Description
This Buffalo Chicken Lasagna combines the spicy kick of buffalo sauce with creamy ricotta and mozzarella cheeses layered between oven-ready lasagna noodles and shredded chicken. Topped with blue cheese crumbles and baked to perfection, this hearty dish offers a flavorful twist on traditional lasagna for a crowd-pleasing meal.
Ingredients
Lasagna Base
- 1 pound oven-ready lasagna noodles
Chicken Layer
- 3 cups cooked shredded chicken (about 3 breasts)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Cheese and Sauce Mixture
- 15 ounces whole milk ricotta cheese
- 4 ounces softened cream cheese
- ¾ cup buffalo sauce
- ¾ cup blue cheese dressing (or ranch dressing)
- ½ cup blue cheese crumbles
- ⅓ cup sliced green onions
- 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and spray a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Mix Cheese and Sauce Mixture: In a bowl, combine 15 ounces of whole milk ricotta cheese, 4 ounces softened cream cheese, ¾ cup buffalo sauce, ¾ cup blue cheese dressing, ½ cup blue cheese crumbles, and ⅓ cup sliced green onions. Mix until smooth. Spread about ⅓ cup of this mixture evenly at the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Season Chicken: In a separate bowl, season the 3 cups of cooked shredded chicken with ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper, tossing to coat evenly.
- Layer Lasagna: Lay enough oven-ready lasagna noodles to cover the bottom of the baking dish. Spread ⅓ of the seasoned chicken over the noodles, then spread ⅓ of the cheese and sauce mixture atop the chicken. Sprinkle about 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the layer.
- Repeat Layers: Repeat the layering process two more times – noodles, chicken, sauce mixture, and mozzarella – ending with the remaining cheese sprinkled on top. You should have three complete layers excluding the initial sauce spread on the bottom.
- Bake: Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, until the center reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit and the noodles are fully softened.
- Broil: Remove the foil and broil the lasagna on HIGH for 2-3 minutes until the cheese on top is browned and bubbly.
- Rest: Let the lasagna rest for 5-10 minutes outside the oven before cutting and serving. This helps the layers set and makes slicing easier.
Notes
- Oven-ready noodles are used for convenience; if using regular noodles, boil them according to package instructions before layering.
- Adjust buffalo sauce quantity to your preferred spice level.
- Substitute blue cheese dressing with ranch dressing for a milder flavor.
- Allowing the lasagna to rest prevents it from falling apart when cut.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.