Buffalo chicken lasagna recipe is one of those decadent chicken pasta recipes that leave you wanting to lick your plate clean wondering why you haven’t made one of these lasagna recipes before!
You could say that its finger-lickin’ fantastic! This is definitely one of those pasta recipes to write home about because it’s all that!
Buffalo chicken lasagna is chunks of succulent chicken swimming in buffalo inspired sauce nestled between tender lasagna noodles and held together with plenty of gooey melted cheese. Think buffalo chicken pizza on steroids. Can chicken recipes get any better?
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What I Love About Buffalo Chicken Lasagna Recipe
I absolutely love that this buffalo chicken lasagna recipe combines the deliciousness of buffalo chicken wings and the savory satisfaction of lasagna. This decadent dish allows people to experience the combination of buffalo chicken and lasagna is a sensational new way!
Here are some fantastic reasons to love it.
- Delicious and nutritious
- Preparation like traditional lasagna
- Kiddos can help
- Variable recipe
- Diverse applications
Recipe Notes
This recipe calls for a magical piece of cookware known as a Dutch oven. If you don’t have one, then any well-seasoned deep cast-iron skillet will help you develop those intense flavors.
Use a heavy-bottomed skillet as a last resort. A heavy-bottomed skillet helps distribute heat more evenly and prevents burning.
While you want to prepare the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions, here are a couple of important tips. First and foremost, please salt your pasta water. Add the salt to hot or boiling water, not cold.
I use 2-4 tablespoons for every 4 quarts of water, depending on the type of salt. (Also recommended by Marcella Hazan) This will help flavor your pasta from the inside out which will enhance your buffalo chicken lasagna recipe.
Cook your lasagna noodles al dente, which is still a little firm in the middle. This will help prevent them from going soggy in the oven.
Also, keep in mind that all ovens cook a little differently, so your cooking time may vary just a bit. Letting your lasagna rest will help you avoid that soupy mess that occurs when half of every piece is left swimming in the bottom of the pan.
I know it’s hard not to dive in immediately after pulling it out of the oven, especially if your tummy is already rumbling. But, doing so will only make serving messy and scald every nerve on your tongue. Just walk away.
Slow-cooker savvy – Want to avoid turning on your oven and save a little prep time? You can easily assemble this in your slow cooker for a Buffalo Chicken Lasagna crockpot version.
Since the cooking time’s significantly longer, you can also use uncooked noodles or no-bake noodles. Make your sauce, then layer everything into a lightly-greased slow-cooker and bake on low 4 – 5 hours. (You’ll still want to reserve half the blue cheese to add on top at the end.)
Chicken Lasagna Ingredient Notes
This chicken lasagna can be an intimate family meal or the main dish at a fancy dinner party. It has an intense flavor combination that is simply out of this world.
Chicken: If you prefer the texture of shredded chicken, you can definitely substitute it in this dish. Leftovers or a store-bought rotisserie chicken will work great, or you can certainly bake or boil your own. You’ll just need about 4 cups to use in the recipe.
Sauce: You can choose to make this buffalo chicken lasagna recipe with or without the bechamel cheese. This rich and creamy cheese filling is the perfect balance to the slightly spicy buffalo style sauce, but I understand that it’s just not for everyone.
Cheese: Gorgonzola or Stilton – Different qualities and brands of blue cheese have different characteristics. I use a fairly mild, moderately priced blue cheese in this recipe, something like a Danish Blue or Gorgonzola.
If you’re using a particularly strong variety, I would suggest reducing the amount of blue cheese. You can always sprinkle more on top if it doesn’t quite have the blue cheese “oomph” you’re looking for.
If that’s the case, feel free to make up the difference with additional shredded mozzarella. After all, it’s not really the savory lasagna we all know and love without cheese overload!
Spiciness: We also need to talk about the hot sauce. I prefer to use Frank’s Hot Sauce, but your favorite buffalo wing sauce will work just fine. The recipe calls for ¾ cup of hot sauce and the chicken lasagna does have a little kick, but it won’t make your eyes water.
