Introduction
Buffalo chicken wings are a beloved classic, but what if you could take all those bold, spicy, and tangy flavors and layer them into a comforting lasagna? This Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Lasagna with Ranch Drizzle is the ultimate fusion dish that combines the hearty, satisfying nature of lasagna with the irresistible kick of buffalo chicken. Perfect for game nights, potlucks, or just a dinner that breaks the monotony, this dish is sure to please a crowd and have them coming back for seconds!
Ingredients
For the Lasagna:
- 12 lasagna noodles, cooked and drained
- 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie works great!)
- 1 cup buffalo wing sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 (15 oz) container of ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup blue cheese crumbles (optional)
- 1 large egg
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 cups Alfredo sauce (or your favorite white sauce)
For the Ranch Drizzle:
- ½ cup ranch dressing
- 2 tablespoons milk (to thin, if needed)
Optional Toppings:
- Chopped green onions
- Fresh parsley
- Extra blue cheese crumbles
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set it to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare the chicken filling:
In a bowl, mix shredded chicken with buffalo wing sauce until evenly coated. Set aside. - Prepare the ricotta mixture:
In another bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well. - Assemble the lasagna:
- Spread a thin layer of Alfredo sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Add a layer of lasagna noodles.
- Spread a layer of ricotta mixture, followed by buffalo chicken, and a sprinkle of mozzarella and cheddar cheeses.
- Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of Alfredo sauce topped with mozzarella and cheddar.
- Bake the lasagna:
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden. - Prepare the ranch drizzle:
Whisk ranch dressing and milk in a small bowl until smooth. - Serve:
Let the lasagna cool for 10 minutes before slicing. Drizzle with ranch dressing and garnish with green onions or parsley for a pop of color.
Tips for Perfect Buffalo Chicken Lasagna
- Adjust the heat: If you’re serving spice-sensitive guests, opt for a milder buffalo sauce or mix it with a little more Alfredo sauce.
- Make ahead: This lasagna can be assembled a day ahead and stored in the fridge. Just bake it fresh when you’re ready to serve.
- Freezing: Leftovers freeze well! Slice into portions, wrap in foil, and store in airtight containers.
- Custom toppings: Add a layer of crispy fried onions or breadcrumbs for added crunch.
Buffalo chicken meets Italian comfort food in a dish that’s bound to be the highlight of any table! Whether you’re a spice lover or a lasagna enthusiast, this recipe is a winning combination of bold flavors and cheesy goodness. Enjoy!
