Get ready to fall in love with a new comfort food obsession: Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Lasagna with Ranch Drizzle is a cheesy, spicy, and utterly irresistible fusion that combines the best of classic Italian and bold American flavors. It features juicy shredded chicken tossed in tangy buffalo sauce, layers of creamy ricotta, rivers of melted cheese, and that addictive ranch drizzle to bring it all together. Whether you need a showstopping game day crowd-pleaser or a cozy weeknight dinner, this dish promises big flavor, gooey texture, and plenty of requests for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This seriously swoon-worthy dish relies on a handful of familiar, easy-to-find ingredients. Each one plays an important part, from the spicy kick of buffalo sauce to the cool and creamy ranch finish—so don’t skip a thing!
- Lasagna noodles (9, cooked and drained): These are the hearty base that hold all the saucy, cheesy layers together.
- Shredded chicken (3 cups, cooked): Rotisserie chicken is perfect here for convenience and lots of flavor.
- Buffalo wing sauce (1 cup): This gives the dish its signature zing and that vibrant orange color.
- Ricotta cheese (1 cup): The creamy layer that keeps everything luscious and balances the heat nicely.
- Large egg (1): Helps bind the ricotta, so every slice stays picture-perfect.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a subtle savoriness that makes the flavors pop.
- Onion powder (1/2 teaspoon): For a hint of warmth and depth in every bite.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (2 cups): Melted and gooey, this is essential for that classic lasagna pull.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup): Adds sharpness and that gorgeous color on top.
- Crumbled blue cheese (1/2 cup, optional): If you love the classic buffalo pairing, this gives an extra tang.
- Chopped green onions (2 tablespoons, optional): Freshness and crunch to finish it off.
- Ranch dressing (1/2 cup): The classic creamy counterpoint to all that spice.
- Milk (1 tablespoon, optional): Just in case you want to thin the ranch for the perfect drizzle.
How to Make Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Lasagna with Ranch Drizzle
Step 1: Prepare Your Fillings
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F, setting the stage for maximum bubbling action later. In a medium bowl, mix the shredded chicken and buffalo sauce until every bite is coated with that unmistakable, fiery flavor. In another bowl, stir together the ricotta, egg, garlic powder, and onion powder to create a smooth, savory mixture that keeps the lasagna creamy between layers.
Step 2: Layer It Up!
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish, then spread just a thin layer of the buffalo chicken in the bottom. This not only prevents sticking, but packs flavor in every inch of the pan. Place 3 lasagna noodles on top, add a third of the ricotta mixture, another hearty scoop of buffalo chicken, and a sprinkle of mozzarella and cheddar. Repeat these layers two more times, saving the rest of your shredded cheese for a glorious golden topping. Sprinkle blue cheese here if you’re feeling bold.
Step 3: Bake to Perfection
Cover the dish with foil—this helps keep everything moist and melty—then bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and return to the oven for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, until the lasagna is hot, bubbly, and incredibly tempting. The top should be golden and oozy. Once it’s out, resist the urge to dig in right away! Let it rest for 10 minutes so your slices stay tall and beautiful.
Step 4: Add the Ranch Drizzle
While the lasagna rests, grab your ranch dressing. If it’s a little thick to drizzle, whisk in a splash of milk. Drizzle it over the top right before serving, creating those creamy rivers that play so perfectly with the spicy heat. A scatter of chopped green onions is the perfect final flourish.
How to Serve Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Lasagna with Ranch Drizzle
Garnishes
For a restaurant-worthy finish, add a shower of sliced green onions across the top just after your ranch drizzle. Blue cheese crumbles are another classic garnish—salty, creamy, and made for buffalo anything. A little extra ranch on the side never hurts if you’re hosting spice lovers!
Side Dishes
This lasagna is hearty enough to stand alone, but it’s amazing alongside a crisp green salad or some cool celery sticks to echo the buffalo wings vibe. For even more comfort, serve with garlic bread to mop up every last bit of cheesy, saucy goodness.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut the Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Lasagna with Ranch Drizzle into bite-size squares for an appetizer spread (hello, game day favorite!), or plate big, gooey slices on individual plates with extra ranch artfully swirled over the top. If you’re making it for a party, serve in a cast iron pan and let everyone dig in family-style.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Lasagna with Ranch Drizzle keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to four days. Cover the baking dish tightly with foil or transfer slices to an airtight container; the flavors get even better overnight.
Freezing
To freeze, let the lasagna cool completely, then wrap individual pieces or the whole pan tightly in foil or plastic wrap. It can be frozen for up to three months. Defrost overnight in the refrigerator for best results and keep the ranch drizzle separate until serving.
Reheating
For best texture, reheat slices in the oven at 350°F, covered with foil, until hot throughout (usually about 20-25 minutes). In a hurry, you can microwave individual slices—just add a little extra ranch after heating so it stays moist and creamy.
FAQs
Can I use no-boil lasagna noodles instead of regular?
Absolutely! If using no-boil noodles, be sure your buffalo chicken mixture is extra saucy, as these noodles absorb more moisture. Add a few extra tablespoons of buffalo sauce or a touch of chicken broth.
Is there a way to make this less spicy?
Yes—just swap the regular buffalo sauce for a mild version, or use less sauce overall. You can always serve the spicy stuff on the side for heat-lovers.
What’s a good substitute for blue cheese?
If blue cheese isn’t your thing, try feta for a little tang or just skip it altogether; the lasagna is plenty flavorful with the mozzarella and cheddar alone.
Can I prepare Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Lasagna with Ranch Drizzle ahead of time?
You sure can! Assemble the lasagna the day before, cover, and refrigerate. Bake as directed when you’re ready—just add a few extra minutes if baking straight from the fridge.
How do I make this gluten-free?
Just replace the regular lasagna noodles with your favorite gluten-free lasagna sheets and check your buffalo sauce and ranch labels to ensure they’re gluten-free, too.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving something beyond the usual, Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Lasagna with Ranch Drizzle is playful, bold, and high on the list of absolute crowd-pleasers. Gather your favorite people, slice up a pan, and watch it disappear—this one is too delicious not to try!
Print
Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Lasagna with Ranch Drizzle Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Lasagna topped with a creamy ranch drizzle. Layers of tender chicken, zesty buffalo sauce, and a blend of cheeses make this dish a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Main Lasagna Ingredients:
- 9 lasagna noodles (cooked and drained)
- 3 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1 cup buffalo wing sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 large 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)
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions (optional)
For the ranch drizzle:
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 1 tablespoon milk (to thin, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Prepare the chicken: In a medium bowl, mix the shredded chicken with the buffalo sauce until well coated.
- Make the ricotta mixture: In another bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Layer the lasagna: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread a layer of buffalo chicken on the bottom, then layer with lasagna noodles, ricotta mixture, buffalo chicken, and cheeses. Repeat for two more layers, finishing with cheese on top.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes until bubbly.
- Rest and serve: Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Drizzle with ranch dressing and garnish with green onions if desired.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- You can add sautéed spinach or celery for extra texture.
- Adjust the heat by choosing a milder buffalo sauce or reducing the amount.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 840mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
