Buffalo Chicken Lasagna with a Ranch Twist Recipe

Quick Buffalo Chicken Lasagna Recipe with a Zesty Ranch Twist

Crafting a buffalo chicken lasagna brings unexpected excitement to classic comfort food.

Layers of spicy, tender chicken merge beautifully with creamy ranch-infused cheese.

Melted mozzarella blankets each delectable slice with rich, tangy goodness.

Crisp pasta sheets provide the perfect canvas for bold flavor combinations.

Zesty buffalo sauce weaves through every mouthwatering bite, creating a sensational dining experience.

Perfectly balanced heat and cool ranch make this dish irresistible to anyone seeking a delicious culinary adventure.

Let’s dive into a meal that promises to become your new favorite weekend indulgence.

Buffalo Chicken Lasagna With Ranch That Redefines Comfort

  • Spice Up Family Dinners: Transform classic lasagna into a zesty Buffalo chicken adventure that'll make everyone cheer.
  • Quick and Easy Weeknight Meal: Whip up this crowd-pleasing dish in under an hour, perfect for busy families craving bold flavors without complex cooking techniques.
  • Customizable Comfort Food: Adjust spice levels by changing Buffalo sauce quantity, swap cheeses, or add extra toppings to match your family's taste preferences.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Party Favorite: Impressive enough for game day gatherings, potlucks, or casual dinner parties while being simple to prepare and guaranteed to wow guests.

Key Pieces in Buffalo Chicken Lasagna

Main Protein:
  • Shredded Chicken: Classic protein source with bold Buffalo flavor, perfect for adding protein and spice to the lasagna.
  • Blue Cheese: Sharp and tangy cheese that complements the Buffalo sauce, optional but adds extra flavor depth.
Dairy Components:
  • Ricotta Cheese: Creamy base for the mixture, providing smooth texture and richness.
  • Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully, creating stretchy and gooey layers.
  • Cheddar Cheese: Adds sharp flavor and additional melting quality.
  • Egg: Binds the ricotta mixture, ensuring smooth and cohesive texture.
Seasoning and Sauce:
  • Buffalo Sauce: Delivers classic spicy kick and signature wing-like flavor.
  • Ranch Dressing: Creamy, cooling element that balances the Buffalo sauce heat.
  • Garlic Powder: Adds subtle aromatic flavor without fresh garlic complexity.
  • Onion Powder: Provides mild onion undertones without chopping fresh onions.
  • Salt: Enhances overall dish seasoning.
  • Black Pepper: Adds mild heat and depth to the flavor profile.
  • Green Onions: Fresh garnish for bright color and mild onion finish.

Baking Instructions for Buffalo Chicken Lasagna

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to 375°F.

Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a quick spray of cooking oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Spicy Chicken Base

In a mixing bowl, toss together:
  • Shredded chicken
  • Buffalo sauce
  • Ranch dressing

Blend everything until the chicken is fully coated and looking deliciously saucy.

Step 3: Whip Up Creamy Ricotta Blend

Grab another bowl and mix:
  • Ricotta cheese
  • Egg
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Stir until the mixture becomes smooth and well-combined.

Step 4: Layer Your Lasagna Masterpiece

Start building your lasagna:
  • Spread a thin layer of Buffalo chicken mixture across the bottom of the baking dish
  • Lay down lasagna noodles
  • Spread ricotta mixture over the noodles
  • Sprinkle generously with
  • Mozzarella cheese
  • Cheddar cheese
  • Blue cheese (optional)

Repeat these layers until you’ve used all your ingredients, making sure to end with a cheesy top.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish with foil and slide it into the oven.

Bake for 25 minutes, then remove the foil and continue baking for another 10 minutes until the cheese turns golden and bubbly.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Let the lasagna chill for 10 minutes after removing from the oven.

This helps it set and makes cutting easier.

Sprinkle some chopped green onions on top for a fresh finish.

Chicken Lasagna Hacks That Work

  • Adjust Buffalo sauce quantity to control spiciness, from mild to extra hot, ensuring everyone's taste preferences are satisfied.
  • Replace blue cheese with additional mozzarella or feta for different flavor profiles or dietary restrictions.
  • Use no-boil or gluten-free lasagna noodles as convenient alternatives without compromising texture and taste.
  • Substitute chicken with shredded turkey or rotisserie chicken for varied protein options and quick preparation.
  • Assemble lasagna a day in advance, refrigerate, and bake when ready, allowing flavors to meld and saving precious cooking time.

Chicken Lasagna That Comes Back Crispy

  • Store leftover lasagna in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Cool completely before covering to prevent condensation.
  • Wrap individual portions or the entire lasagna tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 3 months. Label with date for easy tracking.
  • Thaw overnight in refrigerator. Preheat oven to 350°F. Cover with foil and warm for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove foil for last 5 minutes to crisp cheese.
  • For single servings, heat on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly. Stop when thoroughly warm to prevent drying out.

Great Matches For Chicken Lasagna

  • Elevate Your Buffalo Chicken Lasagna Experience
  • Crisp Celery Salad: Whip up a refreshing side salad with thinly sliced celery, chopped herbs, and a light lemon vinaigrette to balance the spicy lasagna's richness.
  • Craft Beer Companion: Select a hoppy IPA or wheat beer with citrus notes to cut through the lasagna's creamy, spicy profile and cleanse the palate between bites.
  • Cool Ranch Dipping Sauce: Blend extra ranch dressing with a touch of hot sauce for a tangy, spicy dipping sauce that enhances the Buffalo chicken flavors and adds an extra layer of excitement to each bite.
  • Zesty Pickled Veggie Platter: Prepare quick-pickled carrots, radishes, and jalapeños to provide a crunchy, tangy counterpoint that refreshes the palate and complements the lasagna's bold taste.

