Buffalo Chicken Lasagna with a Ranch Twist

This Buffalo Chicken Lasagna with a Ranch Twist is the ultimate fusion of spicy buffalo chicken and creamy, cheesy lasagna. The bold, tangy flavors of buffalo sauce are perfectly balanced by the cool and creamy ranch dressing, making this dish a satisfying and irresistible comfort food. Whether you’re craving a spicy kick or looking to spice up your traditional lasagna recipe, this dish is sure to impress. It’s an ideal choice for family dinners, game day, or any occasion that calls for a little extra flavor.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bold & Flavorful – The heat from the buffalo sauce pairs perfectly with the creamy ranch dressing, giving this lasagna a unique and exciting flavor.
• Comfort Food with a Twist – This is a spicy and creamy take on the classic lasagna, offering a fresh twist to a beloved dish.
• Easy to Make – With simple ingredients and a one-pan dish, this lasagna comes together quickly and easily.
• Family-Friendly – Perfect for kids and adults alike, this dish is sure to please everyone at the table.
• Great for Meal Prep – This lasagna stores well and can be prepped ahead of time, making it perfect for leftovers or a make-ahead meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Buffalo Chicken Filling:

• 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
• ½ cup buffalo sauce (adjust to your spice preference)
• 1 cup ranch dressing
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (plus more for topping)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Lasagna:

• 9 lasagna noodles (regular or no-boil)
• 2 cups marinara sauce (your favorite brand)
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (for layering and topping)
• Fresh parsley or green onions (optional, for garnish)

Tools You’ll Need

• Large skillet
• Large pot for boiling noodles (if using regular noodles)
• 9×13 inch baking dish
• Parchment paper or cooking spray
• Wooden spoon or spatula

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Lasagna Noodles

1. If you’re using regular lasagna noodles (not no-boil), cook them according to the package instructions, then drain and set them aside. Drizzle with a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken Filling

1. In a large skillet, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until fragrant and translucent (about 3-5 minutes).
2. Add the shredded chicken to the skillet and toss with the sautéed onions and garlic. Stir in the buffalo sauce and ranch dressing.
3. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat everything through, then remove from heat.
4. Stir in the ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, and cheddar cheese. Season with oregano, salt, and pepper to taste.

Step 3: Assemble the Lasagna

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a 9×13 inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom.
3. Place 3 lasagna noodles over the sauce, slightly overlapping if necessary.
4. Spoon 1/3 of the buffalo chicken mixture over the noodles, spreading it evenly.
5. Add a generous sprinkle of shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the chicken mixture.
6. Repeat the layers twice: marinara sauce, noodles, buffalo chicken mixture, and mozzarella cheese.
7. Finish with a final layer of noodles, then top with the remaining marinara sauce and shredded mozzarella cheese.

Step 4: Bake the Lasagna

1. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
2. If desired, broil the lasagna for 1-2 minutes at the end to get a crispy, golden top.

Step 5: Garnish & Serve

1. Let the lasagna cool for about 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
2. Garnish with fresh parsley or chopped green onions for a pop of color and added flavor.

Tips for Perfect Buffalo Chicken Lasagna

• Adjust the Spice Level – If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of buffalo sauce or use a milder hot sauce.
• Use Rotisserie Chicken – For convenience, you can use store-bought rotisserie chicken. It’s quick, flavorful, and saves time on prep.
• Don’t Skip the Ranch – The ranch dressing adds a creamy, cooling element that balances out the heat from the buffalo sauce. It’s essential for the flavor profile.
• Extra Cheese – Don’t be shy with the cheese! Mozzarella, cheddar, and ricotta all bring something special to this dish.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a Side Salad – A crisp green salad with a simple vinaigrette helps balance the richness of the lasagna.
• Garlic Bread – A side of warm, buttery garlic bread pairs perfectly with this spicy lasagna, giving you that classic comfort food experience.
• Steamed Veggies – Add a side of steamed vegetables like broccoli or asparagus for a healthy contrast to the richness of the dish.
• Cold Drink – A cold, refreshing drink like iced tea or lemonade can help cool down the heat from the buffalo sauce.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:

• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• You can also freeze individual portions for up to 2 months. Let the lasagna cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then store it in a freezer-safe bag.

Reheating:

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the lasagna with foil and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through.
• Microwave: For quick reheating, microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
   • Yes! You can assemble the lasagna ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just be sure to bake it when you’re ready.
2. Can I use ground chicken instead of shredded chicken?
   • Absolutely! Ground chicken works great in this recipe. Just cook it with the onions and garlic until fully browned, then add the buffalo sauce and ranch dressing.
3. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
   • Yes, you can easily make this dish gluten-free by using gluten-free lasagna noodles. Be sure to check all your ingredients for gluten if you’re following a strict gluten-free diet.
4. Can I add vegetables to this lasagna?
   • Yes! You can add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to the chicken mixture for extra flavor and texture.

Final Thoughts

This Buffalo Chicken Lasagna with a Ranch Twist is a spicy, creamy, and comforting dish that’s sure to become a new favorite. The combination of buffalo chicken and ranch dressing gives it an unforgettable flavor, while the cheesy layers make it just as satisfying as any traditional lasagna. Whether you’re serving it to friends or family, it’s a dish that’s guaranteed to impress!

Try it out and let me know how it turned out! Don’t forget to leave a review and share your photos on Pinterest. I can’t wait to hear how you enjoyed this spicy twist on a classic dish!

Preparation Time: 20 minutes

Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes

Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

Calories: 450 | Protein: 32g | Carbohydrates: 30g | Fat: 25g | Fiber: 3g | Sodium: 600mg

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