Buffalo Chicken Lasagna is a delightful twist on the classic Italian dish that brings a spicy kick to your dinner table. Imagine layers of tender pasta, creamy cheese, and zesty buffalo chicken, all baked to perfection. This recipe not only satisfies your cravings for comfort food but also adds a bold flavor profile that is sure to impress your family and friends.
The origins of buffalo chicken can be traced back to Buffalo, New York, where the iconic dish was first created in the 1960s. Since then, it has evolved into a beloved favorite across the United States, inspiring countless variations, including this unique lasagna. People love Buffalo Chicken Lasagna for its perfect balance of flavors and textures—the creaminess of the cheese, the heat of the buffalo sauce, and the heartiness of the chicken come together in a way that is simply irresistible. Plus, it’s a convenient one-dish meal that makes cleanup a breeze! Join me as we dive into this mouthwatering recipe that will surely become a staple in your home.
Ingredients:
- 12 lasagna noodles
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup buffalo sauce (adjust to taste)
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup crumbled blue cheese (optional)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Preparing the Chicken Mixture
1. Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure that your lasagna cooks evenly and thoroughly. 2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken and buffalo sauce. Mix well until the chicken is fully coated. You can adjust the amount of buffalo sauce based on how spicy you want your lasagna to be. I usually go for a medium heat, but feel free to add more if you like it hot! 3. Set the chicken mixture aside while you prepare the cheese filling.Preparing the Cheese Filling
4. In another mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and well combined. The egg will help bind the cheese mixture together, giving it a nice texture. 5. If you’re a fan of blue cheese, now is the time to add it to the ricotta mixture. It adds a wonderful tangy flavor that complements the buffalo sauce beautifully. If you prefer a milder taste, you can skip this step.Cooking the Lasagna Noodles
6. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, carefully add the lasagna noodles. Cook them according to the package instructions until they are al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. 7. Once cooked, drain the noodles and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process. Lay them flat on a clean kitchen towel or parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together.Assembling the Lasagna
8. Now it’s time to assemble the lasagna! In a 9×13 inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of the buffalo chicken mixture on the bottom. This will prevent the noodles from sticking. 9. Place 4 lasagna noodles over the chicken mixture, slightly overlapping them if necessary. 10. Spread half of the ricotta cheese mixture over the noodles, smoothing it out with a spatula. 11. Next, add half of the buffalo chicken mixture on top of the ricotta layer, spreading it evenly. 12. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the chicken layer. This will create a delicious cheesy layer that melts beautifully. 13. Repeat the layering process: add another layer of 4 lasagna noodles, the remaining ricotta mixture, the remaining buffalo chicken mixture, and another cup of mozzarella cheese. 14. For the final layer, place the last 4 lasagna noodles on top. Spread any remaining buffalo chicken mixture over the noodles, and then top with the remaining mozzarella cheese and the grated Parmesan cheese. This will give your lasagna a lovely golden crust when baked.Baking the Lasagna
15. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil, making sure it doesn’t touch the cheese. This will help keep the moisture in while the lasagna bakes. 16. Place the lasagna in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes. After 25 minutes, carefully remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. 17. Once done, remove the lasagna from the oven and let it sit for about 10-15 minutes. This resting time allows the layers to set, making it easier to cut and serve.Serving the Lasagna
18. After the resting period, use a sharp knife to cut the lasagna into squares. I like to serve mine with a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness. 19. Serve hot, and if you want to take it up a notch, drizzle a little extra buffalo sauce on top or serve with a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping. 20. Enjoy your delicious Buffalo Chicken Lasagna with friends and family! It’s a crowd-pleaser that combines the flavors of buffalo chicken wings with the comforting layers of lasagna. This recipe is not only easy to follow but also allowsConclusion:
In summary, this Buffalo Chicken Lasagna is an absolute must-try for anyone looking to elevate their dinner game with a delicious twist on a classic dish. The combination of spicy buffalo chicken, creamy cheese, and hearty noodles creates a flavor explosion that is sure to impress your family and friends. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up leftover chicken or to spice up your weeknight meals. For serving suggestions, I recommend pairing this lasagna with a crisp side salad or some garlic bread to balance out the richness of the dish. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also experiment with variations by adding vegetables like spinach or zucchini for an extra nutritional boost, or even swapping out the chicken for shredded beef or a vegetarian alternative. The possibilities are endless! I encourage you to give this Buffalo Chicken Lasagna a try and make it your own. Once you’ve whipped up this delightful dish, I’d love to hear about your experience! Share your thoughts, any tweaks you made, or even a photo of your creation. Let’s spread the love for this incredible recipe together! Happy cooking! PrintBuffalo Chicken Lasagna: A Delicious Twist on a Classic Recipe
- Total Time: 75 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
Savor the bold flavors of Buffalo Chicken Lasagna, featuring layers of tender noodles, spicy buffalo chicken, creamy ricotta, and melted mozzarella. This hearty dish is perfect for gatherings or a cozy family meal, offering a delicious twist on a classic favorite.
Ingredients
- 12 lasagna noodles
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup buffalo sauce (adjust to taste)
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup crumbled blue cheese (optional)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken and buffalo sauce. Mix well until the chicken is fully coated. Adjust the buffalo sauce to your desired spice level.
- Set the chicken mixture aside while you prepare the cheese filling.
- In another mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and well combined. If using, add the blue cheese to the ricotta mixture.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
- Drain the noodles and rinse them under cold water. Lay them flat on a clean kitchen towel or parchment paper.
- In a 9×13 inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of the buffalo chicken mixture on the bottom.
- Place 4 lasagna noodles over the chicken mixture, slightly overlapping if necessary.
- Spread half of the ricotta cheese mixture over the noodles.
- Add half of the buffalo chicken mixture on top of the ricotta layer, spreading it evenly.
- Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the chicken layer.
- Repeat the layering process: add another layer of 4 lasagna noodles, the remaining ricotta mixture, the remaining buffalo chicken mixture, and another cup of mozzarella cheese.
- For the final layer, place the last 4 lasagna noodles on top. Spread any remaining buffalo chicken mixture over the noodles, and top with the remaining mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil, ensuring it doesn’t touch the cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Once done, remove the lasagna from the oven and let it sit for about 10-15 minutes to set.
- Cut the lasagna into squares and serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley. Optionally, drizzle with extra buffalo sauce or serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of buffalo sauce based on your spice preference.
- Blue cheese can be omitted for a milder flavor.
- Letting the lasagna rest before cutting helps maintain its structure.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-45 minutes