PERFECT BUFFALO RANCH CHICKEN LASAGNA

Imagine layers of creamy ranch, spicy buffalo chicken, gooey cheese, and tender lasagna noodles all baked to golden perfection. This isn’t your grandma’s lasagna – this is Buffalo Ranch Chicken Lasagna, a flavor explosion that will have everyone begging for seconds, and I promise you, it’s easier to make than you think!

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Buffalo Ranch Sauce:

• 1/2 cup butter
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 cups milk
• 1 cup ranch dressing
• 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce (adjust to your spice preference)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese (optional)
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)

For the Lasagna:

• 9 lasagna noodles (oven-ready or regular, cooked)
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions (for garnish)

Let’s Get Started: Making the Magic Happen

Preparing the Chicken

First things first, we need to cook our chicken. This is the foundation of our flavor, so let’s get it right. Don’t worry, it’s super simple!

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
4. Once cooled slightly, shred the chicken using two forks. Set aside.

Crafting the Buffalo Ranch Sauce

Now for the star of the show! This sauce is what makes this Buffalo Ranch Chicken Lasagna so incredibly delicious. It’s creamy, spicy, and tangy – a perfect combination.

1. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux. This is important to prevent lumps!
3. Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Continue stirring until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Remove from heat and stir in the ranch dressing, buffalo wing sauce, cheddar cheese, blue cheese (if using), and cayenne pepper (if using). Mix until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. If you are looking for quick and cheap dinner recipes for two this sauce would be an amazing base for a pasta dish too!

Assembling the Lasagna

Okay, we’re in the home stretch! Now it’s time to layer everything together and create our masterpiece. Don’t worry if it looks messy – it’ll all come together beautifully in the oven.

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Spread a thin layer of the buffalo ranch sauce in the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
3. Lay down three lasagna noodles over the sauce.
4. Top with half of the shredded chicken and half of the remaining buffalo ranch sauce.
5. Sprinkle with 1 cup of mozzarella cheese.
6. Repeat layers: three lasagna noodles, remaining chicken, remaining buffalo ranch sauce, and another cup of mozzarella cheese.
7. Top with the final three lasagna noodles and any remaining sauce.

Baking to Golden Perfection

This is where the magic truly happens. The oven will transform our layered ingredients into a bubbling, cheesy, and utterly irresistible lasagna. Time to be patient!

1. Cover the baking dish with foil.
2. Bake for 30 minutes.
3. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the top is golden brown.
4. Let the lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the layers to set and prevents it from being too runny.
5. Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.

Tips and Tricks for Lasagna Success

Even though this recipe is pretty straightforward, here are a few tips to ensure your Buffalo Ranch Chicken Lasagna turns out perfectly every time:

• Don’t Overcook the Noodles: If you’re using regular lasagna noodles, be careful not to overcook them. They should be al dente, as they will continue to cook in the oven.
• Adjust the Spice Level: Buffalo wing sauce varies in heat. Start with a smaller amount and add more to taste. You can also control the heat with the cayenne pepper.
• Make it Ahead: You can assemble the lasagna a day ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time. This is one of my go-to birthday meals dinners easy recipes when I have to prepare in advance.
• Use Rotisserie Chicken: To save time, use shredded rotisserie chicken instead of baking your own. This cuts down on prep time significantly.
• Don’t Skip the Resting Period: Letting the lasagna rest is crucial for it to set properly. Resist the urge to cut into it right away!

Variations to Make it Your Own

The beauty of this recipe is that it’s so adaptable! Feel free to experiment and make it your own. Here are a few ideas:

• Add Veggies: Sautéed mushrooms, onions, or bell peppers would be delicious additions to the filling.
• Use Different Cheese: Pepper jack cheese would add an extra kick of spice.
• Make it Vegetarian: Substitute the chicken with crumbled tofu or lentils for a vegetarian option.
• Add Some Heat: Incorporate diced jalapeños into the buffalo ranch sauce for an extra layer of spiciness.

Serving Suggestions

This Buffalo Ranch Chicken Lasagna is a complete meal on its own, but here are a few serving suggestions to make it even more special:

• Serve with a side salad with a light vinaigrette.
• Garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks are always a welcome addition.
• A simple coleslaw provides a nice contrast to the richness of the lasagna.

Other Delicious Recipes to Try

If you loved this Buffalo Ranch Chicken Lasagna, you might also enjoy these other tasty recipes:

• Chicken Mozzarella Pasta: A simple yet elegant dish that’s perfect for a weeknight meal.
• One Pot Lasagna Soup: All the flavors of lasagna in a comforting soup.
• Creamy Cheesy Chicken Pasta: This recipe is a great option for recipes for husbands lunch. A rich and satisfying pasta dish that’s sure to please.
• Chicken Alfredo Lasagna Rolls: A fun twist on traditional lasagna, perfect for a party or special occasion.
• Lasagna Soup: Another delicious way to enjoy the flavors of lasagna.
• Buffalo Chicken Cheesesteak: If you’re craving more buffalo chicken flavor, this is a must-try!

Storage Instructions

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Here’s how to store them properly:

• Refrigerator: Store leftover lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezer: For longer storage, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen lasagna will keep for up to 2-3 months. Make sure to label it with the date!
• Reheating: Reheat lasagna in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave individual slices.

Why This Recipe is a Winner

This Buffalo Ranch Chicken Lasagna is more than just a recipe; it’s an experience. It’s the perfect combination of comfort food and bold flavors. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner or a show-stopping dish for a special occasion, this lasagna has you covered. It’s definitely one of the best birthday meals dinners easy recipes. And for those looking for simple options, this beats out many quick and cheap dinner recipes for two.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients and get cooking! You won’t regret it.

Perfect Buffalo Ranch Chicken Lasagna

Amelia Chen-Morrison

This Buffalo Ranch Chicken Lasagna is a flavor explosion, combining creamy ranch, spicy buffalo chicken, and gooey cheese in a comforting lasagna. It’s easier to make than you think and sure to become a family favorite.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 35 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 8

Calories 600 kcal

Equipment

• 9×13 inch baking dish
• Large saucepan
• Whisk
• Mixing Bowls
• Oven
• Aluminum foil
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Two forks

Ingredients

  

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp paprika
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• ½ cup butter
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 4 cups milk
• 1 cup ranch dressing
• ½ cup buffalo wing sauce
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup crumbled blue cheese optional
• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper optional
• 9 lasagna noodles oven-ready or regular, cooked
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup chopped green onions for garnish

Instructions

 

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Rub chicken breasts with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
• Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
• Once cooled slightly, shred the chicken using two forks. Set aside.
• In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
• Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux.
• Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Continue stirring until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
• Remove from heat and stir in the ranch dressing, buffalo wing sauce, cheddar cheese, blue cheese (if using), and cayenne pepper (if using). Mix until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Spread a thin layer of the buffalo ranch sauce in the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
• Lay down three lasagna noodles over the sauce.
• Top with half of the shredded chicken and half of the remaining buffalo ranch sauce.
• Sprinkle with 1 cup of mozzarella cheese.
• Repeat layers: three lasagna noodles, remaining chicken, remaining buffalo ranch sauce, and another cup of mozzarella cheese.
• Top with the final three lasagna noodles and any remaining sauce.
• Cover the baking dish with foil.
• Bake for 30 minutes.
• Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the top is golden brown.
• Let the lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.
• Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.

Notes

Don’t overcook the noodles. Adjust the spice level to your preference. You can assemble the lasagna a day ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Use rotisserie chicken to save time. Letting the lasagna rest is crucial for it to set properly. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave.