If you’ve ever dreamed of turning buffalo chicken wings into a hearty dinner, this buffalo chicken lasagna is about to become your new obsession. Imagine layers of tender pasta filled with spicy buffalo chicken, creamy ranch-infused cheese, and plenty of melted mozzarella—all baked together until golden and bubbling.
This buffalo ranch chicken lasagna combines two beloved comfort foods into one incredible dish that’s perfect for game day gatherings, family dinners, or whenever you’re craving something indulgent and satisfying. The best part? It feeds a crowd and can be prepped ahead, making it ideal for busy weeknights or entertaining.
Whether you’re a buffalo sauce fanatic or simply looking to shake up your lasagna routine, this recipe delivers bold flavors and creamy textures that will have everyone asking for seconds. Let’s dive into what makes this dish so irresistible!
Why This Buffalo Chicken Lasagna is a Winner
Game Day Champion This lasagna captures all the flavors of buffalo wings and ranch dip in a hearty, shareable format. It’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser for football parties, tailgates, or any casual gathering.
Comfort Food Perfection Combining the creamy richness of lasagna with the spicy kick of buffalo sauce creates the ultimate comfort food experience. It’s warm, cheesy, and incredibly satisfying.
Make-Ahead Friendly Assemble this buffalo chicken lasagna a day ahead and simply pop it in the oven when ready. Perfect for stress-free entertaining or meal prep for busy weeks.
Uses Rotisserie Chicken Save time by using store-bought rotisserie chicken. This shortcut doesn’t sacrifice flavor—in fact, it adds extra savory depth to the dish.
Feeds a Crowd One 9×13-inch pan serves 8-10 people generously, making it ideal for family gatherings or potlucks where you need to feed many hungry mouths.
Ingredients for Buffalo Chicken Lasagna
For the Chicken Mixture:
- 3-4 cups cooked, shredded chicken – Rotisserie chicken is perfect here
- ¾-1 cup buffalo sauce – Frank’s RedHot or your favorite brand
- 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix – Adds that classic ranch flavor
- ½ cup ranch dressing (optional) – For extra creaminess
For the Cheese Mixture:
- 24 oz cream cheese (3 packages), softened – The creamy base
- 15 oz ricotta cheese (1 container) – Traditional lasagna texture
- ½ cup milk – Helps the cheese mixture spread easily
- 1 large egg – Binds the cheese layers together
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese – For melting
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese – Adds sharp flavor
- ½ cup crumbled blue cheese (optional) – For authentic buffalo flavor
For Assembly:
- 12-15 lasagna noodles – Regular or oven-ready
- Additional 2 cups mozzarella cheese – For the top layer
- 2-3 green onions, sliced – Fresh garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional) – For serving
Equipment Needed:
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Large mixing bowls
- Aluminum foil
- Mixing spoon or stand mixer
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Lasagna
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
If using regular lasagna noodles, cook them according to package directions until al dente (slightly firm). Drain and lay them flat on a clean kitchen towel to prevent sticking. If using oven-ready noodles, you can skip this step.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This gives you time to assemble the lasagna while the oven reaches temperature.
Shred your rotisserie chicken, discarding the skin and bones. You should have 3-4 cups of meat. If the chicken is still warm, it’s easier to shred—use two forks or your hands to pull the meat into bite-sized pieces.
Time-saving tip: Many grocery stores sell pre-shredded rotisserie chicken in the deli section, which makes this step even faster!
Step 2: Prepare the Buffalo Chicken Mixture
In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken with buffalo sauce and ranch seasoning mix. Toss everything together until the chicken is thoroughly coated in the spicy, tangy sauce. If you want extra creaminess, stir in ½ cup of ranch dressing at this point.
Taste and adjust the heat level—if you want it spicier, add more buffalo sauce. For a milder version, start with ¾ cup and see how it tastes before adding more.
Set this mixture aside while you prepare the cheese layer. The flavors will meld together beautifully as it sits.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Cheese Mixture
In another large bowl (or your stand mixer), combine the softened cream cheese, ricotta cheese, milk, ranch seasoning, and egg. Beat together until smooth and well combined—no lumps of cream cheese should remain.
Important: Make sure your cream cheese is fully softened to room temperature. This makes mixing much easier and creates a smoother texture.
Fold in 1½ cups of mozzarella and 1 cup of cheddar cheese, mixing just until incorporated. If you’re using blue cheese, add it now for that authentic buffalo wing flavor. The mixture should be creamy and spreadable.
Step 4: Assemble Your Lasagna Layers
Spray your 9×13-inch baking dish generously with non-stick cooking spray. This prevents sticking and makes serving much easier later.
