If you’re ready to shake up your typical lasagna night, let me introduce you to the crowd-pleasing gem that is Buffalo Chicken Lasagna. This dish combines the spicy goodness of buffalo chicken wings with the comforting layers of cheesy lasagna, creating a culinary experience that’s both familiar and exciting.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavor Explosion: Every bite of this Buffalo Chicken Lasagna is packed with bold buffalo flavor that is perfectly balanced by the creamy layers of cheese.
- Easy to Customize: This recipe is effortlessly adaptable to suit spicy lovers and those with milder palates alike.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for gatherings, this dish is sure to impress family and friends with its unique twist on a classic.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare it in advance and bake when convenient, making it ideal for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Buffalo Chicken Lasagna is surprisingly straightforward to make, yet it dazzles with every ingredient’s contribution. Each component brings its flavor and texture to deliver a rich and satisfying dish.
- Lasagna Noodles: Oven-ready noodles make this a breeze, saving time while providing that essential pasta layer.
- Ricotta Cheese: Adds a creamy richness that balances the spicy chicken.
- Blue Cheese: A must for authentic buffalo flavor, adding bites of tangy goodness.
- Cooked Chicken: Shredded to perfection, it soaks up all the savory flavors of the sauce.
- Buffalo Wing Sauce: Provides the signature spicy kick that defines the dish.
- Ranch Dressing: Adds a cooling effect to the spicy buffalo mixture, creating a harmonious blend.
- Diced Tomatoes: Introduces a bit of juiciness and acidity that perfectly complements the cheese.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Melted on top for that irresistible cheesy crust.
Variations
This Buffalo Chicken Lasagna can be easily adjusted to fit various preferences and dietary restrictions, ensuring everyone can enjoy its deliciousness.
- Spice Level: Adjust the buffalo sauce to dial up or down the heat according to your taste. A gentle hand with the sauce will suit those who prefer milder dishes, while adding more can satisfy spice lovers.
- Cheese Variations: Try substituting blue cheese with crumbled feta for a different taste, or use a blend of mozzarella and cheddar for extra creaminess.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Lasagna
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Mix the Filling
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that once your lasagna is assembled, it cooks evenly and thoroughly. In a medium bowl, mix ricotta cheese, blue cheese, egg, parsley, salt, and pepper. Set this aside. In another bowl, combine shredded chicken with buffalo wing sauce, ranch dressing, and diced tomatoes.
Step 2: Assemble and Cook the Lasagna
In a 9×13 inch baking dish, start by spreading 1/4 of the chicken mixture on the bottom. Layer 4 lasagna noodles on top, followed by 1/4 of the chicken mixture and 1/3 of the cheese mixture. Finish this layer with 1/3 of the mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layering process twice more and cover the dish with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, then uncover and bake for another 20 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Pro Tips for Making Buffalo Chicken Lasagna
- Perfect Layering: Take your time when layering ingredients to ensure each bite has the perfect balance of texture and flavor.
- Cheese Shredding: Freshly grate your mozzarella for a superior melt and a more delicious topping.
- Rest Before Serving: Allow the lasagna to rest for a few minutes after baking to help the layers set, making it easier to slice.
- Adjusting Spice: Test your buffalo sauce beforehand; different brands have varying heat levels, so adjust according to preference.
How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Lasagna
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or green onions over your Buffalo Chicken Lasagna to add a pop of color and a touch of freshness that cuts through the dish’s richness.
Side Dishes
A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or steamed vegetables pairs magnificently with this indulgent lasagna, providing a refreshing contrast to its robust flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For an elevated presentation, serve individual portions of lasagna in mini cast iron skillets, perfect for cozy dinners or a rustic, homey meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Buffalo Chicken Lasagna can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply cover the dish with plastic wrap or store individual slices in airtight containers.
Freezing
This lasagna freezes beautifully! Wrap entire portions tightly with foil or store slices in freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating
Reheat your lasagna in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. For quicker options, use the microwave, but ensure it’s covered to retain moisture.
FAQs
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Can I use leftover chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover chicken is a perfect, convenient choice and helps enhance the flavors by integrating with the sauce better.
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Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, replace the chicken with roasted vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms, and use a buffalo-flavored vegetarian sauce.
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What can I use instead of blue cheese?
If you’re not a fan of blue cheese, feta or goat cheese make for excellent substitutes, offering a different kind of creaminess and tang.
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How do I prevent my lasagna from becoming watery?
Be sure to drain any excess liquid from the diced tomatoes and avoid over-saturating with sauce during layering. Letting it sit after baking also helps any excess moisture to absorb.
Final Thoughts
If you’re on the hunt for a unique and unforgettable dinner, Buffalo Chicken Lasagna might just become your new best friend. With its fusion of flavors and textures, it demands a spot at your table. Gather your loved ones, serve it up, and watch as everyone’s faces light up with delight!
Print
Buffalo Chicken Lasagna Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Buffalo Chicken Lasagna is a spicy and cheesy twist on the classic Italian dish, combining tender shredded chicken in a tangy buffalo sauce with layers of lasagna noodles, creamy cheeses, and a flavorful tomato and ranch dressing mixture. Baked to perfection, this hearty casserole offers the bold flavors of buffalo wings in a comforting, layered Lasagna format, ideal for those who love a bit of heat and cheesy goodness.
Ingredients
Lasagna and Cheese
- 12 sheets lasagna noodles oven ready
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 8 ounce blue cheese
- 4 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
Sauces and Vegetables
- 3/4 cup buffalo wing sauce
- 3/4 cup ranch dressing
- 15 ounce diced tomatoes (1 can)
- 1/4 cup parsley, chopped
Protein and Seasonings
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1/4 teaspoon salt or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper or to taste
- 1 large egg
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the lasagna.
- Mix the cheese filling: In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, blue cheese, egg, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and set aside. In another bowl, mix shredded chicken, buffalo wing sauce, ranch dressing, and diced tomatoes to create the chicken mixture.
- Assemble the lasagna: Spread 1/4 of the chicken mixture in the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Layer 4 lasagna noodles over the chicken mixture, then add another 1/4 of the chicken mixture, followed by 1/3 of the cheese mixture, and sprinkle with about 1/3 of the shredded mozzarella. Repeat the layers two more times, finishing with a top layer of mozzarella cheese.
- 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 for an additional 20 minutes, or until the lasagna is bubbly and the noodles are tender.
- Serve: Allow the lasagna to rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving to let the layers set.
Notes
- For an even spicier kick, add additional buffalo sauce or crushed red pepper flakes.
- Blue cheese can be substituted with gorgonzola or feta for different flavor profiles.
- If you prefer a creamier texture, add a layer of béchamel or extra ranch dressing on top before baking.
- Ensure the chicken is cooked and shredded before assembling for the best flavor integration.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of dish)
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 1020 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg
