Cheesy Buffalo Ranch Chicken Lasagna Recipe

Tangy Cheesy Buffalo Ranch Chicken Lasagna Recipe

Crafting a mouthwatering cheesy buffalo ranch chicken lasagna might just become your new weekend culinary adventure.

Layers of zesty flavors dance between soft pasta sheets and tender chicken.

Spicy buffalo sauce brings an unexpected kick to this classic comfort dish.

Creamy ranch dressing weaves through melted cheese, creating an irresistible blend of textures.

Hearty and bold, this recipe promises to impress even the most discerning dinner guests.

Rich ingredients combine in a way that’ll make everyone at the table ask for seconds.

Take a delicious leap and let this lasagna become your next flavor-packed meal sensation.

Best Pairings for Buffalo Ranch Chicken Lasagna

Choose a hoppy IPA or crisp pale ale that cuts through the rich, creamy lasagna and complements the buffalo sauce’s spicy kick.

Prepare a light, refreshing side with sliced cucumbers, dill, and a tangy vinaigrette to balance the lasagna’s intense flavors and provide a cooling contrast.

Opt for a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio with bright acidity that will cleanse the palate and harmonize with the buffalo ranch’s tangy profile.

Whip up a crusty garlic bread to soak up the extra cheese sauce and provide a crunchy texture that enhances the overall dining experience.

Storage Advice for Buffalo Ranch Chicken Lasagna

  • Store leftover lasagna in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed, it will stay fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Wrap individual portions or the entire lasagna tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Place a date label on the container to track freshness.
  • Cut a portion and place on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even warming.

FAQs

  • Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Yes, rotisserie chicken works perfectly and saves time. Simply shred the meat and use it in the lasagna layers.

  • Is this recipe spicy?

The buffalo sauce adds a mild kick, but you can adjust the heat by using more or less sauce to suit your preference.

  • Can I make this lasagna ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble the lasagna, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.

  • Do I need to cook the chicken before adding to the lasagna?

If using raw chicken, cook and shred it first. Pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken can be added directly to the layers.

Cheesy Buffalo Ranch Chicken Lasagna Overview

  • Conquer Complex Flavors: Blend buffalo and ranch tastes in one mouthwatering dish that transforms traditional lasagna into a flavor explosion.
  • Simplify Meal Prep: Layer ingredients quickly without complicated techniques, making this recipe perfect for busy home cooks seeking delicious comfort food.
  • Build Family-Friendly Feast: Combines kid-friendly chicken with creamy cheese layers that appeal to multiple taste preferences, ensuring everyone at the table stays happy.
  • Customize with Ease: Swap protein, adjust spice levels, or add extra toppings to personalize this versatile recipe according to individual preferences and dietary needs.

Ingredients for Cheesy Buffalo Ranch Chicken Lasagna

Lasagna Noodles:
  • Lasagna Noodles: Classic pasta base that creates the layered structure of the dish.
Cheese Components:
  • Cream Cheese: Provides a rich and creamy texture to the sauce mixture.
  • Cheddar Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese: Offer melty and stretchy cheese layers with sharp and mild flavor profiles.
Sauce and Seasoning:
  • Ranch Seasoning: Adds a tangy and herbal flavor to the cheese mixture.
  • Buffalo Sauce: Introduces a spicy and zesty kick to the lasagna.
  • Milk: Helps create a smooth and creamy consistency for the cheese mixture.
Protein and Topping:
  • Shredded Chicken: Serves as the main protein layer in the lasagna.
  • Green Onions: Provides a fresh and sharp garnish.
  • Blue Cheese Crumbles: Offers an optional tangy and creamy topping.
Baking and Serving Essentials:
  • Foil: Used to cover the lasagna during initial baking.
  • Ranch Dressing: Provides an optional additional drizzle for serving.

How to Make Buffalo Ranch Chicken Lasagna

Step 1: Boil Perfectly Tender Noodles

Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Generously salt the water to enhance flavor.

Gently lower lasagna noodles into the bubbling water, cooking until they reach that perfect al dente texture. Carefully drain the noodles and set aside, letting them cool slightly.

Step 2: Whip Up Creamy Flavor Blend

In a spacious mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, zesty ranch seasoning, fiery buffalo sauce, and smooth milk. Whisk the ingredients until they transform into a silky, well-blended mixture.

Fold in:
  • Shredded cheddar cheese
  • Shredded mozzarella cheese

Stir until the cheeses are evenly distributed throughout the creamy base.

Step 3: Layer with Love

Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a light coating of cooking spray.

Spread a thin, luxurious layer of the cheese mixture across the bottom. Create your lasagna masterpiece by:
  • Placing a layer of noodles
  • Spreading more cheese mixture
  • Adding a generous layer of shredded chicken
  • Repeating the layers

Finish with a decadent top layer of cheese mixture that promises a golden, bubbling surface.

Step 4: Initial Baking Magic

Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil. Slide into a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C).

Let it bake for 45 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and merge.

Step 5: Crisp and Golden Finale

Remove the foil, exposing the lasagna to direct heat.

Continue baking for an additional 10 minutes until the top turns a beautiful golden brown and becomes irresistibly bubbly.

