Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Lasagna with Ranch Drizzle – A Flavor-Packed Comfort Food
Bringing together the kick of buffalo chicken, gooey melted cheese, and rich, creamy ranch dressing, this Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Lasagna with Ranch Drizzle is a bold twist on a classic comfort dish. If you love the fiery heat of buffalo wings combined with the indulgent layers of cheesy lasagna, this recipe is a must-try. Perfect for game nights, family dinners, or when you’re in the mood for a filling, flavorful meal.
Each bite of this buffalo chicken lasagna is a fusion of tangy buffalo sauce, seasoned shredded chicken, and perfectly baked pasta sheets, all topped with a creamy ranch drizzle to balance out the heat. Whether you’re a spice lover or someone who enjoys experimenting with classic dishes, this recipe is guaranteed to be a showstopper.
Quick Recipe Highlights
- Flavor Profile: The lasagna combines the spicy, tangy taste of buffalo sauce with creamy, rich layers of cheese and ranch dressing.
- Texture: A perfect balance of tender pasta sheets, juicy shredded chicken, smooth cheese layers, and a slight crunch from the baked top.
- Aroma: Savory aromas of spiced chicken, baked pasta, bubbling cheese, and garlic fill the kitchen.
- Visual Appeal: Vibrant layers of golden cheese with hints of orange buffalo sauce finished with a white ranch drizzle.
- Skill Level Needed: Intermediate – involves layering and baking but is easy to follow with step-by-step guidance.
- Special Equipment: Baking dish, saucepan, mixing bowls, whisk, and an oven.
Recipe Overview
- Difficulty Level: This recipe is moderately easy, though layering and timing might require some experience for best results.
- Category: Comfort food, pasta dish, main course.
- Cuisine: A fusion of Italian and American flavors, combining classic lasagna with spicy buffalo chicken.
- Cost: Moderate – most ingredients are easily accessible, and pre-cooked chicken can be used for convenience.
- Season: Best enjoyed in cooler months, fall and winter, as its warmth and spice pair well with cold weather.
- Occasion: Ideal for parties, family gatherings, game days, or a weekend comfort meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
The combination of creamy cheese, spicy buffalo chicken, and cooling ranch dressing makes every bite of this lasagna irresistible. The lasagna noodles hold everything together, offering a satisfying chew against the tender shredded chicken and melted cheese.
Preparing this lasagna is not only easy but also convenient. The ingredients are readily available at most grocery stores, and if you’re short on time, you can use rotisserie chicken for added ease.
This recipe offers a good balance of protein from the chicken and calcium from the cheese, making it a more nourishing option than standard buffalo wings. Using whole-wheat pasta or reduced-fat cheese makes it even healthier.
If you’re planning a movie night or game-day party, this buffalo chicken lasagna is a conversation starter. Its unique twist on a classic dish surprises guests and gets them asking for the recipe.
Most ingredients are budget-friendly, and since this meal serves a crowd, it’s a cost-effective way to treat the family without breaking the bank.
The Recipe
Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Lasagna with Ranch Drizzle
Serves: 8
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 75 mins
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Large mixing bowls
- Baking dish
- Saucepan
- Whisk
- Spatula
- Cheese grater
Ingredients
- 12 lasagna noodles, cooked
- 2 ½ cups shredded cooked chicken
- 1 cup buffalo sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup ranch dressing
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions (for garnish)
Directions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken with buffalo sauce and set aside.
- In another bowl, mix ricotta cheese, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
- To assemble the lasagna, spread a thin layer of buffalo chicken mixture at the bottom of the baking dish.
- Layer cooked lasagna noodles over the chicken mixture.
- Spread a portion of ricotta mixture over the noodles, followed by shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese.
- Repeat layers until all ingredients are used, ending with a generous cheese topping.
- Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 15 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Let lasagna rest for 10 minutes before drizzling with ranch dressing and topping with chopped green onions.
- Slice and serve warm.
Recipe Notes
- For extra spice, add more buffalo sauce to the chicken.
- Substitute blue cheese crumbles for some of the mozzarella if you love a stronger flavor.
- Make this ahead and refrigerate for up to two days before baking.
