Sink your fork into layers of tangy, spicy, and oh-so-creamy Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Lasagna with Ranch Drizzle—a showstopper main that brings all the flavors of your favorite Buffalo chicken wings straight to the comfort of bubbly pasta heaven. Imagine tender noodles hugging a saucy combo of shredded chicken bathed in buffalo sauce, cooling ricotta, and a generous crown of gooey mozzarella and cheddar, all rounded out with a signature ranch drizzle that puts it over the top. This is the kind of dish you crave midweek, serve up for game day, or share with friends at a casual gathering—it always disappears fast.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredient list for Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Lasagna with Ranch Drizzle is refreshingly short, but every single item pops with purpose. From the feisty buffalo sauce to the richness of ricotta and the cooling zip of ranch, each layer adds a new dimension to the finished dish.
- Lasagna noodles (12): The sturdy foundation—cooked al dente, they soak up all those spicy-cheesy layers without getting mushy.
- Cooked shredded chicken (3 cups): Tender shredded chicken is the canvas for your bold buffalo flavors, and rotisserie chicken works like a dream here.
- Buffalo sauce (1/2 cup): Spicy, tangy, and totally essential—it soaks into the chicken and infuses every layer.
- Ricotta cheese (2 cups): Creamy and mildly sweet; ricotta balances the heat and gives the filling its lush, soft texture.
- Egg (1 large): One egg binds the ricotta mixture so it stays beautifully layered and set after baking.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Adds a savory, aromatic undertone that pairs perfectly with the other flavors.
- Onion powder (1 teaspoon): For just a kiss of extra savoriness in the ricotta layer.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Brings out all the flavors and ensures every bite is perfectly seasoned.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (3 cups): Melty, stretchy, and absolutely necessary for that ultimate cheesy experience.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup): Adds a vivid color and sharp richness to the cheese layer that mozzarella alone can’t deliver.
- Ranch dressing (1/2 cup + extra for drizzle): Creamy and cool, it lines the dish and delivers the signature finishing drizzle.
- Chopped fresh parsley (2 tablespoons): A splash of herby freshness and color to liven up your finished lasagna.
How to Make Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Lasagna with Ranch Drizzle
Step 1: Prep and Preheat
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and to help cleanup later. This is also the time to set your water to boil for the noodles and make sure you have all your ingredients at hand for smooth assembly.
Step 2: Cook the Noodles
Cook your lasagna noodles according to the package instructions until they’re al dente—tender but still firm when bitten. This is crucial, since the noodles will continue to soften as the lasagna bakes. Drain and lay them flat on a towel so they don’t stick together.
Step 3: Make the Buffalo Chicken Filling
In a large bowl, toss your cooked shredded chicken with all the buffalo sauce, making sure every piece is well coated. This bold, spicy mixture is what puts the “buffalo” in Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Lasagna with Ranch Drizzle!
Step 4: Prepare the Ricotta Mixture
In a separate bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. The egg acts as a gentle binder, while the garlic and onion powders inject subtle depth. This mixture will transform into creamy, flavorful layers as the lasagna bakes.
Step 5: Assemble the Lasagna
Start by spreading a thin layer of ranch dressing across the bottom of your prepared baking dish. This not only adds flavor but keeps the bottom noodles moist. Lay down four noodles, then add half the ricotta mixture, half the buffalo chicken, 1 cup of mozzarella, and 1/2 cup of cheddar. Repeat the layer order, using up the rest of your ricotta and chicken, followed by noodles and the remaining shredded cheeses on top. Each layer is a bit of magic, giving this Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Lasagna with Ranch Drizzle its signature taste and texture.
Step 6: Bake
Cover your lasagna with foil and bake for 25 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. This bubbling top layer signals that all the filling has melted together perfectly.
Step 7: Finish with Ranch and Parsley
As soon as your lasagna emerges from the oven, drizzle generously with extra ranch dressing and shower with chopped parsley for that fresh, zesty finish. Let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing for cleaner pieces and maximum enjoyment.
