Buffalo Chicken Lasagna Recipe

If you love a good twist on classic comfort food, you’re going to adore this Buffalo Chicken Lasagna Recipe. It’s everything you cherish about buffalo chicken — spicy, tangy, a little creamy — all layered up with cheesy goodness and tender noodles. I remember making this for a game night with friends, and honestly, it disappeared faster than I could grab a plate.

This recipe shines when you want something a bit out of the ordinary but still super satisfying. Plus, it’s perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for busy weeknights. Trust me, once you try my Buffalo Chicken Lasagna Recipe, you’ll have a new go-to that blends bold flavors with classic Italian vibes beautifully.

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Why This Recipe Works

  • Bold Flavor Harmony: The spicy buffalo sauce paired with creamy cheeses creates a playful and irresistible balance.
  • Convenient Ingredients: Using frozen breaded chicken strips saves prep time without sacrificing texture or taste.
  • Creamy Béchamel Sauce: The cheesy béchamel unites the layers with silky smooth richness that’s hard to beat.
  • Simple Assembly: Layering is straightforward and forgiving, perfect for both novice and experienced cooks.

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic of this Buffalo Chicken Lasagna Recipe is all in choosing ingredients that play off each other—spicy, creamy, tangy, and cheesy. Plus, using frozen chicken strips means you’re just a short bake away from crispy, tender bites without extra frying.

  • Frozen breaded chicken strips: Easily crisp up in the oven and give a nice crunch without extra oil or mess.
  • Buffalo sauce: Adds that signature spicy tang that wakes up every bite.
  • Lasagna noodles: Regular noodles work beautifully here; cooking al dente helps the layers hold up well.
  • Mozzarella cheese: Melts smoothly for the perfect cheesy topping.
  • Green onion: Offers a fresh, mild bite as a garnish and inside the filling.
  • Ricotta cheese: Creamy and mild, it balances the heat and keeps things silky.
  • Cream cheese: Softens the filling and adds richness.
  • Whole milk: Essential for making the béchamel base smooth and creamy.
  • Flour and butter: Create the roux that thickens the béchamel sauce perfectly.
  • Sharp cheddar cheese: Adds a punchy flavor to the sauce.
  • Blue cheese: Brings that classic buffalo wing vibe into the béchamel for depth.
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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

I like to mix things up in this Buffalo Chicken Lasagna Recipe depending on the mood or occasion — sometimes adding extra blue cheese or trying different hot sauce brands to tweak the heat level. Feel free to experiment! This recipe is super forgiving, so you can make it your own.

  • Variation: I once swapped out the breaded chicken strips for shredded rotisserie chicken tossed in buffalo sauce for a lighter yet equally flavorful version.
  • Dairy-Free Option: Try using dairy-free cream cheese and cheese alternatives to accommodate dietary needs without losing the creamy texture.
  • Spice Level: Adjust buffalo sauce quantity or add minced jalapeños if you like extra heat.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Buffalo Chicken Lasagna Recipe

Step 1: Crispy Chicken Prep

I start by preheating the oven to 375°F and spreading the frozen breaded chicken strips on a sheet tray. Pop them in the oven to bake while you multitask — these will crisp up nicely in about 15-20 minutes. Timing here is key so the chicken stays tender inside but gets that irresistible crunch outside.

Step 2: Cooking the Noodles

While the chicken’s baking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your lasagna noodles until just al dente — usually about a minute less than package directions. Drain and rinse in cold water so they don’t stick while you prep the rest.

Step 3: Making the Filling

In a bowl, whisk together the ricotta, softened cream cheese, and buffalo sauce along with sliced green onions. Taste it and add a little more buffalo sauce if you want to pack more punch. This filling keeps the layers creamy and full of flavor.

Step 4: Preparing the Béchamel Sauce

Now for the star of the sauce: melt butter in a saucepan over medium-high heat and stir in flour, cooking for about 30 seconds until you get a lightly toasted roux. Slowly whisk in the milk, breaking up any lumps until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon. Lower the heat and stir in sharp cheddar and blue cheese until smooth—this sauce ties everything together beautifully.

