Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Lasagna with Ranch Drizzle

Introduction

When I first made this Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Lasagna with Ranch Drizzle, I was looking to combine two of my favorite comfort foods: lasagna and buffalo chicken. The result was a flavorful, hearty dish that instantly became a hit with my family. The creamy ricotta and Alfredo sauce balance out the spicy buffalo chicken, while the ranch drizzle adds a cool, creamy finish. This recipe is perfect for anyone who loves bold flavors and is looking for something a little different from the traditional lasagna. My family devoured it in no time, and my husband even asked if I could make it again for a family gathering. The rich layers of cheese, spicy buffalo chicken, and that tangy ranch drizzle make it the ultimate comfort meal with a bit of a kick.

Ingredients

For the Lasagna:

• 12 lasagna noodles, cooked according to package instructions
• 3 cups shredded cooked chicken
• 1 cup Buffalo wing sauce (adjust for spice level)
• 1 (15 oz) container ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 large eggs
• 2 cups Alfredo sauce

For the Ranch Drizzle:

• 1/2 cup ranch dressing
• 1 tbsp milk (optional, to thin)

For Garnish:

• Green onions, chopped
• Extra Buffalo sauce (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Prepare the Chicken Mixture:
   In a medium bowl, toss the shredded cooked chicken with Buffalo wing sauce until the chicken is evenly coated. Adjust the amount of Buffalo sauce depending on how spicy you want the dish. Set the mixture aside.
3. Prepare the Ricotta Mixture:
   In another bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, eggs, grated Parmesan cheese, and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella. Mix until smooth and well combined.
4. Assemble the Lasagna:
   Spread a thin layer of Alfredo sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Then, place 3 lasagna noodles over the sauce.
   Spread a third of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, followed by a third of the Buffalo chicken mixture. Sprinkle a little mozzarella and cheddar cheese over the chicken. Drizzle some more Alfredo sauce over the cheese layer.
   Repeat the layers two more times, finishing with a final layer of lasagna noodles. Top this layer with Alfredo sauce and the remaining mozzarella and cheddar cheese.
5. Bake the Lasagna:
   Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the lasagna is bubbly and golden brown.
6. Add Ranch Drizzle and Garnish:
   Once the lasagna is out of the oven, allow it to cool for 5-10 minutes. Drizzle ranch dressing on top, thinning it with a tablespoon of milk if desired. Garnish with chopped green onions. For extra heat, drizzle additional Buffalo sauce over the top.
7. Serve:
   Slice and serve the lasagna hot with a side of crisp salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

Nutrition Facts

• Servings: 6-8 servings
• Calories per serving: ~550 kcal
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16g
• Cholesterol: 115mg
• Sodium: 950mg
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 5g
• Protein: 31g

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour

How to Serve

• As a Main Dish: Serve this lasagna as the main course with a side of garlic bread and a green salad for a filling dinner.
• For a Game Day Meal: This dish is perfect for serving at a party or during game day. It’s easy to slice and serve, making it a crowd-pleaser.
• For Meal Prep: This lasagna can be prepared ahead of time, stored in the fridge, and baked when you’re ready to eat.
• With a Tangy Twist: Add a drizzle of extra Buffalo sauce on top for those who love an extra kick of heat.
• For Vegetarians: You can substitute the chicken with roasted vegetables for a vegetarian version of this lasagna.

Additional Tips

1. Use Shredded Rotisserie Chicken: For a quicker prep time, use store-bought rotisserie chicken. It will save you time and still taste delicious in this dish.
2. Adjust the Spice Level: Depending on how much heat you want, adjust the amount of Buffalo sauce in both the chicken and the drizzle.
3. Cheese Variations: If you want a different flavor, try using pepper jack cheese or a smoked cheddar for a smoky twist.
4. Make It Lighter: To lighten the dish, use a reduced-fat Alfredo sauce and low-fat mozzarella cheese.
5. Add More Veggies: Incorporate spinach or bell peppers in between the layers for added nutrition and flavor.

Recipe Variations

• Buffalo Chicken Lasagna Roll-Ups: Instead of layering the noodles, roll them up with the chicken and cheese mixture and bake them in a baking dish.
• Buffalo Chicken Lasagna with Blue Cheese: For a tangier flavor, add crumbled blue cheese between the layers.
• Vegetarian Version: Replace the chicken with roasted cauliflower, zucchini, or mushrooms for a vegetarian alternative.
• Spicy Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Lasagna: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the Alfredo sauce to give it an extra spicy kick.
• Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Lasagna: Swap the Alfredo sauce with creamy mac and cheese sauce for an even richer dish.

Serving Suggestions

• Garlic Bread: Serve with garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks for dipping in the sauce.
• Crisp Salad: A simple side salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette complements the richness of the lasagna.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted carrots, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts make a great side to balance out the heat and cheese.
• Coleslaw: A cool, creamy coleslaw pairs perfectly with the spicy Buffalo chicken lasagna for a refreshing contrast.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: This lasagna freezes well! Once it’s baked and cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes, or until hot and bubbly.
• Storage: Leftover lasagna can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use cooked chicken breasts instead of thighs?
   Yes, boneless, skinless chicken breasts work just fine in this recipe. Just ensure they are shredded before adding them to the lasagna.
2. How spicy is this lasagna?
   The spice level can be adjusted based on how much Buffalo sauce you add. Start with a smaller amount and increase it according to your spice preference.
3. Can I make this lasagna ahead of time?
   Yes, you can assemble the lasagna a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to bake.
4. Can I use no-boil lasagna noodles?
   Yes, no-boil lasagna noodles will work well. Just ensure they are properly covered with sauce to prevent them from drying out.
5. Can I make this gluten-free?
   Yes, simply use gluten-free lasagna noodles to make this recipe gluten-free.
6. Can I use a different sauce instead of Alfredo?
   Yes, you could swap the Alfredo sauce for a creamy ranch dressing or even a spicy cheese sauce for added flavor.
7. Can I add more vegetables?
   Absolutely! You can add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or even roasted bell peppers for more flavor and nutrition.
8. How do I store leftovers?
   Leftover lasagna can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
9. Can I use a different cheese for the drizzle?
   Yes, you can mix the ranch dressing with blue cheese for a tangier drizzle that complements the Buffalo chicken.
10. Can I bake this lasagna in a different-sized dish?
    Yes, you can adjust the ingredients to fit a different-sized baking dish. Just be sure to monitor the baking time as it may vary depending on the size of the dish.

Conclusion
This Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Lasagna with Ranch Drizzle is a fun, flavorful twist on the traditional lasagna. The layers of spicy Buffalo chicken, creamy ricotta, and gooey mozzarella are balanced by the cooling ranch drizzle and garnished with fresh green onions for a delightful contrast. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner or a dish to impress at a gathering, this lasagna is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. With customizable spice levels and easy-to-find ingredients, it’s a great option for anyone craving bold flavors and hearty comfort food.

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