Ultimate Buffalo Chicken Lasagna Recipe Best Ever Edition

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Introduction

The smell of bubbling cheesy goodness mixed with the tangy, spicy aroma of buffalo sauce—it’s a game-changer. This Ultimate Buffalo Chicken Lasagna recipe is the perfect twist on classic comfort food, combining the bold flavors of buffalo chicken with the creamy layers of lasagna. I remember the first time I made it; I was hosting a game night, and I wanted something hearty but exciting. This dish absolutely stole the show, with everyone asking for seconds (and the recipe).

If you’re a fan of spice and gooey cheese, this recipe is for you. It’s not just a regular lasagna; it’s a flavor-packed, crowd-pleasing masterpiece. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, a football party, or just treating yourself, this buffalo chicken lasagna is the ultimate comfort food with a fiery kick. Trust me—it’s worth every step!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Bold Flavor Combo: Creamy, cheesy layers paired with spicy buffalo chicken—what’s not to love?
  • Perfect for Gatherings: This dish is a guaranteed hit at game nights, potlucks, or family dinners.
  • Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep it ahead of time and bake it when you’re ready. It’s a lifesaver for busy schedules.
  • Comfort Food with a Twist: It’s just like your favorite lasagna, but with an exciting buffalo chicken upgrade.
  • Customizable: Whether you like it mild or extra spicy, you can adjust the heat level to suit your taste.

What sets this Buffalo Chicken Lasagna apart is its perfect balance of spice and creamy richness. The tangy buffalo sauce pairs beautifully with the creaminess of the ricotta and mozzarella layers, while the shredded chicken gives it a hearty, satisfying bite. Plus, it’s easy to make and can be tailored to your preferences, making it a versatile addition to your recipe collection.

What Ingredients You Will Need

This recipe uses simple, flavorful ingredients to create a lasagna you’ll crave again and again:

  • Lasagna noodles: Regular or oven-ready lasagna noodles work perfectly here.
  • Shredded chicken: Rotisserie chicken is perfect for convenience, but you can also use leftover cooked chicken or poached chicken breasts.
  • Buffalo sauce: Frank’s RedHot is a classic choice, but feel free to use your favorite brand.
  • Cream cheese: Softened for easy mixing (helps create a creamy buffalo chicken layer).
  • Ricotta cheese: Adds creaminess to the layers.
  • Shredded mozzarella: For that gooey, cheesy topping.
  • Blue cheese crumbles: Optional, but it adds a tangy punch that complements the buffalo flavor.
  • Ranch or blue cheese dressing: Choose your favorite for drizzling on top or mixing into the chicken layer.
  • Chopped celery: For crunch and to balance the heat.
  • Green onions: For garnish and added flavor.
  • Salt and pepper: To season the chicken and other layers.

You likely have most of these ingredients on hand, and the few specialty items like buffalo sauce and blue cheese crumbles can easily be found at your local grocery store. Feel free to make little swaps based on your preferences or dietary needs!

Equipment Needed

buffalo chicken lasagna preparation steps

  • Baking dish: A 9×13-inch dish works perfectly for this recipe.
  • Mixing bowls: For combining the cheese and chicken mixtures.
  • Large pot: To cook your lasagna noodles, if you’re not using oven-ready ones.
  • Spoon or spatula: For spreading the layers evenly.
  • Aluminum foil: To cover the lasagna while baking.

If you don’t have a large baking dish, you can split the recipe into two smaller dishes. For mixing, any medium-sized bowls will do the trick. And for the noodles, if you’re using traditional lasagna sheets, make sure to stir them occasionally to prevent sticking.

Preparation Method

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease your 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
  2. If using regular lasagna noodles, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken with 1 cup of buffalo sauce. Mix until the chicken is well-coated. If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the buffalo sauce slightly.
  4. In another bowl, mix ricotta cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, and 4 ounces of cream cheese (softened). Add a pinch of salt and pepper for seasoning.
  5. Begin assembling your lasagna. Start by spreading a thin layer of buffalo sauce on the bottom of your baking dish.
  6. Place a layer of lasagna noodles over the sauce. Spread half of the ricotta mixture evenly on top. Then add a layer of the buffalo chicken mixture, followed by a sprinkle of blue cheese crumbles (if using).
  7. Repeat the layering process: noodles, remaining ricotta mixture, chicken mixture, and blue cheese crumbles.
  8. Top with a final layer of noodles. Sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella evenly over the top.
  9. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for another 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
  10. Let the lasagna cool for 10 minutes before serving to ensure clean slices.

Pro Tip: If your buffalo chicken layer seems too thick, add a splash of ranch or blue cheese dressing to loosen it up. And don’t forget to taste your ricotta mixture before layering—it’s your chance to adjust the seasoning!

Cooking Tips & Techniques

  • Don’t Overcook the Noodles: If you’re using regular lasagna noodles, undercook them slightly since they’ll continue to cook in the oven.
  • Balance the Heat: Not everyone loves super spicy food, so you can mix buffalo sauce with a bit of ranch dressing to mellow the heat while keeping the flavor intact.
  • Layer Evenly: Spread each layer smoothly to ensure every bite has the perfect balance of flavors.
  • Let It Rest: After baking, let the lasagna sit for 10 minutes to firm up. This makes slicing much easier and keeps the layers intact.
  • Cheese Tip: For best results, shred your own mozzarella instead of using pre-shredded. It melts better and has a creamier texture.

