The bold, zesty flavor of buffalo sauce meets the cool creaminess of ranch dressing in this crowd-pleasing Cheesy Buffalo Ranch Chicken Lasagna. Every bite is a melty, tangy mouthful layered with tender chicken, velvety ricotta, and a golden blanket of cheddar and mozzarella. This recipe takes the classic Italian lasagna and gives it a spicy American twist. Perfect for weeknights when you want something a little more exciting, this dish is both hearty and comforting. It’s also a fantastic choice for gatherings and potlucks it’s easy to make ahead and even easier to devour. If you’re a fan of buffalo wings, this lasagna is your next obsession.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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9 lasagna noodles
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2 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie or boiled)
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1 cup buffalo wing sauce
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1 packet ranch seasoning mix
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1 block (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
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1 cup ricotta cheese
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1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
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1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
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2 tablespoons chopped green onions
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
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Cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
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In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and shredded chicken. Stir in buffalo sauce and ranch seasoning. Simmer for 3–5 minutes.
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In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese and ricotta cheese until smooth. Add a pinch of salt and pepper.
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In the baking dish, start layering: spread a thin layer of the buffalo chicken mixture on the bottom. Add a layer of noodles, followed by dollops of the cheese mixture, more buffalo chicken, and a sprinkle of mozzarella and cheddar cheese.
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Repeat layers until ingredients are used, finishing with cheese on top.
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Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes until bubbly and golden.
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Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes. Top with chopped green onions and parsley before serving.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 40 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour
Kcal: 480 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
Cheesy Buffalo Ranch Chicken Lasagna: A Flavor-Packed Twist on Comfort Food
Lasagna is a beloved comfort food, known for its layers of pasta, rich sauces, and cheesy goodness. It’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser for family dinners, potlucks, and weeknight meals. But what if you could take this classic dish and elevate it with bold, spicy flavors? Enter Cheesy Buffalo Ranch Chicken Lasagna a fusion of two iconic comfort foods: creamy lasagna and spicy buffalo wings.
This recipe combines the heat of buffalo sauce, the cool creaminess of ranch dressing, and the savory goodness of chicken to create a lasagna that’s full of flavor, heat, and heartiness. It’s an unexpected twist that will impress anyone who loves spicy dishes or wants to try something new with their lasagna. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, a party, or meal prepping for the week, this buffalo ranch chicken lasagna is guaranteed to become a favorite.
Why You’ll Love Cheesy Buffalo Ranch Chicken Lasagna
1. The Perfect Blend of Spicy and Creamy
Buffalo sauce is known for its spicy and tangy profile, while ranch dressing is cool, creamy, and comforting. The combination of these two is a match made in heaven. When paired with tender shredded chicken, rich cream cheese, and melty mozzarella and cheddar cheeses, it creates a lasagna that’s bursting with flavor in every bite. This dish is ideal for those who crave bold, exciting flavors but still want the comfort of a cheesy, satisfying meal.
2. A Fun Twist on Traditional Lasagna
Traditional lasagna is typically made with a meat sauce, ricotta, and mozzarella cheese. While there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that classic, the Cheesy Buffalo Ranch Chicken Lasagna offers something unique. The use of buffalo chicken as the filling changes the flavor profile entirely, making it a more modern and exciting take on an age-old favorite. It’s perfect for anyone who loves buffalo wings or ranch dressing, and it’s a fun way to introduce new flavors into an otherwise classic dish.
3. Easy to Make and Customize
One of the best things about lasagna is that it’s easy to make and can be customized to suit your taste preferences. The Cheesy Buffalo Ranch Chicken Lasagna is no different. You can adjust the level of heat by adding more or less buffalo sauce, depending on how spicy you like your food. If you prefer a milder version, you can even swap out the buffalo sauce for a barbecue sauce or another sauce of your choice.
Additionally, you can add extra ingredients like vegetables onions, spinach, or bell peppers to enhance the dish. You can also use ground chicken or turkey as a lighter alternative to shredded chicken. The possibilities are endless, and this recipe is perfect for tweaking to suit your dietary needs or preferences.
4. Great for Meal Prep
Lasagna is a great option for meal prepping, and this Cheesy Buffalo Ranch Chicken Lasagna is no exception. It’s easy to make in bulk, and the flavors only get better as it sits. Prepare it ahead of time, store it in the refrigerator, and bake it when you’re ready to eat. You can also freeze individual portions for later use, making it a great option for busy days when you want a homemade meal without much effort.
5. A Crowd-Pleaser for Parties and Gatherings
Whether you’re hosting a game day party, a family gathering, or a potluck, this buffalo ranch chicken lasagna is sure to be a hit. The bold flavors and cheesy layers make it an irresistible dish that everyone will enjoy. It’s easy to serve, and it holds up well to being made in advance, so you can focus on other aspects of your event. Serve it alongside a simple salad, garlic bread, or some roasted vegetables, and you have a complete meal that’s guaranteed to satisfy.
Tips for Perfecting Your Cheesy Buffalo Ranch Chicken Lasagna
1. Use Rotisserie Chicken for Convenience
One of the easiest ways to save time when making this dish is by using rotisserie chicken. It’s pre-cooked, so all you need to do is shred it, mix it with the buffalo sauce, and you’re ready to go. If you have time, you can also cook your own chicken, but using rotisserie chicken is a quick and convenient option for busy nights.
2. Don’t Skip the Resting Time
After you take the lasagna out of the oven, let it rest for at least 10 minutes before cutting into it. This allows the layers to set, making it easier to slice and serve. It also helps the flavors meld together, so you get a better-tasting lasagna. Don’t rush this step it’s worth the wait!
3. Customize the Heat Level
If you’re worried about the lasagna being too spicy, start by using a milder buffalo sauce or adjust the amount you add. You can also reduce the amount of ranch seasoning if you prefer a less creamy flavor. On the other hand, if you love heat, feel free to add extra buffalo sauce or even some sliced jalapeños for an added kick.
4. Layering is Key
For the perfect texture and flavor balance, make sure to layer your ingredients evenly. Start with a thin layer of buffalo chicken mixture, followed by noodles, then cheese. Repeat the process until you have a stacked lasagna with a generous amount of cheese on top. This will help ensure that every bite has the right balance of chicken, sauce, and cheese.
Nutritional Benefits of Cheesy Buffalo Ranch Chicken Lasagna
While this lasagna is undeniably indulgent, it also offers some nutritional benefits. Chicken is a lean source of protein, and when paired with the creamy cheeses and buffalo sauce, it adds a satisfying richness to the dish. Additionally, by using whole-grain lasagna noodles, you can increase the fiber content of the meal.
This dish also provides a good amount of calcium from the cheeses, as well as healthy fats from the olive oil used to cook the chicken. While this lasagna might not be considered a “light” meal, it’s still a hearty option that can be part of a balanced diet when enjoyed in moderation.
Conclusion:
Cheesy Buffalo Ranch Chicken Lasagna takes a beloved comfort food and gives it an exciting new twist. The combination of spicy buffalo sauce, creamy ranch, and tender chicken creates a flavor-packed lasagna that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner, a party, or meal prep, this dish is versatile, easy to make, and completely delicious.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. You can customize the heat level, swap out ingredients, and even make it ahead of time. It’s a fun way to break away from traditional lasagna and enjoy a fresh, bold flavor profile. So next time you’re craving something comforting with a kick, give this Cheesy Buffalo Ranch Chicken Lasagna a try it might just become your new favorite way to enjoy lasagna!