If you’re craving a comfort dish that’s bursting with bold flavors and ooey-gooey cheese, the Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Lasagna with Ranch Drizzle Recipe is exactly what your dinner table needs. This luscious lasagna masterpiece perfectly balances spicy buffalo chicken with creamy cheeses and a cool ranch drizzle that brings the whole dish together. It’s a crowd-pleaser that manages to be both indulgent and approachable, bringing classic buffalo wing flavors into an irresistible pasta bake that feels just like a warm, cheesy hug.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its straightforward, essential ingredients that come together to create layers of flavor and texture. Every ingredient plays its role, from the tender shredded chicken soaking in buffalo sauce to the melty mozzarella and tangy ranch dressing that lifts the entire dish. Here’s what you’ll need to make this crowd-pleaser:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded: Using cooked shredded chicken ensures the buffalo flavor soaks in well while keeping the meat tender and juicy.
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce: This adds the iconic spicy kick that defines the dish’s personality — feel free to adjust to your heat preference.
- 12 lasagna noodles: Standard noodles that provide the perfect layered canvas for all those delicious fillings.
- 2 cups ricotta cheese: Adds a smooth, creamy layer that balances the spice with mild richness.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully to create that irresistible gooey texture we all crave in lasagna.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Provides a sharp, nutty depth and helps with browning on top.
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing: The cool ranch drizzle cuts through the heat, adding a refreshing contrast and extra creaminess.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps sauté the garlic and adds a subtle richness upfront.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic infuses a fragrant base flavor that enhances the savory chicken and cheese mix.
- 1/2 cup green onions, chopped: A fresh, sharp garnish that adds color and crunch.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings that bring all the flavors into harmony.
How to Make Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Lasagna with Ranch Drizzle Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This sets the perfect temperature for the lasagna to bake evenly, allowing the cheeses to melt fully and the edges to crisp up just right. Preparing everything now means no surprises later while assembling your lasagna.
Step 2: Cook the Lasagna Noodles
Cook the lasagna noodles according to the package directions. Be sure to drain them well and lay them flat on a lightly oiled surface or parchment paper to prevent sticking. The noodles are the structural backbone of your dish, providing that satisfying bite between layers of luscious filling.
Step 3: Sauté Garlic and Buffalo Chicken
In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat and add the minced garlic, stirring for about one minute until fragrant. Toss in the shredded chicken and buffalo sauce, mixing everything well so those spicy flavors are evenly distributed. Cooking this mixture for 2 to 3 minutes helps meld the heat with the chicken, making every bite flavorful.
Step 4: Assemble Your Lasagna Layers
Grab a baking dish and start by spreading a thin layer of ricotta cheese on the bottom to keep the noodles from sticking and add creamy deliciousness. Follow with a layer of noodles, then spoon over the buffalo chicken mixture, sprinkle some mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Repeat this layering process until all your ingredients are used up, finishing with a generous topping of cheese for that golden crust.
Step 5: Bake Covered
Cover your lasagna with aluminum foil and bake it for 25 minutes. This step lets everything cook through and all the cheeses melt together while keeping moisture inside to prevent drying out.
Step 6: Add Ranch Drizzle and Finish Baking
Take off the foil, then drizzle the ranch dressing evenly across the top. Slide the dish back into your oven and bake uncovered for another 5 minutes. This final bake allows the ranch to warm up and meld slightly with the cheeses, creating that signature creamy, tangy finish.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, sprinkle chopped green onions on top for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Let the lasagna rest for a few minutes before serving so it settles nicely and slices cleanly.
How to Serve Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Lasagna with Ranch Drizzle Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh chopped green onions are the classic topping here, adding just the right amount of crunch and sharpness. If you want to get a little fancy, a sprinkle of fresh parsley brightens up the plate, or a few celery sticks on the side nod to the traditional buffalo wing accompaniments.
Side Dishes
This lasagna is rich and flavorful, so keep your sides simple to balance it out. A crisp garden salad with a light vinaigrette or some steamed broccoli provide the perfect fresh contrast. For a fun twist, crunchy carrot sticks with a bit of ranch dip echo the flavors inside the dish.
Creative Ways to Present
For a casual dinner party, serve individual portions in mini gratin dishes for a personal touch. If you want to amp up the buffalo theme, top servings with a drizzle of extra buffalo sauce or a sprinkle of blue cheese crumbles. For a family-style meal, ladle the lasagna onto large platters surrounded by bowls of extra ranch dressing for dipping.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Lasagna with Ranch Drizzle Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This allows the flavors to deepen even more, making for fantastic next-day meals.
Freezing
You can freeze this lasagna either before or after baking. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat individual portions in the microwave, covered loosely with a damp paper towel, for 2 to 3 minutes until warmed through. For best results, reheat a whole lasagna in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, covered with foil to keep it moist.
FAQs
Can I use fresh lasagna noodles instead of dried?
Absolutely! Fresh noodles can work wonderfully here and often reduce cooking time. Just be sure to layer gently as they tend to be more delicate.
How spicy is the Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Lasagna with Ranch Drizzle Recipe?
The heat level depends on your buffalo sauce choice. You can go mild or extra hot depending on your preference, and the ranch drizzle always helps mellow the spiciness.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Yes! This dish freezes very well and is perfect for making ahead of time. Just thaw it completely before reheating for the best texture and flavor.
Can I substitute the ranch dressing with blue cheese dressing?
Definitely. Blue cheese dressing adds a tangy, creamy note that complements buffalo sauce beautifully if you’re a fan of that classic buffalo wing combo.
What can I serve for a gluten-free version?
Simply swap the regular lasagna noodles for gluten-free ones. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so you won’t miss out on any flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Lasagna with Ranch Drizzle Recipe is one of those dishes that everyone will ask for again and again. It’s comforting and bold, spicy and cool, cheesy and hearty — the perfect union for sharing a meal with loved ones. Give it a try on your next cozy night in, and watch it quickly become a new family favorite you can’t wait to make.
Print
Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Lasagna with Ranch Drizzle Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Lasagna with Ranch Drizzle combines spicy buffalo chicken with creamy ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses layered between tender lasagna noodles. Baked to perfection and topped with a cool ranch drizzle and fresh green onions, this flavorful dish offers a spicy, cheesy twist on classic lasagna that serves 6 in about 50 minutes.
Ingredients
Chicken Mixture
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Cheese and Noodles
- 12 lasagna noodles
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Topping
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 1/2 cup green onions, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it is ready for baking the lasagna layers evenly.
- Cook Noodles: Boil the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to prevent sticking.
- Sauté Garlic and Chicken: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté the minced garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add the shredded chicken and buffalo sauce, stirring to combine. Cook for 2-3 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Assemble Lasagna: In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of ricotta cheese as the base. Layer with cooked lasagna noodles, buffalo chicken mixture, shredded mozzarella, and grated Parmesan cheese. Repeat these layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a cheese layer on top.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes to cook the lasagna through and melt the cheeses.
- Add Ranch Drizzle: Remove the foil carefully, drizzle ranch dressing evenly over the top layer, and bake uncovered for an additional 5 minutes to set the flavors.
- Garnish and Serve: After baking, garnish the lasagna with chopped green onions for a fresh, crisp contrast, then serve warm for a delicious meal.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for a quick shortcut.
- Adjust buffalo sauce quantity to taste, more for extra heat.
- Use gluten-free lasagna noodles for a gluten-free version.
- Let the lasagna rest 5 minutes after baking for easier slicing.
- Ranch dressing enhances creaminess but can be omitted for a dairy-free option.
