If you adore bold flavors combined with comforting layers, then this Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Lasagna with Ranch Drizzle Recipe is about to become your new favorite dinner. Imagine tender shredded chicken tossed in spicy buffalo sauce, creamy ricotta and mozzarella melting into every bite, and that cool ranch drizzle finishing each slice with a tangy touch. This dish perfectly balances heat and creaminess, transforming the classic lasagna into a flavor-packed feast that’s as fun to eat as it is to make.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Preparing this Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Lasagna with Ranch Drizzle Recipe is easier than you might think, thanks to a concise list of ingredients that each play a crucial role. From the spice of buffalo wing sauce to the rich cheeses that melt beautifully, every component adds a layer of flavor, texture, or color that brings this dish to life.
- Lasagna noodles (9, cooked and drained): The sturdy foundation that holds all those delicious layers together.
- Cooked shredded chicken (3 cups): Tender protein that soaks up all the buffalo goodness perfectly.
- Buffalo wing sauce (1 cup): Packs in that signature heat and tang, the heart of our spicy flavor.
- Ricotta cheese (15 oz container): Adds creamy richness and a smooth texture to balance the spice.
- Egg (1): Helps bind the ricotta mixture for a luscious, set filling.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Brings savory depth with subtle warmth.
- Onion powder (1 teaspoon): Elevates the flavors with a mild sweetness.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances every ingredient for a balanced taste.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (2 cups): Melts beautifully for that gooey, stringy texture we all crave.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup): Adds sharpness and color for extra cheesiness.
- Ranch dressing (1/2 cup plus more for drizzling): The cool, creamy contrast that brings everything together perfectly.
- Chopped green onions or parsley (2 tablespoons, optional): A fresh, bright garnish to finish off the dish.
How to Make Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Lasagna with Ranch Drizzle Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Chicken
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F, ensuring it’s ready for baking once your layers are set. In a medium bowl, toss the shredded chicken with the buffalo wing sauce until each piece is fully coated with that fiery flavor.
Step 2: Mix the Ricotta Filling
In another bowl, combine the ricotta cheese with the egg, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. This mixture will add a creamy, flavorful layer that perfectly complements the spicy chicken.
Step 3: Assemble Your Layers
Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and start by spreading a small spoonful of the buffalo chicken mixture evenly across the bottom to prevent sticking. Layer three cooked lasagna noodles on top, followed by one-third of the ricotta mixture, another third of the buffalo chicken, and then a generous sprinkle of mozzarella and cheddar cheese. Repeat these layers two more times, finishing off with a good layer of melted cheese on top.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes, which allows the flavors to meld while keeping everything moist. Then, remove the foil and bake an additional 15 minutes to let the cheese bubble and brown beautifully.
Step 5: Rest and Drizzle
Once baked, let the lasagna rest for about 10 minutes—this step is key for easier slicing and perfect texture. Just before serving, drizzle generously with ranch dressing and sprinkle chopped green onions or parsley to add that fresh, eye-catching finish.
How to Serve Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Lasagna with Ranch Drizzle Recipe
Garnishes
A shower of chopped green onions or fresh parsley not only brings a pop of color but also adds a mild freshness that cuts through the richness of this dish. The ranch drizzle is crucial, offering a cooling counterpoint to the spicy buffalo sauce that takes every bite up a notch.
Side Dishes
This lasagna pairs beautifully with crisp green salads, creamy coleslaw, or roasted vegetables. These sides introduce complementary textures and flavors, allowing the bold richness of the lasagna to shine even more at your table.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve individual portions in mini cast-iron skillets for game day or party settings. You might even try layering it in smaller ramekins to create personal cheesy buffalo chicken lasagnas with ranch drizzle—perfect for impressing your guests with style and flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Lasagna with Ranch Drizzle Recipe will keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors only deepen after sitting, making it just as delicious the next day.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully! Wrap your assembled, unbaked lasagna tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directed.
Reheating
To reheat, zap a slice in the microwave until warmed through, or heat in a 350°F oven covered with foil for 15–20 minutes for an evenly warmed, fresh-baked taste. A quick broil at the end can revive that lovely bubbly cheese top.
FAQs
Can I adjust the spice level in the Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Lasagna with Ranch Drizzle Recipe?
Absolutely! You can reduce the amount of buffalo wing sauce or choose a milder version if you prefer less heat, or add more for an extra kick.
What type of chicken works best in this recipe?
Cooked, shredded chicken works best—leftover rotisserie chicken is a convenient and flavorful shortcut.
Is there a substitute for ricotta cheese?
If you’re not a ricotta fan, cottage cheese blended until smooth can work as a substitute, though ricotta offers the best creamy texture.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap traditional lasagna noodles for gluten-free ones to keep this dish safe and delicious.
How do I get a crispier cheese topping?
Try broiling the lasagna for 2 to 3 minutes at the end of baking, but watch closely to avoid burning.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Lasagna with Ranch Drizzle Recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that combines comfort food familiarity with a bold burst of flavor. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or looking for a game day touchdown dish, it’s a comforting, fun-filled recipe that’s well worth making again and again. Trust me, once you try this spicy, cheesy masterpiece with cooling ranch drizzle, it’ll quickly become a beloved staple in your home kitchen.
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Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Lasagna with Ranch Drizzle Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Lasagna with Ranch Drizzle is a flavorful twist on traditional lasagna featuring tender shredded chicken tossed in spicy buffalo wing sauce, layered with creamy ricotta, mozzarella, cheddar cheese, and finished with a cool ranch dressing drizzle. Perfect as a hearty main course, this crowd-pleaser combines classic comfort food with a spicy kick, making it ideal for game day or a satisfying family dinner.
Ingredients
Lasagna Base
- 9 lasagna noodles (cooked and drained)
Buffalo Chicken Mixture
- 3 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1 cup buffalo wing sauce
Cheese Mixture
- 1 (15 oz) container ricotta cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Cheese Toppings
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Finishing Touches
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing (plus more for drizzling)
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions or parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure even baking for the lasagna layers.
- Prepare Buffalo Chicken: In a large bowl, mix the shredded cooked chicken with the buffalo wing sauce until the chicken is thoroughly coated with the spicy sauce.
- Mix Ricotta Filling: In a separate bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt to create a creamy, flavorful cheese mixture.
- Assemble Layers: Begin by spreading a spoonful of the buffalo chicken mixture on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Then layer 3 lasagna noodles over the chicken, followed by one-third of the ricotta cheese mixture, one-third of the buffalo chicken, and a generous sprinkle of mozzarella and cheddar cheese. Repeat this layering two more times, finishing the top layer with the cheeses.
- Bake Covered: Cover the assembled lasagna tightly with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes to allow flavors to meld and cheese to melt.
- Finish Baking Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for another 15 minutes until the cheese on top becomes bubbly and lightly browned, adding a beautiful golden crust.
- Rest & Garnish: Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes after baking to set properly. Before serving, drizzle additional ranch dressing on top and garnish with chopped green onions or parsley for fresh flavor and color.
- Serve: Slice the lasagna into servings and enjoy this spicy, cheesy comfort dish.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of buffalo sauce to suit your preferred spice level.
- Using rotisserie chicken can save prep time and adds convenience.
- For a crispier, browned top, broil the lasagna for 2–3 minutes at the end of baking, watching carefully to avoid burning.
