Nothing screams comfort food like gooey, chеesy Buffalo Chіcken Lasаgna , especially when you mix in some spicy sauce . This mash up has tender pasta sheets flooded with chicken dunked in tangy Buffalo sauce , and layers of melty chеese that stretch with every forkful . Drizzle ranch on top and you've got a meal thats impossible to resist .
Lately alot of folks are mixing up recipes , looking for that sweet spot where different cuisines collide . Buffalo chicken is a party classic ; flipping it into Lasagna is a fun twist that surprises everyone . It's kinda like a flavor mash that marries Italian comfort with American kick .
In this guide , I'll show you step by step how to make your own Buffalo Chicken Lasаgna with ranch drizzle . You'll see whats needed , how to layer it up right , and some tips to stop it from turnin' into a gooey mess . Whether you're no stranger to the kitchen or just starting out , this recipe is for you .
What is Buffalo Chicken Lasagna?
Buffalo Chicken Lasagna is a mash up dish that brings the classic Lasagna and Buffalo chicken together . You layer pasta sheets with chicken soaked in bold Buffalo sauce , plus a mix of gooey chеese like mozzarella , ricotta , and cream cheese . Every bite is a mix of spice , creaminess , and that chewy pasta texture . It's a crowd favorite for game days or simple family dinners .
The story of Buffalo chicken goes back to Buffalo , New York in the 1960s , where wings got tossed in hot sauce as a snack . Fast forward and somebody got the bright idea to fold it into Lasagna form . This fusion shows how cooks are always pushing to try wild combos . The end result is a hearty meal thats perfect for feeding a crew or for a cozy night in .
Ingredients Needed
To make this tasty Buffalo Chicken Lasаgna , grab these supplies :
- Lasagna Sheets : Fresh or dry lasagna noodles, your choice .
- Chicken : Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs , cooked and shredded then tossed with Buffalo sauce .
- Buffalo Sauce : Store-bought or homemade , whatever you trust .
- Cheese : A blend of mozzarella , ricotta , and cream cheese for max gooeyness .
- Ranch Dressing : For that cool ranch drizzle ; you can whisk it up yourself or grab a bottle .
- Optional Toppings : Chopped green onions , fresh herbs , or blue cheese crumbles to fancy it up .
Want to make it even better ? Try these add-ins :
- Veggies : Spinach or bell peppers add color and nutrients .
- Extra Heat : Jalapeños or extra hot sauce if you like it extra spicy .
Equipment Needed
Having the right gear makes cooking easier . Here's what you'll need :
- Baking Dish : A 9x13 inch pan works best for layers .
- Mixing Bowls : Two bowls ; one for chicken mixture , one for cheese filling .
- Whisk : To blend ranch ingredients smooth .
- Spatula : For spreading chicken and cheese between layers .
- Aluminum Foil : Cover the lasagna while it bakes so it dont brown too fast .
Directions for Preparing Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Lasagna
Follow these steps :
- Preheat the Oven : Set it to 375°F (190°C) so it's ready when you are .
- Make the Buffalo Chicken Filling : In a bowl , shred your cooked chicken and stir in Buffalo sauce until every piece is coated .
- Make the Cheese Filling : In another bowl , mix ricotta , shredded mozzarella , salt , pepper , and any herbs you like .
- Build the Lasagna :
- Layer 1 : Pour a thin layer of Buffalo sauce on the bottom of your baking dish .
- Layer 2 : Place a sheet of lasagna noodles over the sauce .
- Layer 3 : Spread some of the chicken mixture over the noodles .
- Layer 4 : Dollop on some cheese mixture .
Repeat until you run out of stuff , aiming for 3-4 layers and finish with cheese on top .
- Cover and Bake : Cover the pan with foil and bake for about 25 minutes .
- Make the Ranch Drizzle : While it bakes , whisk together ranch stuff if youre making it fresh .
- Finish Baking : Take off the foil and bake another 15-20 minutes until the cheese bubbles and edges turn golden . Let it rest 10 minutes before slicing .
Tips and Advice for Perfect Lasagna
Here are some pointers :
Baking Tips
- Watch the Heat : If the cheese browns too quick , lower the temp or cover again .
- Let it Rest : Waiting 10 minutes before cutting helps it hold together and gives cleaner pieces .
Flavor Boosters
- Try Different Sauces : Homemade Buffalo sauce or a new brand can change the dish alot .
- Switch Up Cheeses : Add pepper jack or cream cheese for extra zing .
Storage Suggestions
- Fridge : Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days .
- Freezer : Wrap whole pan or portions in foil , freeze up to 2 months .
Pairing Suggestions
Round out your meal :
Best Side Dishes
- Salads : A crisp Caesar or mixed greens salad balances the richness .
- Bread : Garlic bread or a crusty loaf to mop up sauce is a no-brainer .
Drinks
- Beer : A cold lager or pilsner cools the spice down .
- Non-Alcoholic : Lemonade or iced tea is super refreshing .
FAQs
- Can I use ground chicken instead of shredded ? Yes , but you might need to cook it differently so its fully done and tasty .
- Is this dish really spicy ? Depends on the sauce you pick . Choose mild if you dont want fire in your mouth .
- Can I prep it the day before ? Absolutely ! Assemble and refrigerate , then bake longer if cold from the fridge .
- What cheese works best ? Mozzarella and ricotta are a classic pair , but try gouda or provolone too .
- Is there a veg version ? Sure , swap chicken for roasted veggies like zucchini or mushrooms and use a meatless Buffalo sauce .
Conclusion
Give this Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Lasagna a try for your next get-together or family dinner . Its a fun spin on two classics , and you can tweak it however you like . Enjoy the cheesy layers , spicy chicken , and cool ranch drizzle!
Additional Section: Related Recipes
- Buffalo Chicken Pizza
- Spicy Chicken Enchiladas
Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Lasagna with Ranch Drizzle
Equipment
- 1 9x13-inch baking dish
- 1 medium mixing bowl
- 1 large pot
- 1 saucepan
- 1 whisk
- 1 baking sheet
- 1 aluminum foil
Ingredients
- 9 lasagna noodles lasagna noodles
- 3 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1 cup buffalo sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup ranch dressing
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- to taste salt and pepper salt and pepper
- optional fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a medium bowl, combine the shredded chicken and buffalo sauce. Mix until the chicken is well-coated.
- Cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In another bowl, mix the ricotta cheese with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Spread a thin layer of the buffalo chicken mixture at the bottom of the baking dish.
- Place 3 lasagna noodles over the chicken mixture.
- Spread half of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, followed by 1 cup of mozzarella cheese and ½ cup of cheddar cheese.
- Add another layer of buffalo chicken mixture and 3 more lasagna noodles.
- Repeat the layers once more: spread the remaining ricotta mixture, then top with the rest of the buffalo chicken mixture, followed by the last of the mozzarella and cheddar cheeses.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- While the lasagna bakes, prepare the ranch drizzle by combining the ranch dressing with a little bit of water to thin it down (if needed) and stirring well.
- Once cooked, let the lasagna sit for 10 minutes before serving. Drizzle with ranch dressing and garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
