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The Ultimate Buffalo Chicken Lasagna Rolls Recipe You’ll Wish You Tried Sooner

Buffalo chicken lasagna rolls recipe combines soft noodles, spicy buffalo chicken, tangy cheese and rich sauce in one. Each roll delivers a little heat from buffalo sauce and creamy goodness from cream cheese or ricotta. This baby works for family dinners OR meal-prep and it’s super easy to make ahead! Easy to customize by swapping cheeses or adding veggies. Follow below for the steps, tips and serving ideas.

About the Dish

Buffalo chicken lasagna rolls combine the coziness of Italian cooking with the daring, spicy flavors of traditional American bar fare. This dish replaces the classic beef and marinara with shredded chicken tossed in tangy buffalo sauce, but still retains the comforting pasta and cheese layers. The final product is robust, full of flavor and makes a great addition to any cookout or family meal.

Fusion of Flavors

These buffalo chicken lasagna rolls are special because they combine two all-time favorite dishes. You get the lasagna-roll structure–filled with creamy cheese and sauce–but a buffalo chicken twist. The chicken adds a spicy punch that’s tempered with creamy ricotta and mozzarella. It’s the kind of blend that appeals to those who want the comfort of familiarity but desire the zing of something fresh. It’s got a bit of a kick, but the cheese and sauce keep it from being too spicy. If you’re a fan of italian food but looking for something a little less traditional, this bridges the gap in a way that’s both novel and comforting.

Crowd Appeal and Versatility

Here’s a sure-fire recipe to feed a group. Lasagna rolls are easy to portion, so they’re great for parties, potlucks, or just a hectic weeknight when you’re craving leftovers. They are pretty easy — people make it in advance, then bake when ready to eat. It’s great for fussy eaters, because you can adjust the spiciness or even substitute in a rotisserie bird to make it fast. You can arrange the rolls in a casserole dish and sprinkle with additional cheese or sauce, whatever your crowd likes. So it’s versatile — whether cooking for kids, adults, or a combination.

Layers and Texture

The texture is the main attraction. Each roll begins with a sheet of cooked lasagna noodle, spread with the creamy ricotta blend, then layered with the buffalo chicken. After being rolled, the pasta absorbs the sauce yet retains a nice bite. The cheese oozes out into a gooey top layer and the buffalo sauce infuses the entire dish. The outcome is an equilibrium of spicy-cheesy-creamy in every forkful. For added decadence, others mix in some ranch or blue cheese dressing into the stuffing or on top for serving.

Customization Options

This meal lends itself to various diets and flavors. You can opt for low-fat cheese or gluten-free noodles if you like. For less heat, substitute mild wing sauce or add additional cheese to the filling. Vegetarian options play nice as well—sub roasted cauliflower or jackfruit for the chicken and you’ve got that same creamy, spicy sensation. Add-ins such as chopped spinach, caramelized onions or additional herbs can customize each batch. The foundational recipe takes twists without losing its essential taste.

Ingredients

Buffalo chicken lasagna rolls rely on a mix of traditional pantry staples and a few add-ins that add flavor + texture. Pineapple Ginger Jam (and we keep things real for home cooks — everything is easy to find in the average North American grocery store). The amount below is nice for a 9×13 baking dish, good for about 6 people. We include nice, neat measurements for both US and metric kitchens to keep prep sencillo, wherever you’re cooking.