However, you may want to cut back on the hot sauce a bit if the kiddos will be eating. The full-flavored buffalo chicken lasagna maybe a little too much for their delicate palate, as delicious as it is.
Assembly: Lastly, to ensure a nice thick buffalo chicken lasagna recipe that serves nicely and tastes amazing make sure to follow the rule of thumb for assembly. You want to use sauce, noodles, filling – repeat.
Lasagna with Ricotta Storing Tips
Making lasagna with ricotta usually means there is some leftover because of its such a large hearty meal. It stores best in an airtight container with a secure lid to prevent air from reaching it. If there is a bunch left, you can just cover the casserole dish tightly with foil and toss it in the fridge.
I like to store mine in single-serve portions that are easy to pull out after school or whenever someone needs a snack. When the kiddos were little it made it easier to make them a quick nutritious dinner on those busy weeknights when my husband worked late.
Can You Freeze This?
Oh yes, you can freeze it! Buffalo chicken lasagna recipe freezes well. You can slow thaw it in the fridge or put it directly in the microwave and heat it up.
Freeze the whole thing for an easy ready-made dinner that is too incredible for words or freeze it in smaller portions that you can pull out one at a time. Use a vacuum sealer or wrap it tightly in saran wrap before putting it in a freezer bag.
Lasagna Sauce Make Ahead Tips
Making your lasagna sauce ahead of time is a great way to simplify things down the road. All my prepping pals listen up. You can make this sauce and store it until you are ready to put your lasagna together.
This sauce freezes well if it is stored properly. All those lovely flavors mingle and intensify as they sit even in the freezer.
If you just want to make the sauce easier to throw together on buffalo chicken lasagna day, you can do that too. Simply chop all the veggies and store them in a Tupperware dish in the fridge until its time to put the sauce together.
You can also store them in a Ziploc bag, but I find that the garlic sticks to the sides making it hard to get out.
How Long Can You Keep This In The Fridge?
According to the USDA, you can keep this buffalo chicken lasagna in the fridge for 3-4 days if it is stored properly. If you are serving this at a family get together or potluck dinner, you’ll want to observe the 2-hour rule for food safety.
You may not have to worry about it, though. This buffalo chicken lasagna tends to disappear pretty quickly!
Recipe Variations
Making this buffalo chicken lasagna recipe to suit your personal taste and dietary restrictions is a cinch! Some people like to substitute cottage cheese for the bechamel while others will leave it out altogether.
You can also change up the cheese a little bit, instead of just using mozzarella. Colby, Munster, and cheddar are popular options. Chop some spinach or bell peppers to sneak some veggies in or substitute turkey breast for the chicken. Nobody will ever know the difference.
If you want to turn up the heat, then use a can of hot Rotel tomatoes instead of the petite diced and chop some jalapenos to add to the sauce. My mouth is watering just talking about it!
Make it healthier by choosing whole wheat or veggie noodles for the lasagna, just don’t use fat-free or low-calorie cheese. It’s just an insult to what buffalo chicken lasagna should be.
What Other Lasagna Casserole Recipes I Can Try?
Buffalo chicken lasagna recipe is absolutely amazing, but you can take things in another direction and make lasagna casserole. It’s easy to throw together and still offers all that gooey cheesy goodness you’d expect from lasagna.
Lasagna roll ups are another fantastic option for a family dinner or potluck get together. Pair them with a crisp side salad and some garlic bread for an unforgettable meal.
Can I Use Veggies In This Recipe?
Absolutely! Making buffalo chicken lasagna, or any lasagna for that matter is a great way to sneak some veggies in. Put them right in the sauce and hungry hearts will be none the wiser.
Veggie lovers can make spinach lasagna or eggplant lasagna for a hearty cheesy veggie-filled meal. Cutting the eggplant thin enough gives it a texture similar to lasagna noodles without the calories.
Can I Make This With A Mexican Twist?
Of course, you can. I absolutely love Mexican food and Mexican lasagna is one of my favorite recipes. It’s a robust lasagna loaded with layers of unique ingredients indigenous to Mexican and Spanish cuisine.
