Buffalo Chicken Lasagna with a Ranch Twist
Introduction
Buffalo chicken lasagna with a ranch twist is a bold, flavorful take on the classic Italian dish. This fusion recipe combines the spicy, tangy taste of buffalo chicken with creamy ranch dressing and layers of gooey cheese, all nestled between soft lasagna noodles. It’s the perfect dish for those who love comfort food with a kick! Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, game night, or a potluck, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
History of Buffalo Chicken Lasagna
Buffalo chicken as a flavor originated in Buffalo, New York, in the 1960s when Teressa Bellissimo created Buffalo wings at the Anchor Bar. Over the years, buffalo sauce became a staple in American cuisine, finding its way into everything from pizza to mac and cheese. Lasagna, on the other hand, dates back to ancient Greece and was later perfected in Italy. This recipe is a fusion of these two classics, offering the best of both worlds: the comforting richness of lasagna and the fiery taste of buffalo chicken.
Benefits of Buffalo Chicken Lasagna
This dish is more than just delicious; it also has some great benefits:
• High in protein: Chicken provides a great source of lean protein.
• Rich in calcium: Cheese and ranch dressing add calcium for strong bones.
• Spicy foods boost metabolism: The heat from buffalo sauce can help with digestion and calorie burning.
• Comfort food with a twist: It satisfies cravings while offering something new and exciting.
• Customizable: You can make it lighter by using whole wheat noodles, low-fat cheese, or a homemade buffalo sauce.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Mixture
• 3 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or boiled)
• 1 cup buffalo sauce (like Frank’s Red Hot)
• ½ cup ranch dressing
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
For the Cheese Mixture
• 2 cups ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese for a lighter option)
• 1 egg
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
Other Ingredients
• 12 lasagna noodles (regular or oven-ready)
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup crumbled blue cheese (optional)
• 2 cups marinara sauce (or more buffalo sauce for extra heat)
• ½ cup chopped green onions (for garnish)
• ½ cup ranch dressing (for drizzling)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Mixture
In a large bowl, mix the shredded chicken with buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Stir until well combined and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Cheese Mixture
In another bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, salt, pepper, and dried parsley. Mix until smooth.
Step 3: Cook the Lasagna Noodles
Boil the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside. If using oven-ready noodles, you can skip this step.
Step 4: Assemble the Lasagna
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce or buffalo sauce at the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
3. Add a layer of cooked lasagna noodles.
4. Spread a layer of the buffalo chicken mixture over the noodles.
5. Add a layer of ricotta cheese mixture.
6. Sprinkle some shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese.
7. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a generous layer of cheese on top.
Step 5: Bake the Lasagna
Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Remove from the oven and let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes. Drizzle with ranch dressing and sprinkle chopped green onions on top. Serve hot and enjoy!
Methods of Preparation
1. Traditional Baked Version – Follow the steps above for a rich, baked lasagna.
2. Slow Cooker Version – Layer the ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours.
3. Skillet Version – Use broken lasagna noodles and cook everything in a large skillet for a quick 30-minute meal.
4. Keto Version – Replace lasagna noodles with zucchini slices or low-carb wraps.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
• Calories: 450 kcal
• Protein: 30g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fat: 22g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 6g
Who Loves Buffalo Chicken Lasagna?
• Spicy food lovers who enjoy the kick of buffalo sauce.
• Football fans looking for the perfect game-day dish.
• Cheese lovers who appreciate the creamy, cheesy layers.
• Busy parents who need a meal that the whole family will enjoy.
• Comfort food seekers who love hearty, satisfying dishes.
Conclusion
Buffalo chicken lasagna with a ranch twist is a fun and flavorful twist on traditional lasagna. It’s creamy, cheesy, spicy, and incredibly satisfying. Whether you bake it, slow cook it, or make a keto version, this dish is sure to become a household favorite. Give it a try, and enjoy a delicious fusion of Italian and American flavors!