Essential and Optional Ingredients

Ingredient Amount (US) Amount (Metric) Notes
Lasagna noodles 12 sheets 12 sheets Regular, not oven-ready
Cooked chicken 3 cups 400 g Rotisserie or leftover cooked chicken
Buffalo wing sauce 3/4 cup 180 ml Use your favorite brand
Cream cheese 8 oz 225 g Softened
Shredded mozzarella 2 cups 200 g Divided, for filling and topping
Ricotta cheese 1 cup 240 g Full-fat or part-skim
Ranch dressing (optional) 1/4 cup 60 ml Adds tang, can swap with blue cheese dressing
Green onions (optional) 2 stalks 2 stalks Thinly sliced, for garnish or filling
Blue cheese crumbles(opt) 1/4 cup 30 g For topping or inside
Garlic powder 1 tsp 3 g Blends into filling
Salt 1/2 tsp 3 g Adjust to taste
Black pepper 1/2 tsp 2 g Freshly cracked recommended

Begin with lasagna noodles that are shape-retaining when cooked. Regular lasagna noodles are best – the oven-ready sheets won’t roll as easily and tend to dry out. For the chicken, a store-bought rotisserie chicken saves time. Simply tear it into bite-sized pieces. Leftover baked or poached chicken is great, as long as it’s blandly seasoned and not too dry.

Buffalo wing sauce gives the dish its signature kick. Most of the big brands are okay—Frank’s RedHot is a safe bet if you’re looking for that classic Buffalo taste. Cream cheese and ricotta unite for a silky, luscious filling. Cream cheese (softened to make it easier to mix with the other ingredients) Shredded mozzarella melts nicely and lends a gooeyness to the filling as well as the top.

For some personalization, ranch or blue cheese dressing can be stirred into the filling. This brings creamy tang and balances the spice of the Buffalo sauce. Green onions provide a bright punch of color and fresh bite, while blue cheese crumbles add a more assertive flavor profile for you bold flavor lovers out there. All of these are optional and can be omitted if you desire a tamer dish.

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Don’t overlook simple pantry staples. Salt and fresh cracked black pepper finish it off. Garlic powder is key for a depth and connecting all that dairy and chicken together.

How to Make Buffalo Chicken Lasagna Rolls

Buffalo chicken lasagna rolls put a fun twist on a traditional baked pasta, combining the tangy flavor of Buffalo sauce and creamy cheese. This approach guides you through the noodle boiling, filling making, rolling, and baking, so every step is defined and doable.

  1. Begin by boiling the noodles. Boil in a large pot of salted water until just al dente — typically 8 to 10 minutes. Stir here and there so they don’t adhere. When they’re al dente but cooked through, drain and lay out flat on a clean kitchen towel. This prevents them from sticking to one another and rolls easier. Be careful when handling the noodles at this stage, as mushy noodles or torn noodles won’t roll up nicely.

  2. Stir the filling as the noodles cool. In a medium bowl, mix together your shredded cooked chicken, buffalo sauce, softened cream cheese, and a little ranch or blue cheese. Mix until incorporated. This filling will be thick, but spreadable, with a nice balance of tang from the sauce and creaminess from the cheese. Feel free to tweak the ratio–a bit more Buffalo sauce adds a spicier kick, and some extra cream cheese mellows things out.

  3. Spread the filling on the noodles. Add approximately 2-3 tablespoons of filling per noodle. Spread it in a single even layer, leaving approximately 1/2-inch at each end to prevent the filling squeezing out while rolling. The filling will spread to the edges lengthwise but should not build up too thick, or the rolls won’t stay together.

  4. Roll up the noodles. Beginning at one short end, roll up each noodle firmly but not too tight. Arrange each completed roll seam-side down in a greased baking dish. Nestle the rolls, seam-side down, close together in a 9×13 baking dish, so they support each other during baking and remain moist.

  5. Sprinkle the rolls with sauce and cheese. Drizzle extra Buffalo or marinara sauce on top of the rolls, just enough to keep them moist, but not drown them. Top with mozzarella and a little blue cheese for melt and bite. This is what really ties all those amazing flavors together and gives you that golden, bubbly finish.

  6. Bake until hot and bubbly. Top with mozzarella and cover with foil and bake at 375F for 20 minutes. Take off the foil and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes, until the cheese is golden brown and the sauce is bubbling around the edges. Allow the rolls to rest for several minutes prior to serving, as this helps the filling set and makes serving easier.

Dietary Adaptations

Buffalo chicken lasagna rolls can accommodate a lot of different diets with a few simple swaps! Local stores in LA and other cities carry a lot of the same plant based, low fat, allergy friendly stuff. It’s a rather customizable recipe, so you can tailor it to your needs or palate.

  • Substitute gluten-free lasagna noodles for a version that’s free of wheat.

  • Switch out standard cheese for vegan mozzarella or cheddar for dairy-free requirements.

  • Use almond or oat milk in place of dairy milk in sauces.

  • Opt for light cream cheese and shredded cheese for a leaner plate.

  • For less salt, opt for reduced-sodium hot sauce and cheeses.

  • Swap jackfruit or extra-firm tofu for chicken to make it vegetarian!

  • Include additional vegetables such as spinach, zucchini or mushrooms for additional fiber.

  • Use whole wheat noodles for extra nutrients and fiber.
  • Experiment with non-dairy yogurt as a substitute for sour cream in sauces.

Dairy-free options are super easy to come by anywhere in California. Vegan cheese shreds melt and provide a comparable texture to regular cheese, but the flavor may vary slightly. For the creamy sauce, unsweetened almond milk is a mild option that fully blends in, or go with oat milk for creamier results. Plant based cream cheese is great for binding the filling together. If you want to forgo all dairy, look out for concealed milk components on labels, even in bread crumbs or sauces. Most mainstream stores in Los Angeles carry Daiya, Violife, or Follow Your Heart for cheese and Califia Farms or Oatly for milk.

Lighter versions reduces the calories and fat, but retains the taste. Try light cream cheese, part-skim mozzarella and lean cooked chicken breast. Light ranch or Greek yogurt can stand in for sour cream or mayo in the filling. For less salt, opt for low-sodium cheese and hot sauce, or whip up your own lower-sodium buffalo sauce. At least that’s how you end up with a meal that tastes decadent but is on target for a 1,000 calorie plan. Swapping in whole wheat noodles adds more fiber, which helps you feel full.

For vegetarians, jackfruit is our number one, as it shreds chicken-style and absorbs buffalo sauce like a champ. Shred canned jackfruit, rinse and press to remove brine, then toss with buffalo sauce before rolling in the noodles! Extra-firm tofu is a solid sub—cut into cubes, bake or pan-fry ’til golden then toss with sauce. Either way, it maintains heartiness and stick-to-the-ribsness of the rolls. Toss in chopped spinach or mushrooms for additional texture. Since most stores in the city sell both jackfruit and tofu, these swaps work for many folks.

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Modify the recipe so it caters to any diet and taste preferences.

Serving Ideas

To be sure, buffalo chicken lasagna rolls are assertive and satisfying all by themselves, but what you serve on the side can shift the entire meal experience. They’re perfect for an informal weeknight dinner, a group get together or even a game-day spread. The rolls are spicy and velvety so sides/toppings that complement or play off those flavors do best.

  • Serve alongside garlic bread, focaccia, or soft dinner rolls to mop up that spicy sauce.

  • Some fresh chopped parsley, chives, or green onions sprinkled on top for color and freshness.

  • Add additional buffalo sauce or a drizzle of ranch for more zing!

  • Sprinkle blue cheese crumbles or shredded Monterey Jack for a heartier bite.

  • Serve with crunchy celery sticks or carrot sticks to mimic traditional buffalo wing sides.

  • Serve as an entree at parties, potlucks or family get togethers. It’s easy portion control and guests can help themselves.

  • Serve alongside a light salad, maybe romaine, cucumber and tomatoes dressed with a simple vinaigrette, to help balance and slice through all that richness.

  • Serve it up with a tray of sides like roasted potatoes, slaw, or even mac n’ cheese for heartier appetites.

  • For a SoCal spin, top with sliced avocado or a dollop of sour cream.

If you’re serving as a main dish at get-togethers, line your lasagna rolls in a large baking dish and serve additional sauce on the side so everyone can control the spice level for themselves. To save your parties from a mess, slice each roll in half before serving—super easy to grab and eat at a super bowl party or backyard BBQ! For smaller dinners, serve 2 rolls per person with a heavy spoonful of the sauce over each, and garnish just before serving to keep the herbs fresh.

Aesthetics aside, chopped parsley or chives add a fresh, herbal essence that cuts through the hearty and spicy stuffing. Blue cheese crumbles provide a creamy, tangy finish to complement the buffalo sauce and extra hot sauce allows guests to customize the heat. A little ranch or blue cheese on the side acts as a cooling dip, particularly if you’re serving kids or anyone with a sensitive spice palette.

At potlucks or buffet-style meals, buffalo chicken lasagna rolls have a tactical edge. They are shape-holders, make-aheads and reheat with little sacrifice in texture. Serve them on a platter, sprinkle with herbs and provide small plates so your guests can try other dishes as well. In a town like L.A. Where the food trends are fusion and small plates, these rolls fit the bill. For a more casual feel, serve with tortilla chips, a bowl of guacamole and a crisp Mexican lager.

Storage Tips

Buffalo chicken lasagna rolls are delicious fresh, but if you do need to store leftovers, here’s how to keep them tasting great. The right techniques preserve the rolls’ moisture, edibility and deliciousness.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

  • Let lasagna rolls cool to room temperature before storing.
  • Store rolls in an air tight container or wrap tightly with foil/plastic wrap.

  • Store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • To reheat, for best results, pop back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil, about 15–20 minutes.

  • microwave for quick reheating, but cover with a microwave-safe lid to prevent drying out.

  • Add a splash of chicken broth (or water) before you reheat to help keep the rolls moist.

  • Reheat only what you’re going to eat, as reheating can dry out the pasta and filling.

Freezing for Make-Ahead or Long-Term Storage

If you want to freeze the buffalo chicken lasagna rolls, prepare as usual but do not bake. Wrap up the raw rolls in a freezer-safe dish with double foil or foil and a freezer bag. Date-label them.

Frozen lasagna rolls are good for up to 3 months. If you cooked the rolls prior to freezing, allow them to cool completely first. For individual portions, roll each up and wrap for convenient thawing. When ready to eat, defrost overnight in the refrigerator or bake from frozen. Bake from frozen, add 15-20 minutes to regular baking time and keep covered until hot inside.

Reheating for Best Texture and Flavor

Oven reheating is the best way to prevent the rolls from turning soggy or rubbery! Put them in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil and warm at 350F until heated through. This retains the melty cheese and bubbling sauce. For a crisp top, pull the foil for the last five minutes. Do not reheat on high – which will dry out the chicken and pasta.

Microwaving is good for when you’re in a hurry, but it can affect the consistency. Use 50% power and check every minute until warmed through. Place the roll under a damp paper towel or microwave lid to help hold in moisture. If you find the sauce getting too thick, just add a little extra sauce or broth before warming it back up.

Best Timeframe for Eating

Consume refrigerated leftovers within 3 days. Frozen rolls are best used within 3 months. Do not refreeze thawed rolls. Verify for off odors or textures prior to consuming.

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Elevating the Dish

Buffalo chicken lasagna rolls are more than just a quick weeknight meal. With just a few savvy modifications and nice little additions, this becomes a go-to showstopper for your party or fancy feast. The subsequent sections dissect easy, actionable steps to enhance taste, health, and style. Every tip is customizable for hectic schedules or preferences.

Creative Ways to Upgrade

Method Details & Examples
Sautéed Veggies Add a layer of diced bell peppers, spinach, or onions for color and nutrition.
Dressing Drizzle Ranch or blue cheese dressing over the top brings a creamy finish.
Fresh Herbs Fold in chopped parsley, chives, or cilantro for a fresh bite.
Spice Up the Filling Mix in smoked paprika, garlic powder, or a dash of cayenne for heat.
Cheese Blend Use a mix of mozzarella, provolone, and sharp cheddar for depth.
Crunchy Topping Sprinkle panko or crushed crackers before baking for texture.

Adding Sautéed Vegetables

Bonus vegies are a super-simple way to make the rolls more healthy. Sautéing bell peppers, onions, or spinach on a skillet with a bit of olive oil caramelizes their flavor and adds color. A few mushrooms, diced pretty small, can get lost in that chicken and cheese mixture, adding an umami flavor.

For more color, zucchini or carrots diced into small cubes do great. These veggies not only increase the nutrition but assist in extending the filling, making it more substantial without adding additional chicken or cheese. The vegetables can be sprinkled with black pepper or a pinch of garlic powder for flavor.

Dressing Drizzle

A last splash of dressing just before serving ties the dish together. Ranch and blue cheese dressings are timeless pairings that resonate with the traditional flavor of buffalo wings. The cool, creamy texture balances the spicy sauce and provides every bite with additional dimension.

Serving the dressing on the side is another alternative, allowing your guests to dictate how much they want. Go lighter with homemade yogurt-based dressings. These maintain the freshness of the dish and prevent it from being too rich.

Incorporating Unique Spices and Herbs

A dash of fresh herbs can work magic! Parsley, chives or green onions chopped and folded into the filling liven up the flavor. For those that like a little heat, smoked paprika or chili flakes introduce warmth without overpowering the buffalo sauce.

Spices such as garlic powder or even a small amount of cumin introduce a subtle depth. These touches are not traditional but work well with the main flavors. Fresh herbs are best added just before baking to keep their color and taste.

Cheese and Crunch

A combo of cheeses, like prov, sharp cheddar and mozzarella make for a more sophisticated melt. A little cheese swap can really change the flavor and make the rolls feel super special. For texture, a dusting of panko or crushed crackers on top pre-baking creates a golden, crisp finish that juxtaposes the creamy filling.

A quick broil at the end will help the topping crisp up without drying out the rolls. Choose cheese blends that melt well but are flavorful, such as Monterey Jack or smoked gouda. This little adjustment adds a gourmet flair.

Conclusion

Buffalo chicken lasagna rolls put a playful spin on a traditional dish. This combination of tender chicken, tangy sauce and soft noodles strikes a chord across many palates and moods. We love them for crazy weeknights, game days or casual nights with friends. Substitute cheese or sauce for simple variations. Leftovers heat up nicely as well. Garnish with green onion or drizzle of additional sauce for color and bite. Need a new crowd-pleaser or simply hunger for bold flavor? These rolls scored the goal. Choose your own adventure or just keep it easy! Show off your variation or trade advice. Make the most of your kitchen and savor food that tastes easy, fresh and made for good times.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make buffalo chicken lasagna rolls ahead of time?

Yes, they freeze up beautifully!) Just roll ’em up, cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking! This saves time and keeps flavors vibrant.

What type of chicken works best for this recipe?

Cooked, shredded chicken breast or thigh meat is ideal. Leftover chicken or a storebought rotisserie make for quick flavor!

Are buffalo chicken lasagna rolls spicy?

They have just enough spice, depending on your buffalo sauce, mild to medium. Add more or less buffalo sauce to make it milder or spicier!

Can I freeze buffalo chicken lasagna rolls?

Yep, these lasagna rolls freeze great! Store them in an airtight container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How do I make this recipe gluten-free?

Substitute gluten free lasagna noodles and make sure your buffalo sauce is too! Everything else is pretty much gluten free, but check your labels, just to be safe!

What can I serve with buffalo chicken lasagna rolls?

Accompanied by a green salad, steamed veggies, or roasted potatoes. These sides pair perfectly to round out the flavors and make a well balanced meal for any occasion.

Can I use a vegetarian alternative for chicken?

Yes, with cooked lentils or beans, or a plant-based chicken substitute. These choices preserve the texture and soak up the buffalo sauce nicely.