If you love the bold flavors of Buffalo wings but crave the comfort of a bubbling, cheesy pasta bake, Buffalo Chicken Lasagna is about to become your new obsession. This dish takes everything you love about classic lasagna – tender noodles, creamy layers, and melty cheese – and gives it a spicy, tangy twist with Buffalo sauce and juicy shredded chicken. Whether you’re feeding a crowd on game day or shaking up your weeknight dinner routine, this recipe is a guaranteed showstopper that’s as fun to make as it is to eat!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Buffalo Chicken Lasagna lies in its straightforward ingredients, each one bringing something special to the table. From the savory chicken to the zippy Buffalo sauce and the trio of cheeses, every element works together to create layers of flavor and texture you’ll crave again and again.
- Lasagna noodles (9, cooked and drained): These form the foundation of your lasagna, holding all those flavorful layers together.
- Cooked shredded chicken (2 cups, rotisserie works well): Using rotisserie chicken saves time and ensures your filling is moist and flavorful.
- Buffalo wing sauce (1 cup): The star of the show, this brings the signature tangy heat; adjust the amount to suit your spice preference.
- Ricotta cheese (1, 15 oz container): Creamy ricotta tames the heat and creates a luscious texture in every bite.
- Large egg (1): This binds the ricotta mixture, helping it set up beautifully as the lasagna bakes.
- Garlic powder (½ teaspoon): Adds gentle warmth and depth to the creamy layer.
- Onion powder (½ teaspoon): Rounds out the ricotta mixture with savory flavor.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Essential for bringing out all the flavors and balancing the heat.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (2 cups): Melts into gooey, stretchy layers for that classic cheesy pull.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup): Adds sharpness and a gorgeous orange color to the cheesy topping.
- Crumbled blue cheese (½ cup, optional): For those who love that classic Buffalo pairing – sprinkle on top for extra tang.
- Chopped green onions (2 tablespoons, optional for garnish): A fresh, colorful finish that brings brightness to each plate.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Lasagna
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. This ensures nothing sticks and makes cleanup a breeze. Gather all your ingredients, cook your lasagna noodles until tender, and shred your chicken if you haven’t already. Having everything ready to go makes the assembly quick and easy.
Step 2: Mix the Buffalo Chicken
In a medium bowl, combine your shredded chicken with the Buffalo wing sauce. Toss until every bit of chicken is coated in that fiery, tangy goodness. This is where all the flavor magic starts, and you can adjust the amount of sauce if you prefer things milder or extra spicy.
Step 3: Prepare the Ricotta Mixture
In a separate bowl, stir together the ricotta cheese, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. The egg helps the ricotta set up perfectly as it bakes, while the garlic and onion powders add a savory backbone that complements the Buffalo sauce beautifully.
Step 4: Assemble the Buffalo Chicken Lasagna
Begin by spreading a thin layer of the Buffalo chicken mixture across the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Layer three lasagna noodles over the chicken, then spread a third of the ricotta mixture on top. Add more Buffalo chicken, sprinkle with mozzarella and cheddar, and repeat the layers two more times. For the final flourish, top with the remaining cheeses and, if you love it, a generous scattering of crumbled blue cheese.
Step 5: Bake to Bubbly Perfection
Cover the lasagna with foil and bake for 25 minutes to let everything meld together. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbly. Let it rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing – this makes serving neat squares so much easier!
How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Lasagna
Garnishes
For that irresistible finishing touch, sprinkle your Buffalo Chicken Lasagna with chopped green onions. Their freshness and pop of color make every slice look as good as it tastes. If you’re a blue cheese fan, a few extra crumbles on top add creamy tang and an authentic Buffalo wing vibe.
Side Dishes
This spicy, cheesy main dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad tossed in ranch or blue cheese dressing. For a playful nod to classic Buffalo wings, serve with crunchy celery sticks or carrot batons. A side of garlic bread is always a hit for soaking up those delicious cheesy edges.
