Buffalo Chicken Lasagna is a delightful twist on a traditional Italian favorite, combining the spicy flavors of Buffalo wings with layers of cheesy, comforting lasagna goodness. This recipe is perfect for those who want a dish that packs a punch of flavor while keeping the cozy essence of a classic lasagna.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavor Explosion: Classic lasagna marries the bold flavors of wing sauce and zesty ranch.
- Comfort Food Staple: It’s indulgent and satisfying, perfect for cozy dinners or gatherings.
- Versatile and Customizable: Easily adjusted to suit any taste or dietary preference with simple ingredient swaps.
Ingredients You’ll Need
When making Buffalo Chicken Lasagna, each ingredient plays a vital role in bringing together this fusion of flavors. From the creamy richness of ricotta to the fiery kick of Buffalo sauce, every component elevates the overall dish.
- Lasagna noodles: Using oven-ready noodles saves time and adds the perfect pasta layer.
- Ricotta cheese: Provides a creamy texture that balances the heat of the Buffalo sauce.
- Blue cheese: Adds a classic Buffalo wing flavor profile to the dish.
- Cooked chicken: Shredded to perfection, it absorbs the sauce, ensuring every bite is flavorful.
- Buffalo wing sauce: This is where all the spicy magic happens; adjust to your heat preference.
Variations
Buffalo Chicken Lasagna is incredibly flexible, making it easy to adapt based on your dietary needs or flavor preferences. Here are some exciting ways to switch things up.
- Vegetarian Option: Swap out the chicken for roasted vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers to make it meat-free.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free lasagna noodles, ensuring everyone can enjoy this delightful dish.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Lasagna
Step 1: Prep the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. This ensures a warm environment to bake your lasagna evenly, allowing all the layers to melt together beautifully.
Step 2: Mix the Filling
In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta, blue cheese, egg, parsley, salt, and pepper. This cheesy mixture is the creamy core of the dish. In another bowl, toss together the shredded chicken, Buffalo wing sauce, ranch dressing, and diced tomatoes, stirring until everything is thoroughly coated.
Step 3: Assemble the Lasagna
Spoon a layer of the chicken mixture in a 9×13 inch baking dish. Add lasagna noodles and top with a portion of the cheese mix and mozzarella. Continue layering until all ingredients are used, finishing with a generous sprinkle of mozzarella on top.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Cover the dish with aluminum foil to trap moisture and bake for 30 minutes. Then remove the foil and continue baking for 20 more minutes, allowing the cheese to brown and bubble.
Pro Tips for Making Buffalo Chicken Lasagna
- Layer Like a Pro: Ensure each noodle layer is fully covered by sauce to prevent them from drying out.
- Cheese Perfection: For that ideal gooey top, let the mozzarella get golden and bubbly without burning.
- Balance the Heat: Adjust the Buffalo sauce level to your preference for a perfectly heated dish.
- Prep in Advance: Make the filling a day early to let the flavors meld for even more deliciousness.
How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Lasagna
Garnishes
Savor the dish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or cilantro, adding a pop of color and freshness to contrast the rich, creamy layers.
Side Dishes
Pair your lasagna with a crisp green salad or a side of garlic bread to balance the richness, adding crunch and additional flavors to each serving.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve individual squares of lasagna stacked with a drizzle of extra Buffalo sauce or a dollop of ranch on the side for an eye-catching and appetizing presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Buffalo Chicken Lasagna leftovers will keep well in the refrigerator for up to four days, stored in an airtight container to maintain its delicious flavors.
Freezing
For a make-ahead option, freeze the lasagna assembled but unbaked. Wrap it tightly in plastic and foil, storing for up to three months. Simply bake from frozen when ready.
Reheating
Reheat your lasagna in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes, or until heated thoroughly, to restore its cheesy, gooey perfection.
FAQs
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Can I use a different cheese instead of blue cheese?
Yes, if you’re not a fan of blue cheese, try substituting with feta or Gorgonzola for a milder twist.
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What’s the best way to shred chicken for this dish?
Use two forks to pull apart cooked chicken breasts, or for convenience, use pre-shredded rotisserie chicken.
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How can I make this dish less spicy?
To tone down the heat, reduce the amount of Buffalo wing sauce and increase the ranch dressing for a creamier taste.
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Can I prepare Buffalo Chicken Lasagna ahead of time?
Absolutely, assemble the lasagna and refrigerate it overnight, allowing the flavors to meld for a tastier dish.
Final Thoughts
Buffalo Chicken Lasagna is not just a meal; it’s an experience of vibrant flavors and comforting textures that are sure to become a beloved favorite in your recipe collection. Try it out, and watch as this fun fusion captures the hearts—and taste buds—of everyone around the table!
PrintBuffalo Chicken Lasagna Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Buffalo Chicken Lasagna is a spicy and creamy twist on traditional lasagna, combining shredded chicken, buffalo wing sauce, and a flavorful cheese mixture layered with lasagna noodles and mozzarella. Perfect for fans of bold flavors and comforting pasta dishes, this recipe offers a deliciously fiery take on classic comfort food.
Ingredients
Oven ready lasagna noodles
- 12 sheets
Ricotta cheese
- 1 cup (240 grams)
Blue cheese
- 8 ounces (225 grams)
Large egg
- 1
Parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup (15 grams)
Salt
- 1/4 teaspoon (to taste)
Pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon (to taste)
Cooked chicken, shredded
- 2 cups (about 8 ounces)
Buffalo wing sauce
- 3/4 cup (180 ml)
Ranch dressing
- 3/4 cup (180 ml)
Diced tomatoes, canned
- 15 ounces (1 can)
Mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 4 cups (about 16 ounces or 450 grams)
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Ensure the rack is in the middle position for even baking.
- Mix the cheese filling: In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, blue cheese, egg, parsley, salt, and pepper. Stir until well blended and set aside.
- Prepare the chicken mixture: In another bowl, mix shredded cooked chicken, buffalo wing sauce, ranch dressing, and diced tomatoes until evenly coated.
- Assemble the lasagna: Spread 1/4 of the chicken mixture on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer 4 lasagna noodles over it. Then spread another 1/4 of the chicken mixture, 1/3 of the cheese mixture, and sprinkle about 1/3 of the mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layering process two more times, ending with a final layer of mozzarella cheese on top.
- Bake the lasagna: Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 20 minutes, or until bubbly and the noodles are cooked through.
- Serve: Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve hot, garnished with extra parsley if desired.
Notes
- You can substitute blue cheese with gorgonzola or omit it for a milder flavor.
- This dish can be prepared a day ahead and refrigerated before baking.
- For a lighter version, use part-skim cheese options.
- Cooking time may vary depending on oven and thickness of layers, so check for bubbling and noodles’ doneness.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8th of dish)
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 8 grams
- Sodium: 1250 mg
- Fat: 28 grams
- Saturated Fat: 14 grams
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 grams
- Trans Fat: 0.5 grams
- Carbohydrates: 45 grams
- Fiber: 4 grams
- Protein: 30 grams
- Cholesterol: 125 mg