Buffalo Chicken with Ranch Twist

This buffalo chicken lasagna transforms your favorite wing flavors into a comforting pasta bake that satisfies those spicy cravings while delivering the creamy goodness of classic lasagna. The combination of tangy buffalo sauce and cool ranch creates an irresistible flavor profile that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.

I first created this recipe for a football Sunday gathering when I wanted something more substantial than traditional wings. The dish disappeared before halftime and has become our mandatory game day tradition ever since.

• Lasagna noodles: provide the perfect sturdy base for holding all those bold flavors
• Shredded chicken: works best when pulled into small pieces for even distribution of flavor
• Buffalo sauce: brings that signature tangy heat look for one with a good balance of spice
• Ricotta cheese: adds creaminess and helps mellow the heat
• Ranch dressing: creates that classic buffalo wing pairing right in the lasagna
• Mozzarella cheese: provides that essential stretchy cheese pull we all love
• Blue cheese: offers authentic buffalo wing flavor with bold punchy notes
• Garlic powder and onion powder: enhance the overall flavor without requiring fresh aromatics
• Salt and pepper: balance and enhance all the other flavors

How To Make Buffalo Chicken Lasagna with a Ranch Twist

Prepare Chicken Mixture:

Combine your shredded chicken with buffalo sauce in a large bowl ensuring every piece is coated. The chicken should be warm enough to absorb the sauce but not hot. Allow it to sit for about 5 minutes so the flavors can meld together properly.

Create Cheese Blend:

Mix the ricotta cheese with ranch dressing until completely smooth. Add the garlic powder onion powder salt and pepper stirring thoroughly. This creamy mixture provides the cooling counterpoint to the spicy buffalo chicken layer.

Start Layering Process:

Begin with a thin layer of buffalo chicken mixture spread evenly across the bottom of your baking dish. This creates a flavorful base and prevents noodles from sticking. Press it down gently with a spatula for an even surface.

Build Your Layers:

Place lasagna noodles in a single layer overlapping slightly if needed. Spread a generous portion of the ranch ricotta mixture over the noodles reaching all the way to the edges. Add a layer of buffalo chicken followed by a sprinkle of both mozzarella and blue cheese. Repeat these layers until all ingredients are used finishing with a generous layer of cheese on top.

Bake To Perfection:

Cover tightly with foil to trap moisture and heat allowing the flavors to meld without burning the cheese. After 30 minutes remove the foil and continue baking until the top turns golden and bubbly with crisp edges about 10 to 15 minutes more.

Allow To Rest:

Let the lasagna rest for at least 10 minutes before cutting. This crucial step allows the layers to set making it easier to serve clean portions while preventing the filling from oozing out too much.

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The blue cheese in this recipe truly makes it special. I discovered its importance after making it once without it when my grocery store was out. While still delicious something was missing that signature tang that balances the heat of the buffalo sauce and reminds you of authentic wings. My husband immediately noticed the difference requesting I never skip it again.

Spice Level Customization

This recipe can easily be adjusted to suit different heat preferences. For a milder version reduce the buffalo sauce to 1/2 cup and increase the ranch to 3/4 cup. The dairy elements naturally help tame the heat while maintaining flavor. For those who enjoy more heat look for a buffalo sauce with higher Scoville units or add 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the chicken mixture. I keep a bottle of extra buffalo sauce on the table so heat lovers can add more to their individual portions.

Make Ahead And Storage Tips

This lasagna actually improves with time making it ideal for meal prep. Assemble the entire dish up to 24 hours before baking cover tightly with plastic wrap followed by foil and refrigerate. When ready to bake remove the plastic wrap replace the foil and add about 15 minutes to the covered baking time. Leftovers store beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To freeze allow the cooked lasagna to cool completely then portion into individual servings or freeze the entire pan wrapped in plastic wrap and foil for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating at 350°F until hot throughout.

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Serving Suggestions

This buffalo chicken lasagna pairs wonderfully with a crisp side salad dressed simply with lemon and olive oil to balance the richness. Garlic bread makes an excellent accompaniment though some might find the meal complete on its own given its hearty nature. For a fun twist serve with celery and carrot sticks just like traditional buffalo wings providing a fresh crunchy contrast to the creamy cheesy dish. When serving for a party consider setting out small ramekins of extra ranch dressing and buffalo sauce allowing guests to customize their plates.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use a different type of pasta?

While lasagna noodles are traditional, you can substitute them with no-boil noodles or even layered pasta sheets for convenience.

→ Is there a substitute for Buffalo sauce?

If you prefer less heat, you can use mild wing sauce or mix BBQ sauce with a bit of hot sauce for a gentler flavor.

→ Can I make this lasagna ahead of time?

Yes, prepare the lasagna up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready to serve.

→ What can I use instead of blue cheese?

If you're not a fan of blue cheese, you can omit it or replace it with grated Parmesan or extra mozzarella.

→ Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes, cut the lasagna into portions, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to three months. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

→ How do I make this dish gluten-free?

Use gluten-free lasagna noodles and ensure all other ingredients, like sauces and seasonings, are certified gluten-free.

→ What side dishes pair well with this lasagna?

A crisp green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables make excellent accompaniments for this dish.