First Layer: Spread a thin layer of the cheese mixture on the bottom of the pan (about ¾ cup). This creates a buffer between the noodles and the pan, preventing sticking.
Second Layer: Arrange 4-5 lasagna noodles over the cheese, slightly overlapping them to cover the bottom completely. Don’t worry about perfection—you can break noodles to fit gaps.
Third Layer: Spread half of the buffalo chicken mixture evenly over the noodles, spreading it all the way to the edges.
Fourth Layer: Dollop half of the remaining cheese mixture over the chicken and spread gently. It doesn’t need to be perfectly smooth—some texture is fine.
Fifth Layer: Sprinkle ½ cup of the remaining mozzarella and cheddar blend over the cheese layer.
Repeat: Add another layer of noodles, the remaining buffalo chicken, the remaining cheese mixture, and another sprinkling of cheese.
Top Layer: Finish with a final layer of noodles, then spread any remaining cheese mixture on top. Generously sprinkle the remaining 2 cups of mozzarella and cheddar cheese over everything.
Pro tip: Don’t rush the layering process. Taking time to spread each layer evenly ensures every bite has the perfect balance of flavors.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Make sure the foil doesn’t touch the top cheese layer—if it does, it will stick. You can tent the foil slightly or spray the underside with cooking spray.
Place the lasagna in your preheated 375°F oven and bake for 45 minutes covered. This allows the flavors to meld and the cheese to melt throughout without the top burning.
After 45 minutes, carefully remove the foil and continue baking for 10-15 minutes uncovered, until the cheese on top is bubbly, golden, and slightly browned at the edges. You want that irresistible golden crust!
Watch closely: During the last few minutes, keep an eye on the lasagna to prevent the cheese from burning. Some ovens run hot, so you may need to remove it slightly earlier.
Step 6: Rest and Serve
This is the hardest part—letting your beautiful buffalo chicken lasagna rest! Remove it from the oven and let it sit for 15-20 minutes before cutting.
Why rest? The layers need time to set. If you cut into it immediately, the cheese will be too liquid and your beautiful layers will slide apart into a messy (though still delicious) puddle.
Use this time to prepare your garnishes and side dishes. The lasagna will still be plenty hot after resting.
Step 7: Slice and Garnish
Cut the lasagna into 8-10 squares using a sharp knife. Wipe the knife clean between cuts for the neatest slices.
Garnish each serving with sliced green onions and fresh parsley. For an extra touch, drizzle a bit of ranch dressing or additional buffalo sauce over each portion right before serving.
Serve hot and watch it disappear!
Expert Tips for Best Results
Use Rotisserie Chicken Save time and add extra flavor by using rotisserie chicken. The seasoned, juicy meat is perfect for this recipe and eliminates the need to cook chicken from scratch.
Shred Your Own Cheese Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent optimal melting. Shredding your own mozzarella and cheddar from blocks takes just a few extra minutes and results in creamier, better-melting layers.
Soften That Cream Cheese Rock-hard cream cheese is impossible to mix smoothly. Leave it out at room temperature for 30-60 minutes before starting, or soften it briefly in the microwave (10-15 seconds).
Don’t Overcook the Noodles If using regular lasagna noodles, cook them just until al dente. They’ll continue cooking in the oven, and overcooked noodles become mushy in the finished lasagna.
Even Layers Are Key Take your time spreading each layer to the edges of the pan. This ensures every bite has the perfect ratio of chicken, cheese, and pasta.
Tent Your Foil If your lasagna is very full, create a tent with the foil so it doesn’t touch the cheese. Alternatively, spray the foil’s underside with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Delicious Variations
Spice Level Adjustments
Mild Buffalo Lasagna: Use only ½ cup buffalo sauce and add ¼ cup marinara sauce Extra Spicy: Add cayenne pepper or use extra hot buffalo sauce Sweet Heat: Mix in 2 tablespoons honey with the buffalo sauce
Different Cheese Options
Blue Cheese Lovers: Increase blue cheese to 1 cup and decrease cheddar No Blue Cheese: Substitute with feta cheese or simply omit Pepper Jack Kick: Replace cheddar with pepper jack for extra spice Three Cheese Blend: Use a combination of mozzarella, provolone, and parmesan
Add Extra Vegetables
Buffalo Veggie Lasagna: Add sautéed celery, carrots, and onions to the chicken layer Spinach Addition: Layer fresh spinach between the noodles Peppers: Dice bell peppers and mix with the buffalo chicken
Make It Your Own
BBQ Buffalo Fusion: Mix ¼ cup BBQ sauce with the buffalo sauce Bacon Lover’s: Add crumbled crispy bacon to the chicken layer Ranch Alternative: Use blue cheese dressing instead of ranch throughout
Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions
Preparing Ahead
Day Before: Assemble the entire lasagna, cover tightly with plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, add 10-15 minutes to the covered baking time since it’s starting cold.
