna experience that’s anything but ordinary.
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Buffalo Chicken Lasagna Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings 1x
Description
This Buffalo Chicken Lasagna combines the spicy tang of buffalo wing sauce with the creamy richness of ricotta and blue cheeses, layered between tender lasagna noodles and topped with melted mozzarella. Perfect for a game day or a comforting weeknight meal, it balances bold flavors with classic Italian textures in a unique baked casserole.
Ingredients
Lasagna and Cheese Mixture
- 12 sheets lasagna noodles, oven ready
- 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
Buffalo 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 fully heated and ready for baking the lasagna.
- Mix the cheese filling: In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, blue cheese crumbles, one large egg, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix until evenly incorporated and set the mixture aside.
- Prepare the chicken mixture: In a separate bowl, mix the shredded cooked chicken with buffalo wing sauce, ranch dressing, and canned diced tomatoes until everything is well coated and combined.
- Assemble the lasagna: Spread one-fourth of the buffalo chicken mixture evenly on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer four lasagna noodle sheets on top. Spread another one-fourth of the chicken mixture over the noodles, then add one-third of the cheese mixture, and sprinkle about one-third of the shredded mozzarella cheese over that. Repeat this layering process two more times, finishing with a final layer of mozzarella cheese on top.
- Bake the dish: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to keep moisture in and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking uncovered for an additional 20 minutes or until the lasagna is bubbly and the noodles are fully cooked and tender.
- Serve: Once baked, allow the lasagna to cool slightly for about 10 minutes to help it set and make slicing easier. Slice into portions and serve warm to enjoy the creamy, spicy flavors.
Notes
- Use oven-ready lasagna noodles to skip boiling and speed up preparation.
- Adjust buffalo wing sauce amount to control the spiciness to your preference.
- Let lasagna rest before slicing to maintain clean slices and prevent it from falling apart.
- Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated before serving.
- If you prefer, substitute ranch dressing with blue cheese dressing for a stronger flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