Variations & Adaptations

  • Low-Carb Option: Swap out the lasagna noodles for thinly sliced zucchini or eggplant. This makes the dish keto-friendly and adds extra veggies.
  • Vegetarian Version: Replace the chicken with roasted cauliflower or buffalo-style jackfruit for a plant-based twist.
  • Mild Version: Use a milder hot sauce or reduce the amount of buffalo sauce. You can also increase the ranch dressing to balance the spice.
  • Cheese Alternatives: Use dairy-free cheese and coconut yogurt instead of ricotta for a vegan adaptation.
  • Seasonal Add-Ins: Add sautéed mushrooms or roasted bell peppers for a fall-inspired variation.

One of my favorite personal adaptations is adding a layer of caramelized onions for a touch of sweetness—it pairs wonderfully with the spicy buffalo sauce!

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve this lasagna warm, straight from the oven, with a drizzle of ranch or blue cheese dressing on top for extra creaminess. A sprinkle of chopped celery and green onions gives it a fresh crunch. Pair it with a crisp green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.

To store leftovers, cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 4 days. For longer storage, wrap individual portions in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.

Pro Tip: The flavors of this lasagna actually deepen overnight, making leftovers even tastier!

Nutritional Information & Benefits

This dish is a protein powerhouse thanks to the shredded chicken and cheeses. Here’s an estimated nutritional breakdown per serving:

  • Calories: ~450
  • Protein: ~30g
  • Fat: ~20g
  • Carbohydrates: ~30g
  • Sodium: ~700mg

Buffalo chicken lasagna is rich in calcium from the cheese and provides a good amount of lean protein from the chicken. If you’re watching your sodium intake, opt for a low-sodium buffalo sauce and cheese. Make this dish your own with healthy substitutions like zucchini noodles or dairy-free alternatives.

Conclusion

This Ultimate Buffalo Chicken Lasagna Recipe is not just delicious but also customizable to suit your taste buds and dietary preferences. It’s spicy, creamy, and satisfying, with layers of bold buffalo chicken flavor that your family and guests will rave about. I love how this dish brings people together, whether it’s for a casual dinner or a festive gathering.

Ready to give it a try? I’d love to hear how you make it your own—leave a comment below with your favorite variations or tag me on social media with your creations. Happy cooking, and enjoy every cheesy, spicy bite!

FAQs

Can I make this lasagna ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble the lasagna, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

Can I freeze this lasagna?

Yes! You can freeze the assembled, unbaked lasagna for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.

What’s the best way to shred chicken?

Use two forks to shred cooked chicken breasts or thighs. Alternatively, a stand mixer with a paddle attachment works great for larger batches.

Can I make this less spicy?

Yes, simply reduce the amount of buffalo sauce and mix in some ranch or blue cheese dressing to mellow out the heat.

What can I serve with buffalo chicken lasagna?

A simple green salad, garlic bread, or even roasted veggies make great sides to complement this dish.

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buffalo chicken lasagna - featured image

Ultimate Buffalo Chicken Lasagna Recipe Best Ever Edition


  • Author: Tessa
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 8 servings

Description

This Ultimate Buffalo Chicken Lasagna recipe combines the bold flavors of buffalo chicken with creamy layers of lasagna, creating a spicy, cheesy comfort food masterpiece.


Ingredients

  • Lasagna noodles (regular or oven-ready)
  • Shredded chicken (rotisserie or cooked chicken)
  • Buffalo sauce (e.g., Frank’s RedHot)
  • Cream cheese (softened)
  • Ricotta cheese
  • Shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Blue cheese crumbles (optional)
  • Ranch or blue cheese dressing
  • Chopped celery
  • Green onions (for garnish)
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease your 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. If using regular lasagna noodles, cook them in salted boiling water according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken with 1 cup of buffalo sauce. Mix until well-coated.
  4. In another bowl, mix ricotta cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, and 4 ounces of softened cream cheese. Add a pinch of salt and pepper.
  5. Spread a thin layer of buffalo sauce on the bottom of the baking dish.
  6. Place a layer of lasagna noodles over the sauce. Spread half of the ricotta mixture evenly on top, followed by a layer of buffalo chicken mixture and a sprinkle of blue cheese crumbles (optional).
  7. Repeat the layering process: noodles, remaining ricotta mixture, chicken mixture, and blue cheese crumbles.
  8. Top with a final layer of noodles and sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella evenly over the top.
  9. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
  10. Let the lasagna cool for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

[‘If your buffalo chicken layer seems too thick, add a splash of ranch or blue cheese dressing to loosen it up.’, ‘Taste your ricotta mixture before layering to adjust seasoning.’, ‘Let the lasagna sit for 10 minutes after baking to firm up for easier slicing.’]

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 450
  • Sodium: 700
  • Fat: 20
  • Carbohydrates: 30
  • Protein: 30

Keywords: Buffalo chicken lasagna, spicy lasagna, comfort food, cheesy lasagna, game night recipe

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