Freeze Before Baking: Assemble completely, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking, or bake from frozen (add 30-40 minutes to baking time, keeping covered).
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover buffalo chicken lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually improve overnight as they meld together!
Individual portions can be frozen in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating Instructions
Oven Method (Best): Place a portion in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and reheat at 350°F for 20-25 minutes until heated through.
Microwave Method (Quick): Place a single serving on a microwave-safe plate and heat on 50% power for 2-3 minutes, checking and stirring halfway through.
Air Fryer Method: Reheat individual portions at 350°F for 8-10 minutes for a crispy top.
Perfect Side Dishes
Fresh and Crisp
Garden Salad: A crisp green salad with ranch or blue cheese dressing balances the rich lasagna perfectly Coleslaw: Creamy coleslaw adds cool crunch alongside the warm, spicy main dish Cucumber Salad: Light and refreshing, this cuts through the richness beautifully
Bread and Starch
Garlic Bread: Classic pairing—the buttery garlic complements the buffalo flavors Dinner Rolls: Soft rolls for soaking up any extra sauce Texas Toast: Thick, garlicky toast stands up to the bold flavors
Vegetables
Roasted Broccoli: Simple and healthy, adds nice color to the plate Green Beans: Steamed or sautéed with garlic Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn provides a nice contrast to the spicy lasagna
Serving Suggestions
For Game Day
Serve this buffalo chicken lasagna as the main event at your football party. Set up a toppings bar with extra buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, blue cheese crumbles, sliced jalapeños, and green onions so guests can customize their portions.
Family Dinner
Pair with a simple side salad and garlic bread for an easy weeknight meal that feeds the whole family. Kids who don’t like spicy food can have their portions topped with extra ranch to cool the heat.
Potluck Star
This travels well and can be kept warm in a slow cooker on low if needed. Make it ahead, transport in the baking dish, and reheat at your destination.
Casual Entertaining
Serve family-style, bringing the whole pan to the table. It looks impressive and encourages the casual, comfortable vibe perfect for hanging out with friends.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use ground chicken instead of shredded? Absolutely! Brown 1½ pounds of ground chicken in a skillet, drain any excess fat, then mix with the buffalo sauce and seasonings. It creates a different but equally delicious texture.
Do I have to use oven-ready noodles? No, either type works well. Regular noodles need to be boiled first but give you more control over texture. Oven-ready noodles save time but may need an extra ½ cup of liquid added to the cheese mixture.
Can I make this without ranch seasoning? Yes, use Italian seasoning or garlic powder instead. The ranch adds a specific flavor profile, but the lasagna will still be delicious with other seasonings.
How do I know when it’s done baking? The edges should be bubbling, the cheese on top should be melted and golden, and an instant-read thermometer inserted in the center should read at least 165°F.
Can I halve this recipe? Yes! Use an 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch pan and cut all ingredients in half. Reduce baking time by 10-15 minutes.
Is blue cheese necessary? Not at all! Blue cheese adds authentic buffalo wing flavor, but many people prefer the lasagna without it. It’s completely optional.
Can I add vegetables? Definitely! Diced celery, bell peppers, or onions can be mixed into the buffalo chicken layer. Just sauté them first to remove excess moisture.
How do I make it less rich? Use part-skim ricotta and mozzarella, reduce the cream cheese to 16 oz, and increase the ricotta proportionally. You can also use Greek yogurt in place of some of the cream cheese.
Buffalo Chicken Lasagna
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook noodles according to package directions if not using oven-ready. Shred rotisserie chicken into bite-sized pieces and set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken with buffalo sauce and ranch seasoning. Add ranch dressing if using, and toss until evenly coated. Adjust spiciness to taste.
- In another large bowl, mix softened cream cheese, ricotta, milk, and egg until smooth. Stir in 1½ cups mozzarella, 1 cup cheddar, and blue cheese if using. Blend until creamy and spreadable.
- Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray. Spread a thin layer of cheese mixture on the bottom. Layer noodles, half the buffalo chicken, half the cheese mixture, and a sprinkle of mozzarella and cheddar. Repeat layers, finishing with noodles and the remaining cheese mixture. Top with the remaining mozzarella and cheddar.
- Cover with foil (tent to avoid touching cheese) and bake for 45 minutes. Remove foil and bake uncovered for 10–15 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 15–20 minutes before slicing. Garnish with sliced green onions and parsley. Serve warm with extra ranch or buffalo sauce if desired.