Step 6: Rest and Serve with Flair

Allow the lasagna to rest for 8-10 minutes, letting the layers settle and flavors intensify.

For an extra touch of deliciousness, garnish with:
  • Drizzled ranch dressing
  • Chopped green onions
  • Crumbled blue cheese

Slice, serve, and watch everyone dive in with excitement!

Pro Tips for Cheesy Buffalo Ranch Chicken Lasagna

  • Pat cooked lasagna noodles dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture and prevent a watery dish.
  • Use rotisserie or freshly shredded chicken for maximum tenderness and flavor throughout the lasagna.
  • Adjust buffalo sauce quantity based on heat preference, starting with less and adding more gradually to control spiciness.
  • Create even layers by spreading cheese mixture and chicken uniformly to ensure consistent taste in every bite.
  • Let lasagna rest after removing foil to help cheese melt completely and develop a golden, crispy top layer.

Flavor Variations to Try with Buffalo Ranch Lasagna

  • Vegetarian Buffalo Jackfruit Lasagna: Replace chicken with pulled jackfruit, maintaining the buffalo ranch flavor profile for a plant-based alternative.
  • Low-Carb Zucchini Lasagna: Swap traditional pasta noodles with thinly sliced zucchini strips, creating a gluten-free and lower-carbohydrate version.
  • Spicy Pepper Jack Transformation: Substitute cheddar and mozzarella with pepper jack cheese, adding an extra kick of heat to the original recipe.
  • Dairy-Free Cashew Cream Version: Use cashew cream and nutritional yeast instead of dairy cheese, making the dish suitable for lactose-intolerant individuals.
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Cheesy Buffalo Ranch Chicken Lasagna Recipe

Cheesy Buffalo Ranch Chicken Lasagna Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 11 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Layers of zesty buffalo ranch chicken lasagna promise a spicy comfort meal that blends creamy cheese and bold flavors. Hearty pasta sheets embrace tangy buffalo sauce, creating a mouthwatering dish you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Proteins:

  • 3 1/2 cups rotisserie chicken, shredded
  • 24 ounces (680 grams) cream cheese, softened
  • 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • Blue cheese crumbles

Noodles and Base:

  • 12 ounces (340 grams) lasagna noodles
  • 1/2 cup milk

Seasonings and Sauces:

  • 1 packet ranch seasoning
  • 1 cup buffalo sauce
  • Ranch dressing
  • Green onions, sliced

Instructions

  1. Prepare lasagna noodles in generously salted boiling water until perfectly tender, following package guidelines. Carefully drain and set noodles aside to cool.
  2. Create a creamy buffalo ranch base by whisking softened cream cheese with ranch seasoning, buffalo sauce, and milk until completely smooth. Gently fold in cheddar and mozzarella cheeses to develop rich flavor complexity.
  3. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread a thin preliminary layer of cheese mixture across the bottom, creating a protective foundation for the lasagna.
  4. Construct layered architecture by placing noodles across the cheese base, then generously coating with additional cheese mixture and distributing shredded chicken evenly.
  5. Repeat layering technique, alternating noodles, cheese mixture, and chicken until dish reaches maximum capacity, ensuring the final top layer is a luxurious blanket of cheese mixture.
  6. Shield lasagna with aluminum foil and transfer to preheated 375°F oven. Bake precisely 45 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and merge.
  7. Remove foil protection and return to oven for additional 10 minutes, allowing surface to transform into golden, bubbling perfection.
  8. Extract from oven and permit lasagna to rest 8-10 minutes, allowing structural integrity to stabilize before slicing.
  9. Optional: Embellish with drizzled ranch dressing, sprinkled green onions, and crumbled blue cheese for enhanced visual and flavor complexity. Serve while warmth remains inviting.

Notes

  • Manage moisture carefully by draining lasagna noodles thoroughly to prevent watery results.
  • Choose high-quality rotisserie chicken or freshly shredded chicken for maximum flavor depth.
  • Consider reducing buffalo sauce for milder versions suitable for family-friendly meals.
  • Experiment with alternative cheese blends like pepper jack or gouda for unique taste variations.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 55 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Boiling
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 570 kcal
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 780 mg
  • Fat: 38 g
  • Saturated Fat: 18 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 24 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 38 g
  • Cholesterol: 110 mg
Mike Reynolds

Mike Reynolds

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Farm-to-table cuisine, Seasonal recipe development, Sustainable cooking techniques, Food photography

Education

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College (A-B Tech)
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts

Mike studied culinary arts with a strong focus on farm-to-table principles and sustainable cooking. His training emphasized the importance of fresh, local ingredients and environmentally responsible practices in the kitchen.


Mike’s food journey began deep in the Blue Ridge Mountains, where weekends at farmers’ markets and home-cooked meals sparked a lifelong obsession with simple, seasonal eating.
After earning his Associate Degree in Culinary Arts from Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, he set out to bring farm-to-table cooking into everyday kitchens, without the fuss.
Mike’s philosophy is all about keeping it fresh, unfussy, and full of heart. When he’s not crafting new single-serving recipes, he’s hiking mountain trails, chatting with local farmers, or experimenting with wild ingredients in his backyard kitchen.

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