Buffalo Chicken Lasagna is the scrumptious twist you’ve been craving in your lasagna routine! This delightful dish combines the fiery kick of Buffalo chicken with layers of creamy cheese and tender noodles. It’s a vibrant, crowd-pleasing meal that’s as bold in flavor as it is in spirit!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bursting with Flavor: Each bite is a mouthwatering combination of spicy, creamy, and cheesy goodness.
- Simple to Make: This recipe calls for straightforward preparations, ensuring you can whip it up with ease.
- Perfect for Feasting: This lasagna feeds a crowd, making it ideal for gatherings or family dinners.
- Customizable: Easily adapt the ingredients to suit different tastes or dietary restrictions.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Creating this Buffalo Chicken Lasagna is a breeze with just a handful of ingredients. Each component, from the zesty buffalo sauce to the creamy ricotta, plays a vital role in making this dish utterly irresistible.
- 12 sheets lasagna noodles: Oven-ready noodles save time, making the layering process a cinch.
- 1 cup ricotta cheese: Adds a creamy richness that balances the spiciness of the buffalo sauce.
- 8 ounces blue cheese: Provides a delightful tanginess, complementing the chicken perfectly.
- 1 large egg: Helps bind the cheese mixture, ensuring a silky texture throughout the lasagna.
- ¼ cup parsley: Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and brightness to the dish.
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded: Use leftover roast chicken for convenience; it’s a time-saver!
- ¾ cup buffalo wing sauce: The star ingredient that gives this lasagna its signature kick.
- ¾ cup ranch dressing: Cools down the buffalo sauce while introducing a creamy element.
- 4 cups mozzarella cheese: Melts into ooey-gooey perfection, binding the layers together.
- 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes: Adds juiciness and depth to the chicken mixture.
Variations
Customizing this Buffalo Chicken Lasagna to fit your preferences is a fantastic way to make it your own. Whether you’re catering for dietary needs or experimenting with flavors, the possibilities are endless!
- Vegetarian Twist: Swap the chicken for grilled vegetables or chickpeas to keep it plant-based.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free lasagna noodles to cater to those with gluten sensitivities.
- Extra Spicy: Add sliced jalapeños or extra hot sauce if you’re brave enough to raise the heat level!
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Lasagna
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures it’s nice and hot when you’re ready to bake your lasagna, giving it an even cook all the way through.
Step 2: Prepare the Cheese Mixture
In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, blue cheese, the egg, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix these ingredients until smooth. This mixture will serve as a luscious layer throughout your lasagna, offering creaminess and a slight tang in every forkful.
Step 3: Combine Chicken and Sauce
In another bowl, mix shredded chicken with buffalo wing sauce, ranch dressing, and diced tomatoes. This mix will explode with flavor, coating each piece of chicken in a spicy-sweet balance that’s downright delectable.
Step 4: Layer the Lasagna
Grab a 9×13 inch baking dish and start layering. Begin with a quarter of the chicken sauce mixture, followed by lasagna noodles, cheese mixture, and mozzarella cheese. Repeat this process for two more layers. This layering creates a delightful interplay of textures and flavors in each slice.
Step 5: Bake and Serve
Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Remove the foil, then bake for another 20 minutes or until the top is bubbly and golden. Let it cool slightly before serving to enjoy every flavorful layer at its best.
Pro Tips for Making Buffalo Chicken Lasagna
- Optimal Cheese Melt: Use freshly grated mozzarella for the best melting quality and flavor.
- Spice Level Control: Adjust the amount of buffalo sauce to control the spiciness, adding more or less according to preference.
- Time-Saving Prep: Use rotisserie chicken to save time when preparing the shredded chicken.
- Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs like cilantro or chives for an additional flavor twist.
How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Lasagna
Garnishes
Enhance your Buffalo Chicken Lasagna with fresh garnishes. A sprinkle of chopped parsley offers a bright contrast, while a few crumbles of blue cheese on top are perfect for the cheese lovers in the room.
Side Dishes
This robust dish pairs beautifully with a simple green salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette, or some lightly steamed green beans that add a fresh crunch alongside the rich, cheesy layers.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve individual portions on vibrant, colorful plates to emphasize the cheesy, saucy goodness of each slice. Alternatively, stack two wedges slightly off-kilter for a chic restaurant-inspired presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover lasagna can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Allow the dish to cool completely before sealing to maintain its texture and flavor.
Freezing
Buffalo Chicken Lasagna is freezer-friendly! Once fully cooled, wrap it tightly and store it for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for the best results.
Reheating
For reheating, cover the lasagna with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. This method ensures each cheesy layer is as delightful as when first baked.
FAQs
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Can I make Buffalo Chicken Lasagna ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the lasagna the day before and store it in the fridge. When ready to enjoy, simply bake as directed.
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What can I use instead of blue cheese?
If blue cheese isn’t your favorite, feta cheese makes a great alternative while still adding tang and creaminess.
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Is there a way to reduce the spiciness?
Yes, reduce the buffalo wing sauce and increase the ranch dressing for a milder version that’s just as tasty.
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How can I make this dish healthier?
Opt for whole wheat lasagna noodles, cut back on the cheese, and add more vegetables into the layers to lighten the dish while keeping it nutrient-rich.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to spice up your weeknight dinners, Buffalo Chicken Lasagna is a must-try! Fit for any occasion, its delectable flavors and adaptability are bound to make it a household favorite. So go ahead, gather your ingredients and dive into this savory lasagna bliss!
PrintBuffalo Chicken Lasagna Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings
- Category: Main Course, Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Buffalo Chicken Lasagna is a spicy, cheesy, and creamy baked dish that combines tender shredded chicken, buffalo wing sauce, and a blend of cheeses layered with lasagna noodles, creating a perfect comfort food with a kick. It’s an easy-to-make casserole ideal for game day or family dinners, offering bold flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
Oven Ready Lasagna Noodles
- 12 sheets
Filling
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 8 ounces blue cheese, crumbled
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup parsley, chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper (adjust to taste)
Chicken Mixture
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 3/4 cup buffalo wing sauce
- 3/4 cup ranch dressing
- 15 ounces diced tomatoes (1 can)
Cheese Topping
- 4 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the lasagna.
- Mix the 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 chicken, buffalo wing sauce, ranch dressing, and diced tomatoes until evenly coated.
- Assemble the lasagna: Spread ¼ of the chicken mixture on the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Layer 4 lasagna noodles over the chicken. Spread another ¼ of the chicken mixture, then about 1/3 of the cheese mixture. Sprinkle with about 1/3 of the mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layers: noodles, chicken, cheese mixture, mozzarella, noodles, chicken, cheese mixture, and finish with mozzarella cheese on top. This creates 3 noodle layers.
- Bake the lasagna: Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then, uncover and bake for an additional 20 minutes until bubbly and hot, ensuring the noodles are cooked through.
Notes
- Allow the lasagna to cool slightly before serving to let it set properly.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–5 days.
- To freeze, cool completely, then wrap tightly and keep for 2–3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 1/16 of the dish)
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 1050 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg