Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Lasagna with Ranch Drizzle Recipe
If you’re ready to shake up your lasagna routine, look no further than this Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Lasagna with Ranch Drizzle. Imagine all your favorite game day flavors layered into a bubbling, cheesy casserole: spicy buffalo chicken, cool ranch dressing, and ribbons of gooey cheese, all sandwiched between tender noodles. It’s the kind of dish that brings the party to your dinner table—bold, comforting, and totally irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this lasagna so special is how each ingredient brings something vital to the table. From the tang of buffalo sauce to the creamy richness of ranch, every component is chosen for maximum flavor and comfort. Here’s what you’ll need to create your own Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Lasagna with Ranch Drizzle:
- Lasagna noodles (9 sheets): The sturdy foundation that holds all the delicious layers together—cook them just until al dente for the best texture.
- Cooked shredded chicken (3 cups): Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut here, making prep a breeze and ensuring juicy, flavorful bites.
- Buffalo wing sauce (1/2 cup): This is where the lasagna gets its signature kick, so pick your favorite brand or make your own for the perfect level of heat.
- Ricotta cheese (15 oz container): Ricotta adds that classic creamy layer and helps balance out all the bold flavors.
- Large egg (1): This binds the ricotta mixture, making it spreadable and rich.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (2 cups): For meltiness and stretch—no lasagna is complete without it!
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup): Cheddar brings sharp, tangy notes that complement the buffalo chicken beautifully.
- Crumbled blue cheese (1/2 cup, optional): If you love that classic buffalo pairing, sprinkle blue cheese on top for extra punch.
- Garlic powder (1 tsp): Adds subtle depth and warmth to the ricotta mixture.
- Onion powder (1/2 tsp): A little goes a long way in boosting savory flavor.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential for rounding out all the flavors—don’t skip the tasting step!
- Ranch dressing (1/2 cup, for drizzle): The finishing touch, cooling and creamy, to drizzle generously over the baked lasagna.
- Chopped green onions or parsley (for garnish): A pop of color and freshness to bring it all together.
How to Make Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Lasagna with Ranch Drizzle
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Noodles
First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready when you are. While the oven heats, cook your lasagna noodles according to the package instructions. Drain them and lay them out flat so they don’t stick together—this little trick makes assembly much easier later on.
Step 2: Make the Buffalo Chicken Filling
Grab a large bowl and toss the shredded chicken with your favorite buffalo wing sauce. Stir well to coat every piece—this is where all that spicy, tangy flavor starts to shine. If you’re using rotisserie chicken, you’ll save tons of time and get delicious, tender meat in every bite.
Step 3: Mix the Creamy Ricotta Layer
In a separate bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is smooth and well-blended. This mixture will bring creamy richness to your Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Lasagna with Ranch Drizzle, balancing out the bold flavors of the buffalo chicken.
Step 4: Assemble the Lasagna
Now for the fun part! Start by spreading a thin layer of buffalo chicken on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish—this keeps the noodles from sticking and adds flavor from the very first bite. Top with 3 noodles, then layer on half of your ricotta mixture, followed by one-third each of the mozzarella and cheddar. Add another layer of buffalo chicken, then repeat with more noodles, the rest of the ricotta, more cheese, and more chicken. Finish with a final layer of noodles, the last of the chicken, and the remaining mozzarella, cheddar, and blue cheese if you’re using it.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Bubbly
Cover the baking dish with foil and pop it into your preheated oven. Bake for 25 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes. You’re looking for a bubbling, golden top that smells absolutely irresistible. Let the lasagna rest for about 10 minutes out of the oven—this helps it set up for perfect slices.
Step 6: Add the Iconic Ranch Drizzle and Serve
Right before serving, drizzle ranch dressing all over the top of your Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Lasagna with Ranch Drizzle. Sprinkle with chopped green onions or parsley for a burst of color and freshness. The ranch brings everything together, cooling down the heat and tying all those flavors into one epic bite.
How to Serve Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Lasagna with Ranch Drizzle
Garnishes
Finish your masterpiece with a generous ranch drizzle and a shower of chopped green onions or parsley. If you’re a blue cheese lover, a few extra crumbles on top add a punch of flavor and a classic buffalo wing vibe. Serve each slice with a little extra ranch on the side for anyone who can’t get enough of that creamy goodness.
Side Dishes
This lasagna is a meal all on its own, but if you want to round out your table, go for simple, crisp sides. A fresh green salad helps cut through the richness, while celery sticks and carrot sticks pay homage to buffalo wings. Garlic bread never hurts, either—perfect for soaking up any extra sauce!
Creative Ways to Present
For a game day spread, cut the Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Lasagna with Ranch Drizzle into smaller squares and serve as a hearty appetizer. Or, layer it up in individual ramekins for a fun, personalized dinner party dish. Want to get extra fancy? Serve each piece atop a small bed of arugula for a peppery, colorful contrast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Lasagna with Ranch Drizzle keeps beautifully in the fridge. Simply cover the baking dish tightly or transfer slices to an airtight container. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to 4 days, making it a great option for meal prep or next-day lunches.
Freezing
This lasagna freezes like a dream! Once cooled, wrap the entire dish or individual portions tightly with plastic wrap, then foil. Label and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating for the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
To reheat, simply cover with foil and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through, about 20–25 minutes. For a quick lunch, microwave individual slices on a microwave-safe plate until piping hot. Don’t forget to add a fresh drizzle of ranch before serving to bring back that creamy finish!
FAQs
Can I make Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Lasagna with Ranch Drizzle ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the entire lasagna up to a day in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, simply add a few extra minutes to the bake time since it’ll be starting cold.
Is there a substitute for blue cheese?
If blue cheese isn’t your favorite, feel free to leave it out or swap it for extra mozzarella or cheddar. You can also try feta for a different twist, or just stick with the classic ranch drizzle for all the creaminess you need.
How spicy is this lasagna?
The heat level depends on your buffalo sauce—choose mild or hot based on your preference. You can always add more sauce for extra kick or tone it down with extra ranch and cheese if you’re serving spice-sensitive eaters.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Just substitute regular lasagna noodles with your favorite gluten-free variety. All the other ingredients are naturally gluten-friendly, so you won’t miss out on any flavor or texture.
What’s the best way to shred the chicken?
Rotisserie chicken is a time-saver, but if you’re starting with raw chicken breasts, just poach or bake them, then use two forks to shred. Some even use a hand mixer for super quick shredding—just be careful not to overdo it!
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving comfort food with a spicy, cheesy twist, you can’t go wrong with Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Lasagna with Ranch Drizzle. It’s everything you love about buffalo chicken wings and classic lasagna, all rolled into one unforgettable casserole. Gather your friends, grab a fork, and get ready to fall in love with your new favorite weeknight dinner!
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Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Lasagna with Ranch Drizzle Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Lasagna combines the bold flavors of spicy buffalo wing sauce with creamy ricotta and melted cheeses, layered between tender lasagna noodles. Topped with a ranch drizzle and garnished with fresh green onions or parsley, this hearty and flavorful dish is perfect for a crowd-pleasing main course.
Ingredients
Lasagna Layers
- 9 lasagna noodles
- 3 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce
Cheese Mixture
- 1 (15 oz) container ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cheeses
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese (optional)
Toppings
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing (for drizzle)
- Chopped green onions or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Noodles: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions, then drain them thoroughly and set aside to cool.
- Mix Buffalo Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the cooked shredded chicken with the buffalo wing sauce. Stir well until the chicken is evenly coated in the sauce.
- Prepare the Ricotta Mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk together the ricotta cheese, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.
- Assemble the Lasagna – First Layer: Spread a thin layer of the buffalo chicken mixture evenly on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Place 3 lasagna noodles on top of the chicken layer.
- Layer Cheeses and Chicken: Spread half of the ricotta mixture over the noodles. Sprinkle with one-third of the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheeses, then add one-third of the buffalo chicken mixture over the top.
- Repeat Layers: Add another 3 noodles, spread the remaining ricotta mixture evenly, top with another third of the mozzarella and cheddar cheeses, and add another third of the buffalo chicken.
- Final Layer: Place the last 3 noodles on top, then spread the remaining buffalo chicken mixture over them. Sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella and cheddar cheeses along with the optional blue cheese crumbles.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil carefully and continue baking for another 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Rest and Serve: Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes after baking to set. Drizzle ranch dressing over the top and garnish with chopped green onions or parsley before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken to save time and add extra flavor.
- Substitute ranch dressing with blue cheese dressing if desired, or omit the drizzle altogether for a lighter option.
- For a gluten-friendly version, swap regular lasagna noodles with gluten-free noodles.
- The blue cheese is optional but adds a classic tangy contrast to the buffalo sauce.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 23 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 26 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
