Chicken Lasagna is a creamy, comforting twist on the classic Italian dish. Layers of tender, shredded chicken are nestled between rich, gooey cheese and homemade marinara sauce, all wrapped in perfectly cooked lasagna noodles.
What Makes Chicken Lasagna So Special?
Lasagna is a beloved dish around the world, known for its layered structure of pasta, sauce, and cheese. But chicken lasagna brings a unique twist by using chicken in place of beef, offering a leaner protein option without compromising on flavor. The beauty of chicken lasagna lies in its versatility. You can switch up the seasonings, sauces, and even the pasta to suit your taste preferences.
By using tender chicken breast or rotisserie chicken, you can create a dish that’s rich and comforting but still feels fresh. This makes it a great option for those who want to enjoy lasagna without the heavier red meat component. Chicken lasagna is also a fantastic way to incorporate more poultry into your meals, adding variety to your weekly dinner rotation.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Chicken Lasagna
- Use Rotisserie Chicken: If you’re short on time, rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut. It’s already cooked, juicy, and packed with flavor. Just shred it, and you’re good to go!
- Make Ahead: Lasagna can be assembled in advance. You can layer everything and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. This is great for meal prepping or when you have guests over.
- Double the Recipe: Chicken lasagna freezes beautifully! Consider making a double batch and freezing one for later. After baking, allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil.
- Add Vegetables: To make your chicken lasagna even heartier, add sautéed spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms to the chicken mixture for extra flavor and texture.
Variations of Chicken Lasagna
Chicken lasagna is incredibly versatile, and you can customize it to suit your taste. Here are a few variations:
- White Chicken Lasagna: Swap out the marinara sauce for a creamy white sauce made with heavy cream, butter, and garlic. This version is rich and velvety, making it a great option for those who prefer a lighter tomato-less lasagna.
- Spinach and Chicken Lasagna: Layer in fresh spinach or cooked frozen spinach along with the chicken for added greens. This variation adds a beautiful color contrast and an extra boost of nutrients.
- Buffalo Chicken Lasagna: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, swap the traditional marinara sauce for buffalo sauce and add crumbled blue cheese for a spicy, tangy twist.
How to Serve Chicken Lasagna
Chicken lasagna is a comforting dish that stands on its own, but you can pair it with a few sides to elevate the meal. Here are some ideas:
- Garlic Bread: Crispy, buttery garlic bread is always a perfect companion for lasagna.
- Salad: A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances out the richness of the lasagna. You can add some chopped cucumbers, tomatoes, or olives for extra flavor.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted veggies like broccoli, cauliflower, or carrots make a healthy and delicious side dish.
How to Store Leftover Chicken Lasagna
Leftover chicken lasagna can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Simply cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil to prevent it from drying out. When you’re ready to eat, reheat individual servings in the microwave or cover the whole dish with foil and bake it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
If you want to keep it for a longer period, you can freeze leftover lasagna. Just wrap it tightly in foil and plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container, and it will last up to 3 months in the freezer. To reheat, bake it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 45 minutes, or until thoroughly heated.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use ground chicken instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, ground chicken works just fine in this recipe. It will give you a slightly different texture, but it will still be delicious. Just cook the ground chicken in a skillet until browned before adding it to the layers.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! You can use gluten-free lasagna noodles, and this will make the dish gluten-free while still delivering on taste.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
If you like a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce or use spicy chicken sausage instead of regular chicken. You can also top the lasagna with jalapeño slices for an extra kick.
Can I use cottage cheese instead of ricotta?
Yes, you can swap out ricotta for cottage cheese. While ricotta gives a smoother texture, cottage cheese will provide more texture and a slightly tangy flavor.
Chicken Lasagna
Chicken Lasagna is a creamy, comforting twist on the classic Italian dish. Layers of tender, shredded chicken are nestled between rich, gooey cheese and homemade marinara sauce, all wrapped in perfectly cooked lasagna noodles.
Ingredients
For the Lasagna:
- 9 lasagna noodles, cooked al dente
- 4 cups shredded rotisserie chicken (or 2 lbs cooked chicken breast)
For the Spinach Cream Sauce:
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 4 Tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1 1/2 cups half and half (or equal parts heavy cream and milk)
- 5 oz fresh spinach, chopped
- 2 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
For the Ricotta Cheese Sauce:
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup parsley
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese
- 3 cups mozzarella cheese, divided (reserve 1 cup for topping)
Instructions
- Cook the Noodles & Prep the Chicken Preheat your oven to 375°F. Cook the lasagna noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain, then rinse with cold water to prevent sticking. Shred the rotisserie chicken or cook and shred 2 lbs of chicken breast.
- Make the Spinach Cream Sauce In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté the onion for 3-4 minutes. Add butter and whisk in flour.
- Continue cooking for 3 minutes, until golden. Gradually add chicken broth, half and half, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth and simmer for 5 minutes, until it thickens to a light gravy. Stir in minced garlic and spinach, and remove from heat.
- Make the Ricotta Cheese Sauce In a bowl, whisk together ricotta cheese, egg, mozzarella, parmesan, and parsley.
- Assemble the Lasagna Start by spreading a little spinach sauce at the bottom of a 9x13 casserole dish. Layer 3 noodles, half of the ricotta mixture, half of the shredded chicken, and 1/3 of the spinach sauce.
- Repeat with another layer of noodles, ricotta, chicken, and sauce. Finish with the final 3 noodles, the remaining spinach sauce, and top with the reserved 1 cup mozzarella cheese.
- Bake Cover the lasagna with foil, using toothpicks to prevent the foil from touching the cheese. Bake for 45 minutes, then uncover and broil for 2-3 minutes to brown the top. Let rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 12 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 480Total Fat: 28gSaturated Fat: 13gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 165mgSodium: 1158mgCarbohydrates: 22gFiber: 1gSugar: 3gProtein: 36g
Chickenrecipes.blog, 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.
Chicken lasagna is a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to be a hit with everyone at your table. Whether you’re looking to make a quick weeknight dinner or a meal for a special occasion, this recipe is easy to prepare, customizable, and packed with flavor. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to enjoy a twist on the classic lasagna that’s lighter, healthier, and equally satisfying.
Other delicious chicken recipes to try:
