Buffalo Chicken Lasagna With A Ranch Twist Recipe

Tangy Buffalo Chicken Lasagna with Ranch Twist Recipe

Layers of comfort and zest come together in this mouthwatering buffalo chicken lasagna with a ranch twist that promises to tantalize your taste buds.

Spicy buffalo sauce meets creamy ranch in a delectable dance of flavors that will make your dinner table sing.

Tender chicken, melted cheese, and bold seasonings create a hearty dish that breaks away from traditional lasagna expectations.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of heat and coolness, merging classic Italian techniques with bold American flavor profiles.

Pasta sheets nestle between rich, seasoned chicken and a velvety sauce that hints at both tradition and innovation.

Cheese lovers and spice enthusiasts will find themselves completely satisfied by this game-day inspired masterpiece.

Prepare to transform your dinner routine with this irresistible, crowd-pleasing lasagna that demands seconds.

Buffalo Chicken Lasagna With A Ranch Twist

  • Create Memories with Customizable Cookies: Design unique shapes and decorations that spark joy and bring families together for a fun baking experience.
  • Beginner-Friendly Baking Adventure: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe perfect for novice bakers wanting to develop their kitchen skills.
  • Versatile Treat for Any Celebration: Adaptable cookies work wonderfully for holidays, birthdays, school events, or casual gatherings with friends and family.
  • Delightful Make-Ahead Dessert: Prepare the dough in advance and store in the refrigerator, allowing for stress-free baking and spontaneous cookie creation whenever the mood strikes.

Ingredients For Buffalo Chicken Lasagna

Main Ingredients:
  • Lasagna Noodles: Classic pasta sheets that form the base of this hearty casserole.
  • Chicken: Shredded or diced protein that brings the classic buffalo flavor to the dish.
  • Buffalo Sauce: Spicy sauce that gives the lasagna its signature kick and tangy taste.
  • Ranch Dressing: Creamy condiment that adds a cool and smooth counterpoint to the spicy buffalo sauce.
Dairy Components:
  • Cream Cheese: Provides a rich and velvety texture to the lasagna filling.
  • Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully and creates a gooey, stretchy layer.
  • Cheddar Cheese: Adds a sharp and tangy flavor to the overall dish.
Seasoning and Herbs:
  • Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Enhances the depth of flavor in the lasagna.
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Fundamental seasonings that balance and elevate the other ingredients.
  • Green Onions: Fresh herb that provides a light, crisp garnish to the finished dish.

Step-By-Step Buffalo Chicken Lasagna

Step 1: Prepare Lasagna Sauce

Whip up a zesty sauce by combining marinara with hot sauce in a mixing bowl. Stir until the flavors blend perfectly, creating a spicy base that’ll make your taste buds dance.

  • Marinara sauce
  • Hot sauce
  • Shredded chicken

Step 2: Mix Creamy Ranch Layer

Create a dreamy ranch mixture by blending cream cheese, ranch seasoning, and sour cream. Whisk until smooth and luxurious, ensuring no lumps remain.

  • Cream cheese
  • Ranch seasoning
  • Sour cream

Step 3: Layer the Lasagna Magic

Start building your epic lasagna by spreading a thin layer of sauce on the bottom of the baking dish. Arrange lasagna noodles as the first foundation, then generously spread the ranch mixture over them.

Step 4: Add Chicken and Cheese Goodness

Sprinkle shredded chicken over the ranch layer, then cover with a hearty amount of mozzarella and blue cheese. The cheese will create those irresistible melty pockets of flavor.

  • Shredded chicken
  • Mozzarella cheese
  • Blue cheese

Step 5: Repeat Layering Technique

Continue creating delicious layers by alternating sauce, noodles, ranch mixture, chicken, and cheeses. Aim for at least three complete layers to maximize flavor complexity.

Step 6: Top with Final Cheese Blanket

Finish your lasagna with a generous topping of cheese, ensuring complete coverage. This will create a golden, bubbly crust that looks absolutely mouthwatering.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the lasagna into the preheated oven and bake until the cheese turns golden and the edges become crispy. The aroma will fill your kitchen with excitement.

Step 8: Rest and Serve

Allow the lasagna to rest for 10-15 minutes after removing from the oven. This helps the layers set and makes cutting easier.

Slice and serve hot, watching everyone’s eyes light up with anticipation.

Tips For Creamy Buffalo Chicken Lasagna

  • Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for the most tender and lean protein in your lasagna.
  • Adjust hot sauce quantity to match your personal heat tolerance, from mild to fiery buffalo style.
  • Spread ingredients evenly to ensure each bite delivers balanced buffalo and ranch flavors.
  • Cover lasagna with foil during initial baking to retain moisture and prevent burning.
  • Let lasagna rest 10-15 minutes after baking to allow cheese to set and improve slicing.

Flavorful Variations For Buffalo Chicken Lasagna

  • Vegetarian Buffalo Jackfruit Lasagna: Replace chicken with shredded jackfruit for a plant-based protein alternative that mimics the texture and absorbs buffalo sauce perfectly.
  • Gluten-Free Buffalo Chicken Lasagna: Swap traditional lasagna noodles with gluten-free rice or chickpea noodles, ensuring those with wheat sensitivities can enjoy the spicy dish.
  • Low-Carb Buffalo Chicken Zucchini Lasagna: Use thinly sliced zucchini instead of pasta layers, creating a lighter, vegetable-based version that reduces carbohydrate content while maintaining bold flavors.
  • Dairy-Free Buffalo Chicken Lasagna: Substitute dairy cheese with cashew-based or almond cheese alternatives, and use coconut milk-based ranch dressing to accommodate dairy-free dietary needs.

Pairing Suggestions For Buffalo Chicken Lasagna

  • Elevate Buffalo Chicken Lasagna Flavor: Pair this spicy, creamy lasagna with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc that cuts through the richness and complements the tangy buffalo sauce.
  • Cool Down the Heat: Serve a classic blue cheese wedge salad alongside the dish to balance the spiciness and add a refreshing crunch that echoes the ranch twist.
  • Craft the Perfect Side: Roast some garlic-parmesan asparagus spears to provide a light, green vegetable complement that doesn't compete with the lasagna's bold flavors.
  • Beer Harmony: Select a cold, hoppy IPA that stands up to the buffalo chicken's intense heat and brings out the deeper flavor notes of the dish.

Proper Storage For Buffalo Chicken Lasagna

  • Store leftover lasagna in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, ensuring it's tightly sealed to maintain freshness and prevent odor absorption.
  • Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat for 1-2 minutes, checking midway to ensure even warming and prevent drying out.
  • Preheat oven to 350F (175C). Cover lasagna with aluminum foil to prevent further browning. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through, maintaining its original creamy texture and flavor.

FAQs

  • What protein works best for this recipe?

Shredded rotisserie chicken or boneless chicken breasts are perfect, providing tender and flavorful meat that absorbs the buffalo sauce beautifully.

  • How spicy will this lasagna be?

The heat level depends on the buffalo sauce brand you choose. Use mild sauce for less heat or add extra hot sauce for more kick. You can always adjust the spiciness to your preference.

  • Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the lasagna up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate. Just cover it tightly with foil and bake when ready. This makes it great for meal prep or entertaining.

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Buffalo Chicken Lasagna With A Ranch Twist Recipe

Buffalo Chicken Lasagna With A Ranch Twist Recipe


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4.8 from 19 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Spicy buffalo chicken lasagna with a ranch twist brings together zesty flavors that dance across your palate. Layered with creamy cheese, tender chicken, and bold buffalo sauce, this comfort dish delivers a mouthwatering experience you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Proteins:

  • 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
  • 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese

Main Cheese Components:

  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese

Seasonings and Sauces:

  • 1 cup Buffalo sauce
  • 1/2 cup ranch dressing
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt, to taste
  • Pepper, to taste

Pasta:

  • 12 cooked lasagna noodles

Instructions

  1. Arrange oven rack in the middle position and preheat to 375°F, creating an ideal environment for layered baking.
  2. Thoroughly coat a rectangular baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.
  3. In a large skillet, cook ground chicken over medium-high heat, breaking it into crumbly pieces until no pink remains and meat reaches 165°F internal temperature.
  4. Mix cooked chicken with buffalo sauce, ensuring each morsel is evenly coated with spicy, tangy flavor.
  5. In a separate mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, cream cheese, ranch seasoning, and eggs, whisking until smooth and well-integrated.
  6. Layer the lasagna starting with a thin spread of sauce on the bottom of the baking dish to prevent noodles from sticking.
  7. Alternate layers of no-boil lasagna noodles, chicken mixture, cheese blend, and shredded mozzarella, creating a harmonious flavor profile.
  8. Repeat layering process until ingredients are completely used, finishing with a generous topping of cheese.
  9. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil, preventing moisture loss and ensuring even cooking.
  10. Bake covered for 45 minutes, then remove foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes until cheese turns golden and bubbly.
  11. Remove from oven and let lasagna rest for 15 minutes, allowing layers to set and flavors to meld together.
  12. Garnish with chopped green onions or additional ranch drizzle before serving hot.

Notes

  • Dial up or tone down the hot sauce based on your heat tolerance, ensuring a personalized buffalo chicken experience.
  • Replace chicken with shredded turkey or rotisserie chicken for a quick and easy protein alternative that maintains the dish’s signature flavor.
  • Let the lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes after baking to help the layers set and make slicing easier, resulting in cleaner, more defined portions.
  • Use plant-based cheese and lactose-free ranch dressing to create a delicious version suitable for those with dairy restrictions.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 376 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 810 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 28 g
  • Cholesterol: 85 mg
Maya Thompson

Maya Thompson

Culinary Content Creator & Nutrition Enthusiast

Expertise

Healthy single-serving recipes, Meal prepping for individuals, Integrating nutrition into everyday cooking, Vegetarian and plant-based cuisine​

Education

The Chef’s Academy at Harrison College
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Nutrition, meal planning, and culinary techniques for healthy living.


Maya found her passion in the kitchen by mixing good food with good energy. After earning her culinary degree at The Chef’s Academy at Harrison College, she made it her mission to keep cooking simple, wholesome, and packed with flavor.
At Steelhead Diner, Maya shares easy, healthy recipes built for real life. For Maya, great food seems like a celebration of everyday moments, made better one fresh bite at a time.

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