Spicy Buffalo Chicken Lasagna Layered with Creamy Cheese and a Ranch Twist

A bold, flavor-packed fusion of spicy Buffalo chicken, creamy cheese, and a tangy ranch finish—this lasagna puts a fiery spin on a classic comfort food.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This lasagna reimagines the traditional Italian dish with a bold American twist, featuring layers of tender Buffalo chicken, gooey cheese, and the cool contrast of ranch dressing. It’s perfect for game day, potlucks, or any time you’re craving comfort with a kick. Balanced, hearty, and satisfying, it delivers serious flavor in every bite.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

9 lasagna noodles
2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
1 cup Buffalo sauce (adjust to taste)
2 cups ricotta cheese
1 large egg
3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ cup ranch dressing
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Chopped green onions (optional, for garnish)

directions

Preheat oven and prep dish:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cook the noodles:
Boil lasagna noodles according to package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water to prevent sticking.
Prepare chicken mixture:
In a bowl, combine shredded chicken with Buffalo sauce until well coated.
Mix ricotta layer:
In another bowl, stir together ricotta cheese, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Assemble the lasagna:
Spread a thin layer of ricotta mixture in the bottom of the baking dish. Layer with 3 lasagna noodles. Add a portion of the Buffalo chicken and top with mozzarella and cheddar cheese. Repeat layers until ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of noodles, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese.
Bake:
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake uncovered for another 15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Garnish and serve:
Drizzle ranch dressing over the top and sprinkle with chopped green onions if desired. Let cool for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Servings and timing

Servings: 8
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Calories: Approximately 480 kcal per serving

Variations

Extra spicy: Add sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the chicken mixture.
Vegetarian option: Substitute chicken with roasted cauliflower or plant-based chicken.
Ranch twist: Mix ranch into the ricotta layer for extra flavor depth.
Low-carb version: Use zucchini slices or low-carb tortillas instead of noodles.
Blue cheese fans: Swap out some mozzarella with blue cheese for a true Buffalo wing experience.

storage/reheating

Storage: Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Wrap individual slices or the full dish tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheating: Reheat slices in the microwave or in a 350°F oven until warmed through, about 15–20 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes—assemble the lasagna the day before and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.

2. What’s the best Buffalo sauce to use?

Use your preferred brand—Frank’s RedHot is a popular choice for classic flavor.

3. Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely. It’s a great shortcut and adds extra flavor.

4. How do I prevent watery lasagna?

Drain cooked noodles thoroughly and don’t overdo the sauce. Letting it rest after baking also helps it set.

5. Is it very spicy?

The heat level depends on your sauce—adjust the amount to suit your taste.

6. What cheese blends work best?

Mozzarella for melt, cheddar for flavor, and Parmesan for sharpness work beautifully together.

7. Can I add vegetables?

Yes—spinach, bell peppers, or caramelized onions are great additions.

8. Can I substitute cottage cheese for ricotta?

Yes—use full-fat cottage cheese for a similar texture and taste.

9. Can I skip the egg?

Yes, but the egg helps bind the ricotta layer. Without it, the texture may be looser.

10. How long should I let it rest before serving?

Let the lasagna rest for about 10 minutes to firm up and make slicing easier.

Conclusion

Spicy Buffalo Chicken Lasagna offers a flavorful, hearty twist on a classic dish—ideal for spice lovers and comfort food enthusiasts alike. With layers of creamy cheese, zesty chicken, and a cool ranch finish, it’s a guaranteed hit at any table. Make it once, and it’s bound to become a regular request!

[tasty-recipe id=”15570″]