Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Lasagna with Ranch Drizzle

Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Lasagna with Ranch Drizzle is a flavorful twist on a classic comfort food. This dish combines the creamy richness of cheese with the spicy kick of buffalo sauce, all wrapped in hearty lasagna layers. Topped with a cool ranch drizzle, it offers the perfect balance of heat and creaminess, making it an ideal dinner for anyone who loves bold flavors and indulgent comfort food.

Ingredients

1 pound ground chicken
1 onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup buffalo sauce
8 lasagna noodles, cooked
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup blue cheese crumbles
1/2 cup ranch dressing

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, cook the ground chicken, diced onion, and minced garlic over medium heat until the chicken is no longer pink.
3. Stir in the buffalo sauce and let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes to meld the flavors together.
4. In a 9×13-inch baking dish, begin layering the lasagna by placing a layer of cooked lasagna noodles, followed by a layer of the chicken mixture, a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella cheese, and blue cheese crumbles.
5. Repeat the layers until all the ingredients are used up, ensuring the top layer consists of cheese.
6. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
7. After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
8. Once out of the oven, drizzle ranch dressing over the top before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Servings: 6

Variations

• Chicken Type: Swap ground chicken with shredded rotisserie chicken for a quicker and even more flavorful alternative.
• Spice Level: Adjust the buffalo sauce to your liking—use mild buffalo sauce for a milder dish, or extra hot for a more fiery flavor.
• Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian twist, replace the ground chicken with sautéed vegetables, such as mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach.
• Cheese Choices: Experiment with different cheeses like cheddar, provolone, or pepper jack to change up the flavor profile.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Leftover lasagna can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: This dish can be frozen before baking. Assemble the lasagna in the dish, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen at 375°F for 40-45 minutes.
• Reheating: To reheat, microwave individual servings or cover the entire dish with foil and bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes until heated through.

10 FAQs

1. Can I use a different protein instead of ground chicken? Yes, ground turkey or even ground beef can be used as a substitute for ground chicken.
2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the lasagna the night before and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake it.
3. Can I use regular dressing instead of ranch? While ranch provides a nice creamy contrast to the heat, you could also use blue cheese dressing or even a homemade creamy dressing if you prefer.
4. Is this dish very spicy? The spice level depends on the buffalo sauce you use. For a milder version, use a less spicy buffalo sauce or reduce the amount added.
5. Can I use no-boil lasagna noodles? Yes, no-boil lasagna noodles will work, but make sure to check the package for any adjustments in baking time or liquid amounts.
6. What kind of buffalo sauce should I use? Choose your favorite buffalo sauce or adjust it based on your desired spice level. Most commercial buffalo sauces are a good choice, but homemade versions can offer more control over the flavor.
7. Can I make this lasagna gluten-free? Yes, simply use gluten-free lasagna noodles, and ensure the buffalo sauce and ranch dressing are gluten-free as well.
8. What if I don’t like blue cheese? If blue cheese isn’t to your taste, try using shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese for a milder flavor.
9. Can I add vegetables to this lasagna? Absolutely! Sautéed spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms would complement the buffalo chicken nicely.
10. How do I know when the lasagna is done baking? The lasagna is done when the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden around the edges. You can also check by inserting a knife into the center; it should come out hot.

Conclusion

Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Lasagna with Ranch Drizzle is an exciting and comforting dish that combines the flavors of spicy buffalo sauce, creamy cheese, and a cool ranch dressing. Perfect for those who enjoy a bit of heat, this lasagna is not only easy to prepare but also packed with flavor. Whether you serve it for a family dinner or a game day gathering, it’s sure to impress your guests and satisfy any craving for a unique twist on classic lasagna. Enjoy the layers of deliciousness in every bite!

Print