# Ultimate Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Lasagna with Ranch Drizzle

If you’re craving a bold, flavorful twist on traditional Italian comfort food, this Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Lasagna with Ranch Drizzle will quickly become a family favorite. Combining the creamy, cheesy goodness of lasagna with the spicy tang of Buffalo chicken, this dish delivers layer upon layer of mouthwatering flavor. Finished with a cooling ranch drizzle and fresh parsley garnish, it’s as visually stunning as it is delicious. Whether you’re hosting game day, celebrating a cozy Sunday dinner, or just wanting to spice up your weekly meal plan, this lasagna is the perfect crowd-pleaser.

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## Quick Recipe Highlights

– **Flavor Profile:** Bold, spicy Buffalo chicken balanced with creamy cheese and a cooling ranch drizzle.
– **Texture:** Perfectly tender lasagna layered with creamy ricotta, a cheesy melt, and a hint of crunch from baked golden edges.
– **Aroma:** The tangy Buffalo sauce, rich cheese layers, and herbed marinara fill your kitchen with irresistible savory notes.
– **Visual Appeal:** Vibrant layers of marinara and Buffalo chicken contrast beautifully with melted cheese and fresh parsley garnish.
– **Skill Level Needed:** Intermediate – requires layering and baking techniques but nothing overly challenging.
– **Special Equipment:** Large skillet, mixing bowls, and a 9×13-inch baking dish.

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## Recipe Overview

– **Difficulty Level:** The recipe is beginner-friendly but requires attention to detail when assembling layers for the best texture and balance of flavors.
– **Category:** Ideal for dinner, game day meals, or as a main dish for gatherings.
– **Cuisine:** A fusion of Italian and American comfort food.
– **Cost:** Budget-friendly, featuring everyday pantry staples and easy-to-source ingredients.
– **Season:** Perfect for cold weather seasons or year-round indulgence.
– **Occasion:** Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or casual entertaining.

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## Why You’ll Love This Recipe

### A Bold and Flavorful Twist
This lasagna offers an exciting explosion of flavors. The tangy spice from Buffalo chicken is perfectly complemented by the creamy, cheesy layers, giving traditional lasagna a modern twist that’s bound to impress your taste buds.

### Perfect for Entertaining
Whether you’re hosting a game day party or a casual family meal, this recipe makes enough to serve a crowd and looks stunning right out of the oven. The ranch drizzle not only enhances the flavor but also adds a beautiful finishing touch.

### Make-Ahead Friendly
This lasagna can easily be prepped in advance and stored in the fridge or freezer for those busy weeknights. Simply bake when you’re ready for a satisfying dinner.

### Comfort Food at Its Best
Warm, hearty, and oozing with melted cheese, this lasagna is everything you want in comfort food. It’s a dish that will leave you feeling full, happy, and ready for seconds.

### Easy Customization
The recipe can be personalized with gluten-free noodles, a vegetarian filling, or low-fat cheese for a lighter option. The possibilities are endless!

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## Historical Background and Culinary Fusion

Lasagna has a rich history rooted in Italian cuisine, dating back to the Middle Ages where it was hailed as a symbol of celebration and feasting. However, this Buffalo Chicken adaptation introduces its American counterpart – spicy Buffalo flavor, originating in Buffalo, New York, where the now-famous Buffalo sauce was invented. This recipe masterfully combines Italian tradition with the bold flavors of American food culture, creating a dish that’s incredibly unique yet instantly comforting.

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## Ingredient Deep Dive

### Buffalo Sauce
The star of this dish, Buffalo sauce combines heat and tang, adding bold flavor to shredded chicken. Opt for your favorite brand or make homemade Buffalo sauce for added depth.

### Ricotta Cheese
Ricotta offers a creamy, smooth texture that pairs beautifully with the spiciness of the Buffalo chicken. Look for high-quality ricotta for the best results, and let it come to room temperature before mixing to ensure easy layering.

### Mozzarella and Cheddar Cheese
Mozzarella brings that gooey meltability while cheddar adds a sharp, tangy bite to the cheesy layers. These two cheeses perfectly balance the creamy filling and spicy chicken.

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## Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. **Overcooking Noodles:** Boiling lasagna noodles for too long makes assembly difficult and can cause them to fall apart.
2. **Skipping the Foil:** Without a foil cover, the lasagna may dry out. Always bake covered for the first portion of the cooking time.
3. **Not Letting It Rest:** Cutting into the lasagna straight out of the oven will result in messy, unstable slices. Always allow 10 minutes for setting.

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## The Recipe

### Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Lasagna with Ranch Drizzle

– **Serves:** 8
– **Prep Time:** 20 minutes
– **Cook Time:** 40 minutes
– **Total Time:** 1 hour

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### Kitchen Equipment Needed

– Large skillet
– Mixing bowls
– 9×13-inch baking dish
– Aluminum foil

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### Ingredients

– 9 lasagna noodles
– 1 ½ lbs cooked boneless, skinless chicken breasts, shredded
– 1 cup Buffalo sauce
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups ricotta cheese
– 1 egg
– 1 teaspoon dried parsley
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 2 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 2 cups marinara sauce
– ½ cup ranch dressing
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

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### Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil.

2. Boil lasagna noodles until al dente, drain, and rinse with cold water to prevent sticking.

3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook onions and garlic until softened, approximately 5 minutes.

4. In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, Buffalo sauce, sautéed onions and garlic. Season with salt and pepper.

5. Prepare the ricotta mixture by combining ricotta cheese, egg, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper in a separate bowl.

6. Spread ½ cup marinara sauce on the bottom of the prepared dish. Layer noodles, ricotta mixture, Buffalo chicken, and cheeses. Repeat layers.

7. Finish the final layer with marinara sauce, mozzarella, and cheddar cheese. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake an additional 15 minutes until golden and bubbly.

8. Rest the lasagna for 10 minutes. Drizzle ranch dressing over the top and garnish with parsley before serving.

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### Recipe Notes

– Use gluten-free lasagna noodles for a gluten-free version.
– Control spiciness by adjusting the Buffalo sauce amount.
– Add a dash of blue cheese dressing to the drizzle for an extra tangy kick.

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Enjoy every bite of this bold, cheesy comfort food with a cooling ranch drizzle that ties it all together. Share your creation on social media with #BuffaloChickenLasagna and join the conversation!