Step 5: Assemble Your Lasagna Layers

Chop your crispy chicken into bite-sized pieces and toss with half a cup of buffalo sauce for an extra kick. Grab your lasagna pan and drizzle a little buffalo sauce on the bottom to prevent sticking. Layer noodles, half the filling, half the chicken, and a few spoonfuls of béchamel. Repeat the layers and finish with noodles, the rest of the béchamel, and a sprinkle of mozzarella.

Step 6: Bake and Rest

Bake uncovered at 375°F for about 40 minutes until the cheese on top turns golden and bubbly. Once out of the oven, let it rest for at least 10 minutes — this step is crucial because it helps everything set up, making slicing easier and serving neater.

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Pro Tips for Making Buffalo Chicken Lasagna Recipe

  • Don’t Overcook Noodles: Rinse with cold water immediately after boiling to stop cooking and prevent sticking.
  • Layer Evenly: Spread fillings and sauces carefully for balanced flavor in every bite.
  • Use Sharp Cheddar: It adds a nice tang that cuts through the creaminess.
  • Rest Before Serving: This step ensures your slices hold together and the flavors meld perfectly.

How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Lasagna Recipe

A close-up of a slice of lasagna being lifted from a white baking dish by a spoon, showing four distinct layers: the bottom layer is a soft, orange-tinted sauce with bits of meat, the next layer is made of creamy white sauce mixed with pasta sheets, followed by another layer of orange sauce with pasta, and topped with melted, golden-brown cheese sprinkled with small pieces of green herbs. The white baking dish rests on a dark surface, and in the background, there is a white plate with a few black specks on it, all placed on a white marbled texture photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I love topping mine with freshly sliced green onions for a bit of crunch and vibrant color. Sometimes, I’ll sprinkle crumbled blue cheese on top for an extra flavor burst. If you want a little cooling contrast, a dollop of ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side does wonders.

Side Dishes

Buffalo chicken lasagna pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad to balance the richness. Roasted veggies like broccoli or Brussels sprouts add some earthy texture without competing with the bold flavors. And if you’re feeling indulgent, some garlic bread on the side never disappoints.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party, I’ve served this lasagna in individual ramekins for easy, mess-free portions that look super cute. Or, sprinkle extra chopped green onions and a light drizzle of buffalo sauce right before serving for a professional touch. It’s the kind of dish that makes a statement — tailored easily for casual or special occasions.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After cooling completely, I cover the lasagna tightly with foil or plastic wrap and store in the fridge. It keeps well for 3-4 days and reheats beautifully, making it a perfect meal-prep option for busy weeks.

Freezing

This Buffalo Chicken Lasagna Recipe freezes like a dream. I recommend freezing before baking for best freshness — just assemble in a freezer-safe pan, cover tightly, and freeze up to 3 months. When ready, bake straight from the freezer, adding extra time to cook through.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers covered with foil at 350°F until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes. Removing the foil for the last 5 minutes helps the cheese get bubbly again without drying out. Microwaving works in a pinch but tends to make the noodles a bit softer.

FAQs

  1. Can I use fresh chicken instead of frozen breaded strips?

    Absolutely! You can cook fresh chicken breasts or thighs, shred them, then toss with buffalo sauce. Keep in mind the breaded strips add a crunchy texture you’ll miss, but fresh chicken makes it just as tasty.

  2. Is there a vegetarian alternative for this Buffalo Chicken Lasagna Recipe?

    Yes! Try swapping the chicken for buffalo-seasoned cauliflower florets or plant-based chicken substitutes. The key flavors come from the sauce and cheeses, so you’ll still get that signature flavor.

  3. What if I don’t have blue cheese? Can I skip it?

    You can definitely omit blue cheese if it’s not your thing. The cheddar and buffalo sauce still provide plenty of flavor, but consider adding a touch more sharp cheddar or a sprinkle of parmesan to keep that savory depth.

