If you love bold flavors and crave a cozy, comforting meal, this Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Lasagna with Ranch Drizzle Recipe is exactly what you need to try next. It’s a delightful fusion of spicy buffalo chicken layered between tender lasagna noodles and ooey-gooey cheeses, all brought together with a cooling ranch drizzle that really makes every bite sing. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or hosting a casual game day gathering, this dish is the kind of recipe you’ll find yourself making again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All the ingredients in this Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Lasagna with Ranch Drizzle Recipe come together effortlessly but pack a punch in terms of flavor and texture. Each component plays an essential role, from the creamy ricotta that adds richness to the spicy buffalo sauce that brings that signature kick.
- Lasagna noodles (9, cooked and drained): Provides the perfect tender base and structure for your layers.
- Cooked shredded chicken (2 cups): The hearty protein that absorbs all that buffalo goodness.
- Buffalo wing sauce (1/2 cup): Brings a spicy, tangy flavor that wakes up the palate.
- Ricotta cheese (1 15-oz container): Adds creamy richness and balances the spice.
- Egg (1): Helps bind the ricotta mixture smoothly.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): A subtle savory background note.
- Onion powder (1/2 teaspoon): Deepens the flavor complexity.
- Mozzarella cheese (2 cups shredded): Melts beautifully and provides gooey, cheesy goodness.
- Cheddar cheese (1 cup shredded): Adds sharpness and color contrast.
- Blue cheese (1/2 cup crumbled, optional): Offers a bold, tangy edge for blue cheese lovers.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Enhances all the flavors perfectly.
- Ranch dressing (1/4 cup): The star of the drizzle and serves as a cool counterpoint.
- Milk (1 tablespoon, optional): Thins the ranch for the perfect drizzle consistency.
- Chopped green onions or parsley (for garnish): Brightens and adds freshness to the final dish.
How to Make Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Lasagna with Ranch Drizzle Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. This simple step ensures the lasagna won’t stick and will bake evenly to golden perfection.
Step 2: Combine Buffalo Chicken
In a mixing bowl, toss your cooked shredded chicken with the buffalo wing sauce until every bite is coated in that vibrant, spicy flavor. This creates the hearty, flavorful filling that ties the whole dish together.
Step 3: Mix the Ricotta Blend
In a separate bowl, whisk together the ricotta cheese, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. This creamy mixture serves as the luscious layer to contrast the spicy chicken and adds a silky texture to each bite.
Step 4: Assemble the Layers
Start by spreading a thin layer of the buffalo chicken on the bottom of your baking dish. Then layer three lasagna noodles, half the ricotta mixture, half the buffalo chicken, 1/2 cup mozzarella, and 1/2 cup cheddar cheese. Repeat the layering process once more with noodles, the rest of the ricotta, buffalo chicken, and cheeses. Finish by topping with the final three noodles, remaining mozzarella and cheddar, and sprinkle blue cheese crumbles if you’re using them. This step is where the magic happens, building those layers of flavor and texture.
Step 5: Bake to Bubbly, Golden Perfection
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the top is golden, bubbly, and irresistible. The aroma filling your kitchen at this point will have everyone rushing to the table.
Step 6: Prepare the Ranch Drizzle and Rest the Lasagna
While the lasagna is baking, whisk together ranch dressing and a bit of milk to make a thin, drizzle-friendly sauce. Once the lasagna is out of the oven, let it rest for 10 minutes so all those luscious layers set nicely before slicing and serving.
How to Serve Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Lasagna with Ranch Drizzle Recipe
Garnishes
A bright sprinkle of chopped green onions or fresh parsley adds a burst of color and fresh flavor, instantly elevating the dish’s presentation and taste. The cool ranch drizzle not only balances the heat but also provides a creamy finish that everyone will adore.
