If you’re craving a show-stopping meal that combines meltingly cheesy layers with the bold flavors of Buffalo chicken and a cool, tangy ranch drizzle, look no further than this Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Lasagna with Ranch Drizzle. This utterly irresistible twist on classic lasagna is packed with juicy chicken, a spicy-creamy buffalo sauce, and three kinds of cheese. Finished with a ranch drizzle that ties everything together, it delivers layers of comfort and excitement in every bite. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight crowd or impressing your friends at game night, this dish transforms everyday ingredients into something unforgettable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t be deceived by the simplicity of these ingredients; each one brings its own magic to Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Lasagna with Ranch Drizzle. Together, they create the ultimate mashup of zesty heat, creamy richness, and irresistible cheese pulls.
- Lasagna noodles: Classic noodles create sturdy layers and soak up the flavorful buffalo sauce perfectly.
- Butter: A rich, creamy base for starting your luscious buffalo sauce.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic provides an aromatic foundation and subtle kick.
- All-purpose flour: Essential for thickening your sauce to the right consistency.
- Whole milk: Gives the sauce that creamy, dreamy texture you want in every forkful.
- Buffalo wing sauce: The star! Brings the signature tangy spice that Buffalo lovers crave.
- Salt and black pepper: Simple seasonings that help all the bold flavors shine.
- Shredded cooked chicken: Rotisserie chicken is a major time saver and soaks up every bit of flavor.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melty and stretchy, mozzarella creates the ultimate cheese layers.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Adds a sharp pop of flavor and beautiful golden color when baked.
- Crumbled blue cheese (optional): For fans of a bit of funk, blue cheese takes this lasagna to the next level.
- Chopped green onions: Offers freshness and a little crunch to balance all that cheesy goodness.
- Ranch dressing: Classic ranch brings creamy, herby contrast to the spicy filling.
- Milk (for ranch drizzle): Just a splash helps you achieve the ideal drizzling consistency.
How to Make Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Lasagna with Ranch Drizzle
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish and Oven
Kick things off by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch dish. This simple step ensures that your Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Lasagna with Ranch Drizzle will slide out in beautiful slices and develop those coveted crispy corner pieces.
Step 2: Create the Spicy Buffalo Sauce
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter until it’s just foaming, then add in your garlic. Sauté for about a minute until it’s fragrant, being careful it doesn’t burn. Whisk in the flour to make a roux, allowing it to cook for another minute. Slowly add in the whole milk and your buffalo wing sauce, whisking constantly so everything combines smoothly. After a few minutes, your sauce will thicken to a luscious consistency—this is the secret behind every creamy layer in the final dish.
Step 3: Add the Chicken and Seasonings
Once your sauce has come together, take it off the heat and stir in the shredded, cooked chicken. Season everything with salt and pepper, mixing well to ensure every shred of chicken gets coated in that spicy, tangy sauce. This savory filling is the heart of Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Lasagna with Ranch Drizzle.
Step 4: Assemble the Lasagna Layers
Spread a spoonful of the buffalo chicken mixture on the bottom of your prepared dish to prevent sticking. Layer on your noodles, followed by a healthy portion of the buffalo chicken mixture. Sprinkle with a blend of mozzarella, cheddar, and a little blue cheese and green onions if you’re feeling adventurous. Repeat the process for two more glorious layers, making sure to end with a generous helping of cheese on top. The more cheese, the merrier!
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then uncover and continue baking for another 10 minutes or until your lasagna is bubbly and golden brown on top. The scent wafting from your oven will make it seriously hard to wait!
Step 6: Make the Signature Ranch Drizzle
While the lasagna is finishing up, whisk the ranch dressing with just enough milk to make it pourable. This ranch drizzle is the cooling finale that plays perfectly against the warm, tangy spice of the main dish. You’ll want it ready to go the moment your Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Lasagna with Ranch Drizzle comes out of the oven.
