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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Shield the lasagna with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and ingredients to heat thoroughly.
- Uncover the dish and return to the oven for an additional 10 minutes, allowing the cheese to transform into a golden, bubbling masterpiece.
- Remove from the oven and allow the lasagna to rest and settle for 10 minutes, which helps maintain structural integrity when serving.
- 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