Buffalo Chicken Lasagna Recipe

Cook Time: 65 minutes

Buffalo Chicken Lasagna

Servings: 8

Ingredients:

• 1 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts
• 2 cups chicken stock, or as needed
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt, or more to taste
• teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 12 lasagna noodles
• Cooking spray
• 1 tablespoon olive oil, or more as needed
• 2 stalks celery, finely chopped
• onion, finely chopped
• cup Buffalo wing sauce, divided
• cup crumbled blue cheese
• 1 (16 ounce) ricotta cheese
• 1 cup blue cheese dressing
• 1 egg
• 1 (8 ounce) package shredded mozzarella cheese

Directions:

1. Place chicken breasts in a large pot in a single layer. Add enough chicken stock to cover the chicken. Season with paprika, 1 teaspoon salt, and cayenne pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium. Simmer until the chicken is no longer pink in the center, about 15 to 20 minutes. Shred the chicken using two forks.
2. While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook the lasagna noodles, stirring occasionally, until they are tender yet firm to the bite, about 8 minutes. Drain and arrange the noodles on a sheet of aluminum foil or parchment paper. Spray with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped celery and onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables start to soften, about 5 minutes.
4. Preheat the oven to 350F (175C).
5. In a bowl, combine the shredded chicken and the onion-celery mixture. Add about of the Buffalo wing sauce and the crumbled blue cheese. Mix well.
6. In a separate bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, blue cheese dressing, and the remaining of the Buffalo wing sauce. Season with salt and cayenne pepper to taste. Stir in the egg until fully incorporated.
7. Spread a layer of the ricotta mixture on the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish. Top with 3 lasagna noodles. Spread of the remaining ricotta mixture over the noodles, followed by of the chicken mixture and of the shredded mozzarella cheese.
8. Layer 3 lasagna noodles over the top. Repeat the layering process twice more, finishing with a layer of ricotta mixture and mozzarella cheese on top.
9. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes, or until the lasagna is cooked through and the top is lightly browned. Remove the foil during the last 10 minutes of baking for a golden top.
10. Allow the lasagna to cool for at least 20 minutes before slicing and serving.

Recipe Tips:

• You can cover the dish with aluminum foil during the first 30 minutes of baking to prevent excess browning.
• The lasagna tastes even better after being refrigerated for a day, allowing the flavors to meld.

Nutrition Facts (per serving):

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	657
Total Fat	38g
Saturated Fat	12g
Cholesterol	124mg
Sodium	1734mg
Total Carbohydrate	38g
Dietary Fiber	2g
Total Sugars	5g
Protein	39g
Vitamin C	2mg
Calcium	447mg
Iron	2mg
Potassium	403mg

Buffalo Chicken Lasagna is an innovative twist on the classic lasagna, blending the iconic flavors of buffalo chicken wings with the comforting layers of pasta and cheese. The dish is a perfect fusion of American and Italian cuisine, offering a bold and spicy flavor profile that is sure to please fans of both comfort food and fiery hot wings.

History and Origins

The origins of buffalo chicken lasagna are rooted in the popularity of buffalo wings, a staple of American cuisine. Buffalo wings, invented in Buffalo, New York, in 1964, became a beloved dish, often served with blue cheese dressing and celery. Over the years, chefs have experimented with various ways to incorporate the tangy and spicy flavors of buffalo wings into different dishes. Buffalo chicken lasagna is one such experiment, created to offer the rich, layered appeal of lasagna while retaining the boldness of buffalo wings.

Regional Variations

Buffalo chicken lasagna is a popular dish in many parts of the United States, particularly in areas where buffalo wings are a local favorite. The dish has become especially common in the Midwest and the Northeast, regions with strong ties to both Italian-American cuisine and the buffalo wing tradition. Depending on the region, variations of the lasagna might include different types of hot sauces or alternative cheeses, such as ranch dressing or feta cheese, replacing the more traditional blue cheese. The use of dark meat chicken, as opposed to white meat, is another regional twist, as it adds moisture and depth to the dish.

How It Differs from Similar Dishes

Buffalo chicken lasagna stands out from traditional lasagna in both its flavor and its ingredients. While classic lasagna typically consists of layers of pasta, tomato sauce, ricotta, and mozzarella, buffalo chicken lasagna replaces the standard marinara sauce with a spicy buffalo wing sauce. The chicken is shredded and seasoned with spices like paprika and cayenne pepper, providing a rich, savory depth that contrasts with the tangy and creamy blue cheese and ricotta layers. This departure from tomato-based lasagna gives the dish a unique flavor profile that is much spicier and bolder than its traditional counterparts.

Where Its Served

Buffalo chicken lasagna is often served in casual dining settings, particularly in American restaurants that specialize in comfort food or fusion cuisine. It can be found in sports bars and family-oriented restaurants, where it is enjoyed as a hearty and flavorful dish. Its a popular choice for gatherings and potlucks, as its easy to prepare in large quantities and offers something different from the usual lasagna. Additionally, many home cooks enjoy making buffalo chicken lasagna for family dinners, as the dish offers a spicy alternative to the more traditional Italian lasagna.

Fun Facts About Buffalo Chicken Lasagna

• Buffalo chicken lasagna is a perfect dish for spice lovers, as you can adjust the level of heat by adding more or less cayenne pepper or hot sauce.
• While buffalo wings are typically paired with celery and blue cheese, these ingredients are cleverly incorporated into the lasagna, creating a delicious harmony of flavors.
• The dish can easily be modified for dietary preferences, such as using gluten-free noodles or substituting ranch dressing for the blue cheese dressing for those who dislike blue cheese.
• Buffalo chicken lasagna is best enjoyed after a day in the fridge, as the flavors have time to meld and develop, making leftovers just as delicious as the fresh version.

FAQ about Buffalo Chicken Lasagna Recipe

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