Side Dishes
This lasagna pairs well with crisp, refreshing sides. Think a crunchy green salad with a light vinaigrette or some crunchy celery sticks to complement the buffalo flavors. Roasted vegetables or simple garlic bread also make excellent companions without overwhelming the main star.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve individual portions in small ramekins for a personal touch at parties or as a hearty family dinner. Drizzle the ranch sauce artistically in thin lines or a zigzag to make it look fancy. You can even add extra blue cheese crumbles or a dusting of smoked paprika for added drama.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover your lasagna tightly and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to four days, making it an excellent option for weekday meals or last-minute dinners.
Freezing
You can freeze the entire lasagna before baking or freeze leftovers after cooking. Wrap the dish securely with foil and plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve all those wonderful textures and flavors.
Reheating
Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the whole dish in a 350°F (175°C) oven covered with foil until hot and bubbly, usually about 20 to 30 minutes. Add a little extra ranch drizzle on top for that fresh-from-the-oven feeling.
FAQs
Can I use regular cooked chicken instead of shredded chicken?
Absolutely! Just shred or chop the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces for that perfect texture to mix with the buffalo sauce and layers.
Is there a way to make this dish less spicy?
If you prefer milder heat, try reducing the buffalo wing sauce or mixing it with some melted butter to tone down the spice without sacrificing flavor.
Can I prepare this recipe vegetarian?
While the buffalo chicken is the star, you can substitute with spicy roasted cauliflower or mushrooms for a vegetarian twist that’s just as delicious.
What cheese combinations work best in this recipe?
Mozzarella and cheddar provide that perfect balance of meltiness and sharpness, while blue cheese adds a tangy kick if you enjoy bold flavors. Feel free to experiment with your favorites.
How long should I let the lasagna rest before serving?
Resting for about 10 minutes allows the lasagna to set up nicely, making it easier to slice and ensuring every layer stays in place for a beautiful presentation.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Lasagna with Ranch Drizzle Recipe is pure comfort food perfection and guaranteed to become a beloved staple in your recipe collection. Its combination of spicy, creamy, and cheesy layers creates a flavor explosion that is as satisfying as it is delicious. Give it a try for your next dinner and watch how quickly it disappears from the table!
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Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Lasagna with Ranch Drizzle Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
A deliciously indulgent Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Lasagna featuring tender shredded chicken tossed in spicy buffalo wing sauce layered with ricotta, mozzarella, cheddar, and a optional blue cheese topping, baked to golden perfection and finished with a cool ranch drizzle and fresh herbs. Perfect for game day or a flavorful family dinner.
Ingredients
Lasagna Layers
- 9 lasagna noodles (cooked and drained)
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce
- 1 (15 oz) container ricotta cheese
- 1 egg
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Ranch Drizzle
- 1/4 cup ranch dressing
- 1 tablespoon milk (to thin, optional)
- Chopped green onions or parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
- Mix Buffalo Chicken: In a bowl, toss the shredded cooked chicken with buffalo wing sauce until it is evenly coated with the spicy, tangy flavor.
- Prepare Ricotta Mixture: In a separate bowl, blend ricotta cheese with the egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until combined to create a creamy, seasoned layer.
- Assemble First Layers: Spread a thin layer of buffalo chicken evenly on the bottom of the baking dish. Layer on top 3 cooked lasagna noodles, then half of the ricotta mixture, half of the buffalo chicken mixture, followed by 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese and 1/2 cup cheddar cheese.
- Repeat Layers: Add another layer of 3 noodles, then the remaining ricotta mixture, the rest of the buffalo chicken, and additional mozzarella and cheddar cheeses.
- Finish Top Layers: Place the last 3 noodles on top and sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and cheddar cheeses over them. If using, sprinkle the crumbled blue cheese on top for an extra tangy flavor.
- Bake Covered: Cover the dish with foil to keep moisture in and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until the lasagna is bubbly and golden on top.
- Prepare Ranch Drizzle: While the lasagna bakes, whisk together the ranch dressing and milk to create a slightly thinner, drizzle-ready sauce for topping.
- Rest and Serve: Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes after baking to set. Slice and drizzle with the ranch sauce, then garnish with chopped green onions or parsley before serving.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for convenience and extra flavor.
- Add a few dashes of hot sauce to the buffalo mixture if you want an extra spicy kick.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
