If you’re craving a bold twist on a classic comfort food, this Buffalo Chicken Lasagna Recipe is exactly what you need. It brilliantly combines the spicy, tangy kick of buffalo sauce with the creamy richness of ricotta and blue cheese, layered between tender lasagna noodles and melty mozzarella. Every bite bursts with layers of flavor and texture, making it a perfect crowd-pleaser for game days, family dinners, or anytime you want to impress without stress. Trust me, once you try this dish, it will quickly become a go-to favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients is straightforward and rewarding because each one plays an essential role in building those remarkable layers of taste and texture. From creamy cheeses to spicy buffalo sauce, every component contributes to making this lasagna irresistibly good.
- 12 sheets lasagna noodles, oven ready: Saves preparation time while providing that classic pasta base.
- 1 cup ricotta cheese: Adds creamy, mild richness that balances spicy flavors.
- 8 ounces blue cheese, crumbled: Introduces tangy depth and pairs perfectly with buffalo sauce.
- 1 large egg: Helps bind the cheese mixture for smooth, easy layering.
- ¼ cup chopped parsley: Freshness and a subtle herbaceous note to brighten the dish.
- ¼ teaspoon salt, or to taste: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
- ¼ teaspoon pepper, or to taste: Adds just a touch of gentle heat and complexity.
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded: The hearty, protein-packed star of the recipe.
- ¾ cup buffalo wing sauce: Brings the signature spicy kick that defines the dish.
- ¾ cup ranch dressing: Cool and creamy counterpoint that mellows the heat deliciously.
- 15 ounces diced tomatoes, canned: Juicy bursts of acidity to balance richness.
- 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Gooey, melty comfort that ties all layers together beautifully.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Lasagna Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Having the oven ready ahead means your lasagna will go in as soon as it’s assembled, ensuring perfect cooking and melty, bubbly cheese on top.
Step 2: Mix the Cheese Filling
In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, blue cheese crumbles, egg, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Mixing these now creates a luscious, flavorful cheese filling that adds creaminess and savory notes throughout the layers.
Step 3: Prepare the Chicken Mixture
Next, in a separate bowl, stir together the shredded cooked chicken, buffalo wing sauce, ranch dressing, and diced tomatoes. This mixture is the vibrant heart of the lasagna, bringing spicy, tangy, and creamy elements all in one bite.
Step 4: Assemble the Lasagna
Start by spreading one quarter of the chicken mixture evenly on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer 4 lasagna noodles on top. Then repeat with another quarter of the chicken mixture, one third of the cheese mixture, and a sprinkle of mozzarella. Repeat these layers two more times, finishing with a generous layer of mozzarella on the top to achieve that golden, melty crust.
Step 5: Bake the Dish
Tightly cover the dish with aluminum foil to keep the moisture in and bake for 30 minutes. Then uncover and bake an additional 20 minutes, until everything is bubbly, hot, and perfectly cooked through, with tender noodles and a beautifully browned cheese top.
Step 6: Serve
Let your Buffalo Chicken Lasagna Recipe cool for a few minutes once it’s out of the oven. This resting time helps it set, making it easier to slice and giving you those perfect, hold-together servings that everyone will love.
How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Lasagna Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your lasagna’s appearance and flavor with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chopped green onions. For a little extra zing, drizzle some ranch or a light touch of buffalo sauce on top. These garnishes brighten each bite and add a welcoming pop of color.
Side Dishes
This dish is rich and filling, so pairing it with light, crisp sides works beautifully. Consider a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette, roasted vegetables, or crunchy celery sticks to complement the spicy notes perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your serving into a mini-event by setting up a “buffalo bar” with extra blue cheese crumbles, ranch dressing, and celery sticks on the side. You can also slice the lasagna into smaller squares for casual get-togethers, making it easy for everyone to grab and enjoy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Buffalo Chicken Lasagna Recipe leftovers will taste just as great the next day. Store the cooled lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it perfect for easy lunches or next-day dinners.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the lasagna before baking or after it has cooled. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil or use a freezer-safe container. It will keep beautifully for up to 3 months and can be thawed overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the whole dish covered in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through and bubbly again. Adding a little extra shredded mozzarella on top before reheating can bring back that fresh-from-the-oven melt.
FAQs
Can I use fresh lasagna noodles instead of oven-ready?
Absolutely! Fresh noodles work well but may require slightly more baking time and possibly a bit more sauce or moisture in the layers to ensure they cook thoroughly and stay tender.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! You can swap the shredded chicken for sautéed mushrooms, roasted vegetables, or even shredded jackfruit for a vegetarian version that still has great texture and flavor.
Can I adjust the spiciness of the buffalo sauce?
Of course. If you prefer milder heat, use less buffalo sauce or mix it with more ranch dressing. For those who love it fiery, consider adding extra hot sauce or spicy peppers.
What type of blue cheese should I use?
Select your favorite blue cheese, whether it’s more pungent like Roquefort or milder varieties. Crumbling it finely helps it distribute flavor evenly throughout the cheese mixture.
Can this recipe be made ahead and then baked later?
Definitely. Assemble the lasagna, cover tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes it super convenient for busy days or entertaining guests.
Final Thoughts
This Buffalo Chicken Lasagna Recipe is undeniably a game-changer—combining comfort food familiarity with a spirited, exciting twist. It’s the kind of dish that invites conversation, sharing, and requests for seconds. I can’t wait for you to make it, savor every cheesy, spicy bite, and add it to your list of all-time favorites.
Print
Buffalo Chicken Lasagna Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Buffalo Chicken Lasagna combines the spicy tang of buffalo wing sauce with creamy cheeses and tender chicken in a comforting layered casserole, perfect for game day or a hearty family dinner. Oven-ready lasagna noodles make assembly easy, while layers of blue cheese, ricotta, ranch dressing, and shredded mozzarella create a rich and flavorful dish.
Ingredients
Lasagna Base and Layers
- 12 sheets lasagna noodles, oven ready
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- ¾ cup buffalo wing sauce
- ¾ cup ranch dressing
- 15 ounces diced tomatoes, canned
Cheese Mixture
- 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
Topping
- 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it is ready for baking the lasagna.
- Mix the cheese filling: In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, crumbled blue cheese, the egg, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated then set aside.
- Prepare the chicken mixture: In a separate bowl, mix the shredded cooked chicken with buffalo wing sauce, ranch dressing, and diced tomatoes. Stir until the chicken is evenly coated with all the ingredients.
- Assemble the lasagna: In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a quarter of the chicken mixture evenly on the bottom. Layer 4 oven-ready lasagna noodles over the chicken. Spread another quarter of the chicken mixture evenly over the noodles, followed by one-third of the cheese mixture. Sprinkle about one-third of the shredded mozzarella cheese on top. Repeat these layering steps two more times, finishing with a layer of shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
- Bake the lasagna: Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 20 minutes or until the lasagna is bubbly and the noodles are tender.
- Serve: Allow the lasagna to cool slightly after baking to set properly. Then slice into portions and serve warm, enjoying the creamy, spicy flavors of this buffalo chicken lasagna.
Notes
- You can substitute cooked rotisserie chicken to save time.
- Adjust the amount of buffalo wing sauce according to your preferred spice level.
- For best results, use oven-ready noodles to skip pre-boiling.
- Letting the lasagna rest before slicing helps it hold together better.
- This dish can be prepared a day ahead and refrigerated before baking for convenience.
