If you’re searching for a showstopping comfort food mashup, Buffalo Chicken Lasagna is about to become your new obsession. Imagine the fiery tang of buffalo sauce and tender shredded chicken nestled between creamy ricotta, molten mozzarella, and the classic layers of pasta. Each bite is equal parts spicy, cheesy, and satisfyingly hearty — truly a flavor-packed twist that combines the best of Buffalo wings and Italian lasagna in one cozy baking dish. Whether it’s game day or a family dinner, this Buffalo Chicken Lasagna will have everyone racing to the table!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the layered look fool you — this recipe relies on simple, everyday ingredients that bring big flavor and even bigger comfort. Each component of Buffalo Chicken Lasagna adds something special, whether it’s creamy richness, bold heat, or irresistible melty cheese.
- Lasagna noodles: The foundation of every great lasagna, they keep all those scrumptious layers together with just the right hearty bite.
- Cooked shredded chicken: Rotisserie chicken is perfect here, making prep quick while providing tender, juicy pieces that soak up the sauce.
- Ricotta cheese: This adds mellow creaminess, balancing the spice for a perfectly smooth center.
- Large egg: Binds the ricotta filling so it bakes up rich and set, not runny.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: A must for glorious, gooey cheesiness in every bite.
- Crumbled blue cheese (optional): For those who love the classic Buffalo pairing, blue cheese adds a tangy edge that plays so well with the sauce.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Lends a salty, savory punch as a finishing touch.
- Buffalo wing sauce: The star of the show — your favorite brand will bring the zing!
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing: Creamy, cooling, and a beautiful counterpoint to the heat.
- Olive oil: Just a little to sauté the aromatics and start building savory depth.
- Small onion, diced: Sweet and savory, onion gives the filling real soul.
- Garlic, minced: Two cloves take the flavor up a notch with warming, garlicky notes.
- Salt and black pepper: Simple seasonings that make all the flavors pop.
- Chopped green onions or parsley (optional): The perfect finishing flourish for freshness and color.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Lasagna
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics
Start by heating the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once it shimmers, toss in the diced onions and minced garlic, letting them sizzle for 3 to 4 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the kitchen smells incredible and the onions are translucent — this simple step creates a savory base that ties the filling together.
Step 2: Prepare the Buffalo Chicken Filling
Add the shredded chicken, buffalo wing sauce, and ranch or blue cheese dressing directly into the pan with the softened onions and garlic. Give everything a good stir, making sure the chicken is thoroughly coated and all the flavors meld. Let it all simmer for another 2 to 3 minutes until the mixture is bubbling and vividly orange.
Step 3: Mix the Ricotta Layer
In a separate bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, salt, and pepper. Stir them together until everything is smooth and creamy — this will spread easily between each layer and offset the spicy kick of the chicken.
Step 4: Layer the Lasagna
Grab your 9×13-inch baking dish and spread a thin layer of the buffalo chicken mixture on the bottom. Arrange 3 of your cooked lasagna noodles over the top, followed by half the ricotta mixture, then sprinkle a third of the mozzarella cheese, and another third of the chicken filling. Repeat: noodles, remaining ricotta, another third mozzarella, and more chicken. Finish with a final layer of noodles and top it off with every last bit of the chicken filling, then shower it with the rest of the mozzarella, Parmesan, and blue cheese if you’re using it.
Step 5: Bake to Cheesy Perfection
Cover your masterpiece with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and return it to the oven for another 15 to 20 minutes so the cheese browns and the sauces bubble up around the edges. Let the lasagna rest for 10 to 15 minutes once it’s out of the oven — this is the secret to beautiful, neat slices.
How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Lasagna
Garnishes
Top each serving with vibrant chopped green onions or parsley to add a burst of color and a fresh finish. A final light sprinkle of blue cheese crumbles can take things totally over the top for blue cheese lovers!
Side Dishes
Since Buffalo Chicken Lasagna is rich and bold, pair it with something crisp and cooling. Think simple green salads with ranch or blue cheese vinaigrette, garlic bread, celery sticks, or even some grilled corn on the cob for a sweet crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut the lasagna into squares and serve them on a platter as a playful, crowd-pleasing party appetizer. For game day, serve with extra hot sauce and a few ramekins of ranch or blue cheese for dipping. Or, dish up individual portions in mini cast iron pans for a dinner that feels instantly special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cover leftover Buffalo Chicken Lasagna tightly with foil or plastic wrap and keep it in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors get even better as they mingle, making leftovers a next-day treat worth fighting for!
Freezing
This lasagna is perfect for batch-cooking. Wrap cooled, fully baked portions or the entire dish tightly first in plastic and then foil. Freeze for up to three months — thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best texture.
Reheating
Reheat slices in the microwave for quick lunches, or rewarm the whole pan covered with foil in a 350°F oven until heated through. For a bubbly, melty top, uncover for the last 10 minutes of baking. If it seems dry at all, spoon a splash of buffalo sauce or dressing over the top before reheating.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely, using store-bought rotisserie chicken is a major time saver and makes your Buffalo Chicken Lasagna even easier to throw together on a busy night.
Is there a substitute for blue cheese?
If blue cheese isn’t your thing or you have picky eaters, simply swap it for extra mozzarella, provolone, or even a little sharp cheddar for a different twist.
How spicy is Buffalo Chicken Lasagna?
The spice level depends on your buffalo sauce of choice. For more heat, add extra hot sauce to the chicken mixture, or keep things milder by choosing a gentle buffalo sauce or drizzling a little extra ranch inside between layers.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the lasagna up to a day in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Bake just before serving, adding 5–10 minutes to the bake time to account for the chill.
What can I use instead of ricotta cheese?
Cottage cheese makes a great substitute and lends a slightly lighter texture, while mascarpone can be used if you prefer something extra rich and creamy.
Final Thoughts
This Buffalo Chicken Lasagna brings the heat, the cheese, and all the fun of your favorite sports bar right into your home kitchen. Once you give it a try, it just might become your new classic for gatherings, potlucks, or any weeknight that needs a dash of excitement. Gather your ingredients and dive in — your taste buds will definitely thank you!
Print
Buffalo Chicken Lasagna Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Buffalo Chicken Lasagna is a spicy twist on the classic Italian dish, combining the flavors of buffalo chicken wings with layers of cheesy goodness. Perfect for a comforting family meal or a crowd-pleasing dish for game day.
Ingredients
For the Lasagna:
- 9 lasagna noodles, cooked and drained
- 3 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup crumbled blue cheese (optional)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 1/2 cups buffalo wing sauce
- 1/2 cup ranch or blue cheese dressing
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Chopped green onions or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Sauté onion and garlic: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the diced onion and garlic until soft, about 3–4 minutes.
- Prepare chicken mixture: Stir in the shredded chicken, buffalo wing sauce, and dressing. Cook for 2–3 minutes until well combined and warmed through.
- Mix ricotta mixture: In a separate bowl, mix ricotta cheese, egg, salt, and pepper.
- Layer lasagna: In a 9×13-inch baking dish, layer the lasagna noodles, ricotta mixture, mozzarella, and chicken mixture in alternating layers.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 15–20 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Rest and garnish: Let the lasagna rest for 10–15 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped green onions or parsley if desired.
Notes
- You can use store-bought rotisserie chicken to save time.
- Blue cheese can be omitted or replaced with extra mozzarella if preferred.
- For extra spice, add a few dashes of hot sauce to the chicken mixture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 970mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 33g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
