Cheesy Buffalo Ranch Chicken Lasagna
A Flavor-Packed Twist on Classic Comfort Food
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Servings: 8–10
- Calories per Serving: ~490
Course: Main
Cuisine: American, Comfort Food, Fusion
Ingredients
For the Lasagna:
- 12 lasagna noodles
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 1 cup buffalo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup ranch dressing
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
For Homemade Buffalo Sauce (Optional):
- 1/2 cup hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp white vinegar
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
Equipment
- Large pot (for noodles)
- Skillet (for chicken)
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Mixing bowls
- Spoon/spatula
- Cheese grater
- Aluminum foil
- Oven
How to Make Cheesy Buffalo Ranch Chicken Lasagna
Step 1: Cook and Shred the Chicken
- Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Season chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Cook 6–8 minutes per side, or until browned and fully cooked.
- Remove from heat, cool slightly, and shred with two forks. You’ll need ~4 cups shredded chicken.
Step 2: Prepare the Buffalo Sauce (If Homemade)
In a small saucepan, combine hot sauce, butter, vinegar, garlic powder, and Worcestershire over medium heat. Stir until butter melts and sauce is smooth. Toss with shredded chicken.
Step 3: Boil the Lasagna Noodles
Cook noodles in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package directions. Drain and lay flat on a baking sheet to prevent sticking.
Step 4: Make the Cheese Mixture
In a bowl, mix ricotta, 2 cups mozzarella, Parmesan, ranch dressing, oregano, basil, garlic powder, and onion powder. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Step 5: Assemble the Lasagna
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a 9×13-inch dish, spread a thin layer of buffalo chicken.
- Layer noodles, half the cheese mixture, more buffalo chicken, more noodles, and the rest of the cheese mix.
- Finish with remaining buffalo chicken.
- Top with remaining mozzarella and cheddar cheese.
Step 6: Bake
Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake another 15–20 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and golden.
Step 7: Rest and Serve
Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Garnish with parsley if desired. Serve with garlic bread and a green salad.
Recipe Variations
- Vegetarian: Replace chicken with roasted veggies (like bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms).
- Spicier: Add extra hot sauce or red pepper flakes.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free lasagna noodles.
- Extra Savory: Add blue cheese crumbles on top before baking.
Nutrition (per serving)
- Calories: 490
- Protein: 32g
- Carbs: 38g
- Fat: 27g
- Sat Fat: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Conclusion
If you love comfort food with a bold twist, this Cheesy Buffalo Ranch Chicken Lasagna will quickly become a go-to favorite. It’s creamy, spicy, cheesy, and packed with flavor in every bite. Make it your own with fun variations and serve it up at your next family dinner or get-together!