Chicken Lasagna Buffalo Ranch Swaps

  • Vegetarian Buffalo Jackfruit Lasagna: Replace chicken with shredded jackfruit simmered in Buffalo sauce for a plant-based protein alternative that mimics the meaty texture.
  • Gluten-Free Zucchini Noodle Version: Swap traditional lasagna noodles with thinly sliced zucchini strips for a low-carb, gluten-free option that maintains the classic flavor profile.
  • Dairy-Free Cashew Cheese Adaptation: Use cashew-based ricotta and dairy-free mozzarella to create a creamy, allergen-friendly version that still delivers bold Buffalo chicken flavors.
  • Keto-Friendly Cauliflower Base: Replace noodles with roasted cauliflower layers and use full-fat cheeses to transform the dish into a low-carb, high-fat meal that suits ketogenic dietary needs.

FAQs

  • Is Buffalo Chicken Lasagna spicy?

The heat level depends on the Buffalo sauce you choose. Use mild sauce for less spiciness or hot sauce for more kick. You can always adjust the spice by selecting a Buffalo sauce that matches your heat preference.

  • Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken works perfectly and saves preparation time. Just shred the chicken and mix it with Buffalo sauce and ranch dressing as the recipe suggests.

  • Do I need to cook the lasagna noodles before assembling?

No, you can use no-boil/oven-ready lasagna noodles directly in the recipe. They will cook and soften during the baking process, making preparation easier and reducing dishes to clean.

  • What if I don't like blue cheese?

Blue cheese is optional. You can simply omit it or replace it with extra mozzarella or parmesan cheese. The recipe will still be delicious and creamy without blue cheese.

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Buffalo Chicken Lasagna with a Ranch Twist Recipe

Buffalo Chicken Lasagna with a Ranch Twist Recipe


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4.5 from 8 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Creamy buffalo chicken lasagna brings spicy comfort to classic Italian fare, merging zesty buffalo sauce with rich ranch undertones. Layers of tender chicken, melted cheese, and tangy sauce promise a mouthwatering meal that will satisfy your craving for bold, hearty flavors.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein and Noodles:

  • 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
  • 12 cooked lasagna noodles

Cheese and Dairy:

  • 1 (15 ounces / 425 grams) container ricotta cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese (optional)
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 cup ranch dressing

Sauces and Seasonings:

  • 1 cup Buffalo sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup chopped green onions (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the culinary workspace by heating the oven to 375°F and coating a 9×13-inch baking vessel with a light grease layer to prevent sticking.
  2. Create a zesty chicken foundation by thoroughly mixing shredded chicken with tangy Buffalo sauce and creamy ranch dressing, ensuring each chicken strand is evenly coated with robust flavors.
  3. Craft a silky ricotta blend by whisking ricotta cheese with a beaten egg, incorporating garlic and onion powders, and seasoning with salt and pepper to develop a rich, harmonious base.
  4. Construct the lasagna architecture by first spreading a thin layer of spicy chicken mixture across the baking dish bottom, then strategically layering lasagna noodles to create a solid foundation.
  5. Build subsequent layers by generously spreading the ricotta mixture over the noodles, then liberally scattering mozzarella, cheddar, and blue cheese to create a melty, decadent landscape.
  6. Repeat the layering process, alternating between chicken, noodles, ricotta, and cheese until all ingredients are integrated, ensuring the final layer is a luxurious blanket of cheese.
  7. Shield the lasagna with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and ingredients to heat thoroughly.
  8. Uncover the dish and return to the oven for an additional 10 minutes, allowing the cheese to transform into a golden, bubbling masterpiece.
  9. Remove from the oven and allow the lasagna to rest and settle for 10 minutes, which helps maintain structural integrity when serving.
  10. Finish by garnishing with freshly chopped green onions, adding a bright, crisp element to the rich, spicy dish.

Notes

  • Perfectly balance the Buffalo sauce heat by mixing mild and hot sauce varieties, creating a customized spice level that suits different palates.
  • Swap traditional lasagna noodles with gluten-free alternatives or zucchini layers for a low-carb version that maintains the dish’s delicious flavors.
  • Enhance meal prep efficiency by preparing shredded chicken and sauce mixture in advance, allowing for quick assembly during busy weeknights.
  • Cool the lasagna slightly longer to help layers set, ensuring cleaner slices and preventing the filling from becoming too runny when serving.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 550
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 1200 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 35 g
  • Cholesterol: 100 mg
Daniel Bruns

Daniel Bruns

Founder & Culinary Innovator

Expertise

Recipe development for home cooks, Nutritional analysis and meal planning, Culinary education and food writing

Education

Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts
Diploma in Culinary Arts and Operations
Focus: Classical and contemporary cooking techniques, Culinary entrepreneurship and kitchen management, Menu development and food cost analysis


Daniel’s story started with flour on his face and a pie in the oven at his grandma’s house. He later sharpened his skills at the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts.
His goal? Recipes so simple you’ll want to cook every night. When he’s not whipping up one-pan wonders, Daniel’s outside picking herbs, hosting neighborhood cook-offs, or baking chocolate cakes with his kids, messy, sweet, and unforgettable.

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