Buffalo Chicken Lasagna
A spicy, tangy twist on traditional lasagna incorporating leftover chicken, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Noodles and Base
- 10 oz lasagna noodles To form the layers of your lasagna.
Vegetables
- 2 tbsp avocado oil A healthy fat that adds richness.
- 2 large carrots (diced small) Brings a subtle earthiness.
- 3 stalks celery (diced small) Adds a refreshing crunch.
- 1 yellow onion (diced small) yellow onion Builds a flavorful base.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced) Enhances all the flavors.
Main Filling
- 3 cups cooked chicken (shredded) Infuses the dish with protein.
- 1 cup buffalo sauce Provides bold, tangy flavor.
Cheese Mixture
- 15 oz ricotta cheese Provides a velvety layer.
- 1/2 cup blue cheese dressing (or ranch) Adds creamy tang.
- 1 large egg Helps bind the cheese mixture.
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped) Enhances appearance and flavor.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided) The perfect finishing touch.
Instructions
Preparation
- Cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 casserole dish.
Cooking
- In a large sauté pan, heat the avocado oil over high heat. Add the diced carrots, celery, and onion, cooking for 6-7 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Combine the shredded chicken with the buffalo sauce in a large bowl. Mix in the cooked vegetables until well combined.
- In a smaller bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, blue cheese dressing, egg, and chopped parsley. Gently fold in 3/4 cup of mozzarella cheese.
- Spread half of the buffalo chicken mixture in the greased casserole dish, layer with noodles, then half of the ricotta mixture. Repeat the layers, finishing with the remaining mozzarella on top.
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake for about 40 minutes. Remove the foil and broil for an additional 4-5 minutes for a golden top. Let it rest for 15 minutes before serving.
Notes
Make ahead of time and increase baking time if baking from cold. Add more buffalo sauce for extra heat and substitute cheeses to customize.