Step 7: Rest, Slice, and Serve
Patience pays off here! Let your lasagna rest for 10 minutes before slicing—this makes it easier to cut neat portions and keeps all the decadent layers intact. Drizzle generously with your homemade ranch and sprinkle with extra green onions for an Instagram-worthy finish. Now gather everyone around and watch it disappear!
How to Serve Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Lasagna with Ranch Drizzle
Garnishes
Top freshly baked slices with a big ranch drizzle, a flurry of extra green onions, and even a bit more blue cheese if you love the flavor punch. For a dash of color and crunch, a sprinkle of finely chopped celery is also fantastic on the side!
Side Dishes
Pair Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Lasagna with Ranch Drizzle with a crisp, simple salad of romaine lettuce, cucumber, and carrots to balance the richness. A crunchy garlic breadstick is another perfect partner—great for sopping up every last drop of buffalo-ranch goodness from your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Feeling playful? Serve Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Lasagna with Ranch Drizzle in small squares on a platter as crowd-pleasing party bites for game day, or bake the lasagna in individual ramekins for a fun, personalized touch. Go all out and set up a lasagna bar with extra drizzle options—think blue cheese, chipotle ranch, or fresh herbs—so guests can customize their own servings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Lasagna with Ranch Drizzle stores beautifully! Simply cover the pan tightly with foil or transfer individual slices to airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors meld together even more, making next-day lunches extra special.
Freezing
For longer storage, wrap cooled slices or the whole pan in a couple of layers of foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Pro tip: freeze before adding the ranch drizzle, then add it fresh after reheating for best texture and flavor.
Reheating
To reheat, place chilled lasagna in a covered baking dish and warm in a 350°F oven for 20-25 minutes until heated through. For a quick fix, microwave individual portions in 1-minute bursts until hot. Add your ranch drizzle after reheating so it stays creamy and cool!
FAQs
Can I make Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Lasagna with Ranch Drizzle ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can build the entire lasagna up to a day ahead and stash it in your fridge. Just wait to bake and drizzle until you’re ready to serve for the freshest results.
Is there a way to make this less spicy for kids or sensitive eaters?
Simply tone down the heat by using a mild buffalo sauce or cutting back on the amount. You can also increase the amount of shredded mozzarella and ranch drizzle to mellow things out even more.
Can I use a different cheese if I’m not a fan of blue cheese?
Definitely! Just skip the blue cheese or swap it for extra mozzarella, cheddar, or even Monterey Jack. The lasagna is still fantastic and ultra-cheesy without the blue cheese bite.
How do I keep my lasagna layers from sliding apart?
Allowing Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Lasagna with Ranch Drizzle to rest for 10-15 minutes after baking helps the layers firm up for perfect slices. Use a sharp, flat spatula for clean servings every time!
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute your favorite gluten-free lasagna noodles and replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend or cornstarch. You’ll still get all the flavor and comfort without the gluten.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a meal that’s as comforting as it is exciting, Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Lasagna with Ranch Drizzle is the answer. Every bite brings bold flavor, melty cheese, and the satisfaction of comfort food reinvented. Give it a try, and don’t forget that extra ranch on top—it just might become your new family favorite!
PrintCheesy Buffalo Chicken Lasagna with Ranch Drizzle Recipe
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Lasagna topped with a creamy ranch drizzle. Layers of tender chicken, gooey cheese, and bold flavors make this a winning dish for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Ingredients
Main Lasagna:
- 9 lasagna noodles, cooked and drained
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
Ranch Drizzle:
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 1–2 tablespoons milk (to thin)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. In a saucepan, melt butter, sauté garlic, whisk in flour, then gradually add milk and buffalo sauce. Cook until thickened, then stir in chicken.
- Layer: Spread sauce in the baking dish, layer noodles, chicken mixture, cheeses, blue cheese, and green onions. Repeat layers twice, ending with cheese on top. Cover and bake for 25 minutes, then uncover and bake for 10 more minutes.
- Drizzle: Mix ranch dressing with milk to thin. Let the lasagna sit, then drizzle with ranch and garnish with green onions before serving.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- For extra spice, add hot sauce or cayenne to the sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 710mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 31g
- Cholesterol: 95mg