Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Lasagna: A Spicy Twist on a Classic Favorite
If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the lookout for ways to elevate classic comfort foods. Enter: Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Lasagna—a game-changing mash-up that brings the spicy, tangy goodness of Buffalo chicken wings into a creamy, cheesy lasagna. It’s everything you love about these two favorites rolled into one bubbling, golden dish. Whether you’re feeding a crowd, planning for game day, or just craving something indulgent, this recipe has you covered.
This dish came about during one of those “what do I have in the fridge?” moments that turned into something magical. A pack of lasagna noodles, leftover chicken, and a bottle of Buffalo sauce sparked the idea. Fast forward to today, and this recipe is now a regular feature in my dinner rotation—and for good reason. It’s bold, it’s cheesy, and it’s guaranteed to please a hungry crowd.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before we dive into the prep, let’s gather everything you’ll need to create this flavor-packed lasagna. Don’t worry—most of these are pantry staples, with just a couple of fun twists to bring it all together.
For the Lasagna:
- 12 lasagna noodles, cooked per package instructions
- 3 cups shredded cooked chicken (a rotisserie chicken works perfectly)
- 1 cup Buffalo wing sauce (adjust the spice level to your liking)
- 1 (15 oz) container ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups Alfredo sauce
For the Ranch Drizzle:
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 1 tbsp milk (optional, to thin)
For Garnish:
- Chopped green onions
- Extra Buffalo sauce (optional)
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven warms up, lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. This simple step ensures your lasagna will slide out perfectly when it’s time to serve.
Step 2: Toss the Chicken in Buffalo Sauce
In a medium bowl, combine your shredded chicken with Buffalo wing sauce, making sure every bite is coated in that fiery goodness. This step is where the magic begins—each piece of chicken gets infused with flavor, creating a spicy, tangy base for the lasagna.
Step 3: Mix the Ricotta Layer
In a separate bowl, combine ricotta cheese, Parmesan, one cup of mozzarella, and the eggs. Stir until smooth. This creamy mixture will balance the heat of the Buffalo sauce while adding richness to every layer. It’s the perfect counterpart to the spicy chicken.
Step 4: Start Layering
Here’s where things get exciting! To assemble:
- Spread a thin layer of Alfredo sauce across the bottom of your baking dish. This creates a creamy base and prevents sticking.
- Lay down three lasagna noodles to form the first layer.
- Spread a third of the ricotta mixture evenly over the noodles, followed by a third of the Buffalo chicken mixture.
- Sprinkle with mozzarella and cheddar cheese, then drizzle a little Alfredo sauce over the top.
Repeat this layering process twice more, ending with a final layer of noodles topped with Alfredo sauce and the remaining mozzarella and cheddar cheeses. This layering method ensures each slice has the perfect balance of spicy, creamy, and cheesy goodness.
Part 2: Baking the Perfect Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Lasagna
Now that we’ve layered all those delicious ingredients, it’s time to turn this dish into a bubbling, golden masterpiece. The key to a perfect lasagna lies in baking it just right—getting the cheese to melt into gooey perfection while ensuring the flavors meld beautifully. Follow these next steps, and you’ll have a dish that’s nothing short of spectacular.
Step 5: Bake to Bubbling Perfection
- Cover your assembled lasagna tightly with foil. This traps in the steam, helping the noodles cook evenly and the flavors mingle. Pop it into your preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes.
- After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes. This final step allows the top layer of cheese to melt and turn a golden, bubbly perfection.
Pro Tip:
If you’re like me and love a slightly crispy cheese topping, turn on your oven’s broiler for the last 2-3 minutes of baking. Keep a close eye on it to avoid burning, but trust me—those crispy bits of cheese are worth it!
Step 6: Cool and Add the Finishing Touches
Once your lasagna is baked to perfection, remove it from the oven and let it cool for 5-10 minutes. This resting period is crucial—it helps the layers set, making it much easier to slice without everything sliding apart.
While it cools, mix your ranch drizzle. If your dressing feels too thick to pour, whisk in a splash of milk to thin it out. Drizzle the ranch over the top of the lasagna for a cooling, creamy contrast to the spicy Buffalo flavors.
Finally, garnish with chopped green onions for a fresh, vibrant touch. If you’re feeling extra bold, add a drizzle of more Buffalo sauce on top. The bright orange and creamy white swirls make for a stunning presentation that’s as eye-catching as it is appetizing.
Expert Tips and Variations
To make this lasagna even more versatile, here are a few tips and variations to customize it to your liking:
1. Adjust the Spice Level:
Not a fan of too much heat? Swap out the Buffalo sauce for a milder wing sauce or use less sauce overall. If you’re a spice lover, try adding a dash of cayenne pepper to the chicken mixture or layering in some sliced jalapeños for an extra kick.
2. Make It a Meal Prep Star:
This lasagna is perfect for meal prep. Assemble it in advance, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, just add 10 extra minutes to the initial covered bake time.
3. Go Gluten-Free:
Simply swap out the lasagna noodles for your favorite gluten-free variety. Just ensure the Alfredo and Buffalo sauces you’re using are also gluten-free.
4. Swap the Alfredo Sauce:
Don’t have Alfredo sauce on hand? No problem! A homemade béchamel sauce (butter, flour, and milk) with a touch of garlic can work beautifully. Or, for a tangy twist, try a creamy blue cheese sauce instead.
Step 7: Serve It Up!
Slice your lasagna into hearty portions and serve it hot. This dish is a star on its own, but if you want to round out the meal, pair it with:
- A crisp green salad with ranch or blue cheese dressing
- Warm, buttery garlic bread for scooping up every cheesy bite
- A side of celery and carrot sticks to channel those classic Buffalo wing vibes
No matter how you serve it, this Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Lasagna is guaranteed to be the highlight of any meal.