Buffalo Chicken Lasagna with a Ranch Twist
Introduction
Lasagna lovers and spice seekers—this one’s for you. Imagine the comforting, cheesy layers of traditional lasagna paired with the bold heat of Buffalo chicken and the cool creaminess of ranch dressing.
This Buffalo Chicken Lasagna with a Ranch Twist is not only a fun departure from the usual Italian fare but a flavor explosion that brings serious game-day vibes to your dinner table.
Ingredients
12 cooked lasagna noodles
2 cups shredded cooked chicken
1 cup Buffalo sauce
1 cup ricotta cheese
1/2 cup ranch dressing
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and preparing a baking dish by greasing it lightly. This ensures nothing sticks and your layers stay intact when serving.
While the oven heats, make sure your cooked lasagna noodles are laid out to cool slightly for easy handling.
In a medium bowl, mix together the shredded chicken and Buffalo sauce until well coated. This is where all that bold.
tangy heat comes into play. Use more or less sauce depending on your spice preference, but make sure every piece of chicken is evenly covered.
In another bowl, prepare the cheese filling. Combine the ricotta cheese with ranch dressing, garlic powder, onion powder, and a bit of salt and pepper. This mixture provides a creamy, zesty counterbalance to the spicy chicken.
Begin layering by spreading a bit of the Buffalo chicken mixture on the bottom of the dish. Add a layer of lasagna noodles on top, making sure they don’t overlap too much. The goal is to create even, flat layers.
On top of the noodles, spread a generous amount of the ricotta ranch mixture. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese and a bit of blue cheese for that unmistakable Buffalo wing flavor.
Continue layering—chicken, noodles, cheese mixture, shredded cheese—until you run out of ingredients.
Finish with a generous final layer of mozzarella and blue cheese. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes to heat everything through and melt the cheese evenly.
Then, remove the foil and bake an additional 10-15 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.
Once out of the oven, allow the lasagna to cool for 10 minutes before slicing.
This makes serving easier and helps the layers hold their shape. Drizzle extra ranch dressing over the top before serving for a creamy finishing touch.
How to Make
Begin by gathering all your ingredients and prepping them ahead of time. Cook and shred your chicken.
boil your lasagna noodles, and measure out your cheeses and seasonings. Having everything ready will streamline the layering process.
Mix the shredded chicken and Buffalo sauce in a bowl until the chicken is evenly coated. If you like a milder flavor, add a spoonful of ranch to the Buffalo sauce to tone it down a bit.
Use rotisserie chicken for a shortcut or cook your own for added control over flavor.
In a separate bowl, stir together the ricotta, ranch dressing, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
This creamy layer will add richness to the dish while complementing the bold spice of the chicken.
Begin assembling your lasagna by layering the bottom of a greased baking dish with some of the chicken mixture. This keeps the noodles from sticking and infuses the dish with flavor from the base up.
Add a layer of lasagna noodles over the chicken. Make sure to lay them flat without overlapping too much so the dish layers evenly. If your noodles are slightly too long, trim them to fit the dish.
Spread a layer of the ricotta ranch mixture over the noodles, then sprinkle on some mozzarella and blue cheese. The combination of cheeses ensures melty goodness and that classic Buffalo wing essence with the blue cheese.
Repeat the layering process—Buffalo chicken, noodles, ricotta mixture, and cheese—until all ingredients are used. End with a layer of cheese on top, then bake as directed. Let rest before serving and enjoy with an extra drizzle of ranch for added indulgence.
Variations
Swap out the ricotta for cream cheese if you prefer a denser, tangier texture. Soften the cream cheese and mix with ranch for a smooth, flavorful filling that still complements the Buffalo chicken.
Use shredded turkey instead of chicken for a slightly different take that’s great for holiday leftovers. The flavor profile remains deliciously spicy and creamy with just a small twist.
Try using Alfredo sauce in place of the ranch in the ricotta mixture for a richer, creamier version of the dish. It’s a deliciously indulgent option for those who like it extra cheesy and savory.
Add chopped celery or green onions between layers to incorporate that classic Buffalo wing crunch. It adds texture and freshness to balance the richness of the cheeses and sauce.
Substitute the lasagna noodles with oven-ready versions to skip the boiling step entirely. This saves time and makes the whole process quicker, especially on busy weeknights.
Go low-carb by using thin slices of zucchini or eggplant in place of traditional lasagna noodles. It keeps the structure of the lasagna while making it lighter and more keto-friendly.
If you’re not a fan of blue cheese, simply omit it or replace it with more mozzarella or Monterey Jack. The dish will still have plenty of flavor and gooey texture without the strong tang of blue cheese.
Tips
Use rotisserie chicken to cut down on prep time while still adding plenty of flavor. It’s moist, tender, and ready to shred straight from the store, making this recipe faster and easier.
If you like your lasagna extra saucy, double the Buffalo sauce and reserve some for drizzling on top after baking. This intensifies the flavor and adds a saucy finish that die-hard Buffalo fans will love.
Let your lasagna rest for at least 10 minutes after baking. This step is essential for the layers to set and for easier slicing. Skipping this can result in a runny, messy serving.
Taste your ricotta mixture before layering to ensure it’s seasoned just right. Adjust with more garlic, pepper, or ranch if needed—it’s your creamy base and should be full of flavor.
Line your baking dish with parchment or foil for easier cleanup. Buffalo sauce and melted cheese can be sticky, and this little trick saves time in the kitchen later.
If you’re making the lasagna ahead of time, assemble it fully and store in the refrigerator for up to a day before baking. It also freezes beautifully—just thaw overnight and bake when ready.
Serve with a crisp green salad or celery sticks to balance the richness of the lasagna. These simple sides echo the flavors of classic Buffalo wings and round out the meal perfectly.
Conclusion
Buffalo Chicken Lasagna with a Ranch Twist is not your average pasta dish—it’s bold, creamy, cheesy, and utterly satisfying. It brings together two favorites—Buffalo wings and lasagna—for a comforting, spicy, and crowd-pleasing meal.
Perfect for potlucks, game nights, or just a cozy dinner at home, this recipe is a fun way to shake up your meal routine. Try it once, and you’ll find yourself coming back to this flavor-packed favorite again and again.