If you’re looking for something a little simpler, taco lasagna is a savory refreshing blend of ingredients that makes a vibrant flavor medley with an infusion of taco seasoning. You get all the cheesy layered deliciousness of lasagna with the flavor of tacos and an invigorating blend of fresh herbs and veggies. Taco who??
Can I Try Other Types Of Pasta For This Recipe?
This is your lasagna, so make it how you like it. One of the things I love about this recipe is its versatility. Depending on what type of pasta you want to use, you may want to make ravioli lasagna. Chef Boyardee’s got nothing on this!
Not in the mood for a meal with a tomato-based sauce? No problem. Chicken fettuccine to the rescue! This decadent recipe combines succulent chicken with a scrumptious creamy sauce and fettuccini pasta. It makes a delightfully wholesome meal that nourishes the body and satisfies the soul.
Can I Use Alfredo Sauce?
Who doesn’t love rich and creamy alfredo sauce? Chicken alfredo lasagna is a bold and satisfying dish that practically does the happy dance all the way down to your stomach. People love the creamy cheesy sauce with layers of flavor and succulent chicken.
Chicken alfredo casserole is another enticing meal with a divine blend of flavors that are beyond yummy. You’ll be hooked the first time you try it and the kiddos love it!
Buffalo Chicken Lasagna
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 1/2 pounds ground chicken
- 1 cup onion chopped
- 2 stalks celery finely chopped
- 1 large carrots grated
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 (15-ounce) can petite diced tomatoes undrained
- 3/4 cup Frank's hot sauce
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 9 lasagna noodles
- 1 (15-ounce) container whole-milk ricotta
- 1 1/2 cup blue cheese crumbles divided
- 4 cups mozzarella shredded, divided
- 1 large egg lightly beaten
Instructions
- Spray a 9X13 inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray; set aside. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
- Heat vegetable oil in a Dutch oven. Cook the chicken, celery, and carrot over medium heat, until there's no longer any pink in the chicken and the veggies are soft. Stir in the garlic and cook until it becomes fragrant about 1 minute. Add undrained tomatoes, Frank's hot sauce, water, salt, pepper and Italian seasoning and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover and simmer 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Meanwhile, while the sauce is cooking, prepare the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions. Drain the noodles.
- In a small bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 3/4 cup blue cheese 2 cups mozzarella and egg.
- Spread 1/2 cup of the sauce on the bottom of the pan. Layer 3 noodles, 1/3 of the sauce, and 1/3 of the cheese mixture, in the baking dish. Repeat twice with remaining layers. Sprinkle top with remaining 2 cups mozzarella cheese. Cover tightly with aluminum foil and bake in preheat oven 2o minutes. Uncover and continue to cook for 20-25 minutes or until bubbly and center is hot. Remove from oven and immediately sprinkle top with remaining 3/4 cups blue cheese. Allow to stand 10 minutes. Serve.
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More Chicken Pasta Recipes
Buffalo chicken lasagna recipe is a bold and vibrant dish that combines two of America’s favorite meals – buffalo wings and lasagna! It is just wildly creative and one of my favorite chicken pasta dishes.
But it’s not the only one! Here are some other wholesome and delicious chicken pasta recipes for you to try. Put your favorites on your menu rotation!
- Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta
- Chicken Noodle Casserole
- Chicken Spaghetti Casserole
- Chicken Tetrazzini Casserole
- Chicken Riggies
Conclusion
Layers of complex flavors define this buffalo chicken lasagna that is just off the charts on cheesy goodness. Rarely do you come across a dish that is so easy to make, wholesome and versatile enough to please even the most delicate palates.
This buffalo chicken lasagna recipe is one of my favorite go-to dishes when I’m ready for something really decadent or I’m having a special get together. Save this recipe and give it a try for yourself. I’ll bet it becomes a staple in your kitchen too.
This sounds amazing. Do you think I could swap the ground chicken for cooked, shredded chicken?
Hi, Marianne! Thank you! Yes, if you prefer the texture of shredded chicken, you can definitely substitute it in this dish. Leftovers or a store-bought rotisserie chicken will work great, or you can certainly bake or boil your own. You’ll just need about 4 cups to use in the recipe. Enjoy! 🙂