Chicken Lasagna – This Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with tender chicken and luscious layers of pasta, this dish has quickly become a staple for family dinners, special gatherings, or even meal prepping for busy weeks.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Lasagna Recipe
This chicken lasagna recipe is the perfect alternative to classic beef lasagna, bringing a lighter yet still rich flavor profile to the table. With a velvety white sauce, shredded chicken, and perfectly cooked lasagna sheets, it’s a dish you’ll make over and over again. Here’s why it stands out:
- Creamy and flavorful layers: A blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses creates an indulgent texture.
- Herb-infused white sauce: A silky béchamel sauce seasoned with garlic, basil, and parsley for added depth.
- Customizable: Adapt it to your dietary needs with variations for gluten-free or low-carb options.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of the ingredients to ensure a perfect dish every time:
Lasagna Layers
- Lasagna noodles: You can use oven-ready lasagna sheets or pre-cooked noodles.
- Shredded chicken: Rotisserie chicken works great, or you can cook and shred chicken breasts.
For the Creamy White Sauce
- Unsalted butter: For a rich and smooth sauce.
- All-purpose flour: Helps to thicken the sauce.
- Whole milk: Creates a creamy consistency. You can also use half-and-half for an even richer sauce.
- Minced garlic: Adds depth of flavor.
- Herbs: Dried basil, oregano, and fresh chopped parsley.
For the Cheese Mixture
- Ricotta cheese: Adds creaminess and body to the layers.
- Shredded mozzarella: Melts beautifully for that gooey texture.
- Grated Parmesan: Provides a salty, nutty contrast.
Tips and Tricks for the Best Chicken Lasagna
- Use oven-ready lasagna noodles to save time, but make sure there’s enough sauce to soften them during baking.
- Mix cheeses for extra flavor: Adding a touch of smoked gouda or provolone can elevate the dish.
- Make-ahead magic: You can assemble the lasagna the day before, refrigerate it, and bake it when ready. It’s also a fantastic freezer meal!
- Shred your own cheese: Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can affect melting.
Delicious Variations
- Low-Carb Option: Substitute lasagna noodles with thinly sliced zucchini or eggplant for a vegetable-forward version.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free lasagna noodles and make sure to use a gluten-free flour for the white sauce.
- Vegetable Boost: Add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or roasted bell peppers to the layers for added nutrition.
- Spicy Twist: Mix in a pinch of red pepper flakes or use pepper jack cheese for a kick of heat.
How to Serve Chicken Lasagna
- Classic pairing: Serve with a simple green salad and a slice of garlic bread to soak up all that extra sauce.
- Wine suggestion: A crisp Chardonnay or a light Pinot Grigio complements the creamy flavors beautifully.
- For a crowd: This lasagna pairs well with a side of roasted vegetables or a charcuterie board.
How to Store and Reheat Chicken Lasagna
Storage
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: You can freeze the entire lasagna or individual portions. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil to prevent freezer burn, and store for up to 3 months.
Reheating
- Oven: Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 20-30 minutes.
- Microwave: For quicker reheating, microwave individual slices on medium power to avoid overcooking.
Recipe FAQs
Can I make chicken lasagna ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the lasagna a day in advance and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if coming straight from the fridge.
What’s the best way to shred chicken for lasagna?
You can use a fork to shred cooked chicken, but for a faster method, use a stand mixer with the paddle attachment. Just toss the cooked chicken in and let it do the work!
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely. While mozzarella and Parmesan are traditional, you can experiment with cheddar, asiago, or fontina for a unique flavor.
How do I prevent my lasagna from being watery?
To prevent watery lasagna, ensure your white sauce is thick enough and let the lasagna rest before slicing to allow the layers to set.
Chicken Lasagna
Chicken Lasagna - This Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with tender chicken and luscious layers of pasta, this dish has quickly become a staple for family dinners, special gatherings, or even meal prepping for busy weeks.
Ingredients
For the Chicken and Noodles:
- 4 cups shredded rotisserie chicken (or cook 2 lbs of chicken breast)
- 9 lasagna noodles, cooked al dente
Spinach Cream Sauce:
- 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 4 Tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 5 oz fresh spinach, coarsely chopped
- 2 tsp sea salt
- 1 1/2 cups half and half (or a mix of heavy cream and milk)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Ricotta Cheese Sauce:
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella (12 oz by weight, reserve 1 cup for topping)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
Instructions
1. Cook Your Lasagna Noodles
- Preheat your oven to 375˚F.
- Cook lasagna noodles in salted water until al dente. Drain, then rinse with cold water to stop the cooking and keep them from sticking.
2. Shred the Chicken
- If you’re using rotisserie chicken, shred it into bite-sized pieces (about 4 cups total). If using chicken breasts, cook and shred them.
3. Make the Spinach Cream Sauce
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté the finely chopped onion for 3-4 minutes until soft.
- Add 4 tablespoons of butter and whisk in 1/3 cup flour. Stir continuously for about 3 minutes until the mixture turns golden.
- Slowly pour in 2 1/2 cups of chicken broth and 1 1/2 cups of half and half. Season with 2 teaspoons of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Whisk until smooth and let it simmer for about 5 minutes, or until it thickens to a light gravy-like consistency.
- Add minced garlic and chopped spinach. Stir until combined, then remove from heat.
4. Whip Up the Ricotta Cheese Mixture
- In a large bowl, combine 15 oz ricotta cheese, 1 large egg, 2 cups mozzarella, 1/4 cup Parmesan, and 1/4 cup chopped parsley. Stir until everything is mixed together.
5. Assemble the Chicken Lasagna
- Layer 1: Spread a thin layer of the spinach cream sauce on the bottom of a 9x13-inch casserole dish. Lay down 3 cooked noodles, half of the ricotta mixture, half of the shredded chicken, and 1/3 of the spinach cream sauce.
- Layer 2: Add 3 more noodles, the rest of the ricotta mixture, the remaining chicken, and another 1/3 of the spinach sauce.
- Top Layer: Add the final 3 noodles, the rest of the spinach sauce, and sprinkle the reserved 1 cup of mozzarella cheese over the top.
6. Bake It to Perfection
- Insert toothpicks along the top of the lasagna to keep the foil from touching the cheese, then cover the dish with foil.
- Bake on the center rack at 375˚F for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and broil for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let the lasagna rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the layers set for perfect serving.
Nutrition Information
Yield
12Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 462Total Fat 26gSaturated Fat 12gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 12gCholesterol 157mgSodium 1129mgCarbohydrates 23gFiber 1gSugar 3gProtein 34g
All Chicken Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Enjoy this creamy, dreamy chicken lasagna with family and friends, and don’t be surprised if it becomes a new comfort food favorite. Happy cooking!
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