How to Serve Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Lasagna with Ranch Drizzle
Garnishes
Brighten each slice with more fresh parsley and a hearty drizzle of extra ranch dressing just before serving. For the adventurous, a scattering of crumbled blue cheese or a sprinkle of thinly sliced green onions ramps things up even further, balancing the dish’s spicy heat with bursts of cool, tangy flavor.
Side Dishes
Pair Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Lasagna with Ranch Drizzle with simple, crisp sides like a green salad with celery and carrots to echo those classic Buffalo wing accompaniments. Garlic bread or a soft, pillowy dinner roll is never out of place to sop up every last bit of sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party-ready twist, cut the lasagna into small squares and skewer each piece with a toothpick for a hearty appetizer. Or, bake in individual ramekins for personalized portions that feel extra special. A drizzle of colorful buffalo sauce along with the ranch makes every serving pop visually and flavor-wise.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Lasagna with Ranch Drizzle keep beautifully in the fridge for up to 4 days. Simply cover the baking dish tightly with foil or transfer slices to an airtight container, then refrigerate. The flavors just get better as they meld!
Freezing
This lasagna is a freezer superstar. To freeze, let it cool completely, cut into individual slices or leave whole, then wrap tightly in plastic and foil. It’ll keep well for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
Reheat slices in the microwave for a speedy meal, or place in a covered baking dish in a preheated 350°F oven until heated through (about 20 minutes). If things look a little dry, another quick drizzle of ranch before serving works wonders!
FAQs
Can I make Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Lasagna with Ranch Drizzle ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the lasagna fully, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to a day before baking. When you’re ready, pop it in the oven as directed, just add a little extra time if it’s cold from the fridge.
What type Main Course
This recipe is versatile—you can use your favorite store-bought buffalo sauce, either mild or hot, to tailor the spicy kick to your preference. Homemade buffalo sauce works perfectly too if you want to go the extra mile.
Can this be made gluten-free?
Yes! Swap in gluten-free lasagna noodles (readily available at most grocery stores) and make sure your buffalo sauce and ranch dressing are gluten-free to suit dietary needs.
How spicy is this lasagna?
The spice level comes down to your choice of buffalo sauce. Use a mild version for family-friendly heat or amp it up with a hot variety. You can always serve extra sauce on the side so everyone customizes their own plate.
What else can I add for extra flavor?
For a punch of bold, creamy flavor, stir crumbled blue cheese into the ricotta layer. A few sautéed onions, bell peppers, or even a handful of spinach tucked between the layers also adds personality and extra nutrition.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing more comforting or crowd-pleasing than a big bubbling pan of Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Lasagna with Ranch Drizzle. If you love bold flavors and creamy, cheesy layers, this one’s about to become your new go-to. Gather your ingredients and prepare for oohs and aahs around the table—sharing this lasagna is half the fun!
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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
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Lasagna featuring layers of spicy buffalo chicken, creamy ricotta, and gooey cheeses, all topped with a drizzle of tangy ranch dressing. A delicious twist on traditional lasagna that’s sure to be a hit with your family and friends.
Ingredients
LasaGna:
- 12 lasagna noodles
- 3 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Ricotta Mixture:
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Other:
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing (plus extra for drizzle)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook noodles: Cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions, drain, and set aside.
- Prepare chicken: Toss shredded chicken with buffalo sauce in a bowl.
- Mix ricotta: In a separate bowl, combine ricotta, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt.
- Layer: Spread ranch dressing in the baking dish, then layer noodles, ricotta mixture, buffalo chicken, mozzarella, and cheddar.
- Bake: Cover with foil, bake for 25 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Drizzle and serve: Drizzle with ranch dressing, garnish with parsley, and enjoy!
Notes
- You can adjust the heat by using mild or hot buffalo sauce.
- For extra flavor, mix some crumbled blue cheese into the ricotta layer.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 920mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