Creative Ways to Present
Try baking the Buffalo Chicken Lasagna in individual ramekins for a dinner party-worthy twist, or slice it into bite-sized squares for a standout game day appetizer. You can even drizzle ranch or extra Buffalo sauce over each portion just before serving for a fun, flavorful finish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Buffalo Chicken Lasagna keeps beautifully in the fridge. Transfer cooled slices to an airtight container and store for up to 4 days. The flavors meld together even more overnight, making for a delicious next-day lunch or dinner.
Freezing
This lasagna is freezer-friendly! Wrap the whole pan (or individual portions) tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, cover your lasagna with foil and bake at 350°F until heated through, about 20-25 minutes for a full pan or 10-15 minutes for individual pieces. For a crispier top, remove the foil for the last few minutes. Microwave reheating also works in a pinch for single servings.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While mozzarella and cheddar are classic for this recipe, feel free to swap in Monterey Jack, Colby, or even pepper jack for extra kick. The blue cheese is optional but highly recommended if you love that Buffalo flavor combo.
Is there a way to make this less spicy?
Definitely. Simply use less Buffalo sauce or choose a mild variety. You can also add a bit more ricotta or mozzarella to tame the heat and create an even creamier texture.
Can I make Buffalo Chicken Lasagna ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the lasagna and refrigerate it, covered, for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes it perfect for meal prep or entertaining. Just add a few extra minutes to the bake time if it goes into the oven cold.
What can I use instead of blue cheese?
If blue cheese isn’t your thing, simply leave it out or replace it with a handful of extra cheddar or a drizzle of ranch dressing on each serving. Both options still capture that Buffalo chicken essence.
Do I have to use rotisserie chicken?
Nope! Any cooked, shredded chicken works well in Buffalo Chicken Lasagna. You can poach chicken breasts, use leftovers, or even swap in cooked turkey for a fun twist.
Final Thoughts
Buffalo Chicken Lasagna is one of those recipes that brings a big smile to your table every time. With its playful heat, creamy layers, and cheesy goodness, it’s a fresh, crowd-pleasing spin on a classic. If you’re craving something bold, comforting, and just a little bit unexpected, give this dish a try – you might just find yourself making it on repeat!
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Buffalo Chicken Lasagna Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A flavorful and spicy Buffalo Chicken Lasagna combining tender shredded chicken tossed in tangy Buffalo wing sauce with creamy ricotta and melted cheeses, layered between noodles and baked to bubbly perfection. This American-inspired main course offers a zesty twist on traditional lasagna, perfect for game day or family dinners.
Ingredients
Buffalo Chicken Layer
- 9 lasagna noodles, cooked and drained
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie works well)
- 1 cup Buffalo wing sauce
Cheese Mixture
- 1 (15 oz) container ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup crumbled blue cheese (optional)
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Mix Chicken and Sauce: In a medium bowl, thoroughly combine the shredded chicken with Buffalo wing sauce, ensuring every piece is coated for maximum flavor.
- Prepare Ricotta Mixture: In a separate bowl, mix the ricotta cheese with the egg, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt until smooth and well blended.
- Assemble the Lasagna Layers: Begin by spreading a thin layer of the Buffalo chicken mixture on the bottom of the baking dish. Layer 3 cooked lasagna noodles over the chicken, then spread one-third of the ricotta mixture over the noodles. Add another layer of Buffalo chicken followed by a generous sprinkle of mozzarella and cheddar cheeses. Repeat this layering process two more times, finishing with cheese on top. If desired, sprinkle crumbled blue cheese over the final cheese layer.
- Bake Covered: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes to meld all the flavors.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the lasagna is bubbly and the cheese is lightly browned.
- Rest and Garnish: Allow the lasagna to rest for 10 minutes after baking to set. Garnish with chopped green onions if you like before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of Buffalo sauce to suit your preferred spice level.
- You can substitute ranch dressing for blue cheese or omit it entirely if preferred.
- This dish pairs excellently with a fresh green salad or celery sticks to balance the heat and richness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 recipe
- Calories: 440
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
