Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Lasagna with Ranch

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Introduction

Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Lasagna with Ranch is a bold, flavorful twist on classic lasagna, combining the creamy richness of cheese, the tangy heat of Buffalo sauce, and the cool, herby notes of ranch dressing. Perfect for game nights, family gatherings, or when you’re craving something indulgent, this dish delivers a delicious balance of spice, creaminess, and comfort in every bite.

Origin and Cultural Significance

Lasagna has its roots in Italian cuisine, but this Buffalo-style variation takes inspiration from American comfort food traditions, particularly Buffalo chicken wings, which originated in Buffalo, New York. By incorporating Buffalo sauce and ranch dressing, this lasagna fuses the spicy, tangy flavors of American sports bar favorites with the layered, cheesy goodness of Italian pasta dishes. It’s a perfect example of how culinary traditions evolve, blending regional flavors into one irresistible dish.

Ingredients Quantity

  • 12 lasagna noodles, cooked and drained
  • 2-3 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works great)
  • 1 ½ cups Buffalo sauce (adjust to taste)
  • 1 cup ranch dressing
  • 2 cups ricotta cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup crumbled blue cheese (optional, for a classic Buffalo wing flavor)
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons chopped green onions or parsley (for garnish)

Optional Additions

  • Diced celery or carrots – for a subtle crunch, mimicking classic Buffalo wing sides
  • Crushed red pepper flakes – for extra heat
  • Bacon crumbles – for a smoky flavor boost
  • Extra ranch drizzle – for serving
  • Hot honey drizzle – for a sweet-spicy contrast

Tips for Success

  1. Pre-cook the Noodles – Even if using oven-ready noodles, boiling them for a few minutes prevents dryness.
  2. Mix Buffalo Sauce with Chicken First – This ensures even distribution of heat and flavor.
  3. Layer Properly – Spread sauces and cheese evenly to avoid dry or uneven bites.
  4. Cover While Baking – To prevent the cheese from over-browning, cover with foil for the first half of baking.
  5. Let It Rest – After baking, let the lasagna sit for 10-15 minutes to set and make slicing easier.

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Prepare the chicken filling: In a bowl, mix shredded chicken with Buffalo sauce and ranch dressing. Set aside.
  3. Prepare the ricotta mixture: In another bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
  4. Assemble the lasagna: In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, layer ingredients as follows:
    • Layer 1: A thin layer of Buffalo chicken mixture.
    • Layer 2: Noodles.
    • Layer 3: Ricotta mixture.
    • Layer 4: Shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese.
    • Repeat layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with cheese on top. Sprinkle with blue cheese, if using.
  5. Bake covered with foil for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes until golden and bubbly.
  6. Rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. Garnish with green onions or parsley.
  7. Serve hot with extra ranch or Buffalo sauce drizzled on top.

Description

This lasagna is a creamy, spicy, cheesy masterpiece with layers of tangy Buffalo chicken, cool ranch-infused ricotta, and gooey melted cheese. Each bite offers a perfect blend of heat, creaminess, and savory goodness, making it an instant favorite for those who love bold flavors.

Nutritional Information (Estimated per Serving)

  • Calories: ~450-550
  • Protein: ~30g
  • Carbohydrates: ~40g
  • Fat: ~25g
  • Fiber: ~3g
  • Sodium: High (due to Buffalo sauce and cheese, adjust as needed)

Note: Exact values depend on portion sizes and ingredient brands.

Conclusion

Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Lasagna with Ranch is a crowd-pleaser that brings the best of Buffalo wings and lasagna together in one dish. It’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or game-day feasts, offering a creamy, cheesy, and spicy bite in every forkful.

Recommendation

Serve with a cool, crisp side salad (with ranch or blue cheese dressing) and garlic bread to balance the flavors. For drinks, pair with a light beer, sparkling water, or a citrusy cocktail to cut through the richness.

Embracing Healthful Indulgence

For a lighter version, try:

  • Whole wheat or gluten-free noodles
  • Greek yogurt instead of ricotta
  • Less cheese or low-fat cheese
  • Homemade ranch with Greek yogurt
  • More veggies (like spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers) for extra nutrients

This dish is comfort food at its finest, blending spice, creaminess, and heartiness in the best way possible. Enjoy every cheesy, saucy bite!

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