Description
A flavorful twist on classic lasagna, this Buffalo Chicken Lasagna combines tender shredded chicken tossed in spicy buffalo sauce with creamy ricotta and mozzarella cheeses, layered between tender lasagna noodles, then baked to bubbly, golden perfection. Perfect for fans of spicy comfort food looking for a hearty, crowd-pleasing meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Buffalo Chicken Mixture
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works well)
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
- 1/4 cup ranch dressing (or blue cheese dressing)
Cheese Filling
- 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided: 1 cup for filling, 1/2 cup for topping)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
Other Ingredients
- 9-12 lasagna noodles, cooked and drained
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream or milk
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Buffalo Chicken: In a medium bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken with buffalo sauce and ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing. Stir until the chicken is evenly coated and set aside.
- Make the Cheese Filling: In a separate bowl, mix ricotta cheese, 1 cup shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, and the egg until smooth and well combined to create the cheese filling.
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the lasagna.
- First Layer: Spread a thin layer of the buffalo chicken mixture on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and add flavor.
- Layer Noodles and Filling: Place 3-4 cooked lasagna noodles over the chicken layer, then spread half of the ricotta cheese mixture evenly over the noodles, followed by half of the remaining buffalo chicken mixture.
- Repeat Layers: Add another layer of noodles, then the remaining ricotta mixture, and the rest of the buffalo chicken sauce. Finish by topping with shredded cheddar cheese and the remaining mozzarella cheese evenly distributed.
- Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to retain moisture and bake in the oven for 25 minutes.
- Uncover and Finish Baking: Remove the foil carefully and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese topping is bubbly and golden brown.
- Rest the Lasagna: Let the baked lasagna rest for 5-10 minutes to set for easier slicing and better flavor melding.
- Serve and Garnish: Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro or parsley if desired. Serve hot alongside a fresh side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal experience.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken to save time and add extra flavor to the dish.
- Adjust buffalo sauce amount to control the heat level.
- Lasagna noodles can be substituted with no-boil noodles for quicker assembly.
- Allow the lasagna to rest before slicing to ensure clean cuts and better layering.
- Optional garnishes like cilantro or parsley provide fresh brightness.