  4. How spicy is this lasagna?

    The recipe has a moderate heat level from the buffalo sauce that can be adjusted. If you prefer milder dishes, use less buffalo sauce in the filling and for tossing the chicken.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Buffalo Chicken Lasagna Recipe has become one of my favorite ways to bring a little unexpected excitement to classic lasagna. It’s hearty, cozy, and full of that tangy buffalo kick that keeps everyone coming back for seconds. If you’re ready to shake up your dinner routine with something truly delicious and comforting, give this recipe a try — I promise you won’t regret it!

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Buffalo Chicken Lasagna Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.4 from 22 reviews
  • Author: Julia
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 10 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

A bold and creamy Buffalo Chicken Lasagna combining crispy breaded chicken strips, spicy buffalo sauce, rich ricotta and cream cheese filling, and a cheesy béchamel sauce, layered with al dente lasagna noodles and topped with mozzarella and sharp cheddar cheeses. Perfect for serving a crowd with a spicy twist on classic comfort food.


Ingredients

For Lasagna:

  • 20 oz. frozen breaded chicken strips
  • 1/2 cup buffalo sauce, plus extra for pan
  • 1 lb. lasagna noodles
  • 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup green onion, thinly sliced

For Filling:

  • 2 cups ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup buffalo sauce
  • 1 cup cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup green onion, sliced

For Béchamel:

  • 4 cups whole milk
  • 1/4 cup flour
  • 1/4 cup butter
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup blue cheese


Instructions

  1. Preheat oven and bake chicken: Preheat the oven to 375°F and prepare a 10×14 lasagna pan or 9×13 casserole dish by lightly drizzling buffalo sauce in the bottom. Place the frozen breaded chicken strips on a sheet tray and bake in the preheated oven until crispy while you prepare the other components.
  2. Cook noodles: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and immerse noodles in cold water to stop cooking. Set aside.
  3. Make buffalo filling: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the ricotta cheese, 1 cup buffalo sauce, and softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the sliced green onions and mix well. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Set aside.
  4. Prepare béchamel sauce: In a saucepan over medium-high heat, melt the butter. Stir in the flour and cook the roux for 30 seconds while stirring constantly. Gradually whisk in the whole milk, breaking up any lumps, and bring the sauce to a boil until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. Reduce heat to low and stir in sharp cheddar and blue cheeses until fully melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Use an immersion blender to smooth out any lumps or graininess.
  5. Chop chicken and toss with sauce: Remove the baked chicken strips from the oven and chop them into bite-sized pieces. Toss the chopped chicken with 1/2 cup buffalo sauce to evenly coat.
  6. Assemble the lasagna: Spread a thin drizzle of buffalo sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Layer shingled lasagna noodles over the sauce. Spread half of the buffalo cheese filling evenly over the noodles. Sprinkle half of the chopped chicken on top. Drizzle a few spoonfuls of béchamel sauce evenly over the chicken. Repeat layering with noodles, filling, chicken, and béchamel ending with a final layer of noodles on top.
  7. Top and bake: Pour the remaining béchamel sauce evenly over the top layer of noodles. Sprinkle the grated mozzarella cheese evenly on top. Bake in the preheated 375°F oven for 40 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
  8. Rest and garnish: Remove the lasagna from the oven and let it rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with the thinly sliced green onions and serve warm. Enjoy your spicy, creamy Buffalo Chicken Lasagna!

Notes

  • Use gluten-free noodles if you want a gluten-free version of this recipe.
  • Adjust the amount of buffalo sauce to control the spice level according to your preference.
  • Let the lasagna rest before slicing to allow it to set for cleaner cuts.
  • Substitute blue cheese with feta if preferred, but note the flavor difference.
  • Baking the chicken separately ensures it stays crispy inside the lasagna layers.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 550 kcal
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 900 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 15 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 35 g
  • Cholesterol: 110 mg

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