Chicken lasagna is a wonderful twist on the classic Italian favorite. It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with tender shredded chicken, making it a comforting meal perfect for family dinners or special occasions. If you’ve been wondering how to make chicken lasagna that’s both flavorful and easy to prepare, you’re in the right place. Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating a delicious chicken lasagna from scratch, with tips to make it creamy and satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before you start, gather these ingredients:
– Cooked chicken (rotisserie or boiled and shredded) – about 4 cups shredded
– Lasagna noodles – 9 sheets, cooked and drained
– Ricotta cheese – 1 container (about 15 ounces)
– Mozzarella cheese – shredded, about 3 to 4 cups divided
– Parmesan cheese – grated, about 1 cup divided
– Fresh or frozen spinach – 2 cups thawed and drained
– Onion – 1 medium, finely chopped
– Garlic – 3 to 4 cloves, minced
– Butter – ¼ to ½ cup
– All-purpose flour – ½ cup
– Chicken broth – 2 to 2½ cups
– Milk or heavy cream – 1 to 1½ cups
– Italian seasoning (basil, oregano) – 1 teaspoon each
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley – chopped, for garnish (optional)
– Egg – 1 large (to mix with ricotta for binding)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Ricotta Cheese Mixture
In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, half of the shredded mozzarella, some grated Parmesan, the egg, chopped fresh parsley, salt, pepper, and dried basil. Mix well until smooth. This mixture adds creaminess and flavor to your lasagna layers.
2. Shred the Chicken
If you’re using rotisserie chicken, remove the skin and shred the meat with two forks. If you cook your own chicken, boil it until tender, then shred.
3. Cook the Lasagna Noodles
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the lasagna noodles and cook until al dente (firm but cooked through). Drain and rinse with cold water to prevent sticking.
4. Make the Creamy White Sauce
In a large skillet or saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
Sprinkle the flour over the onion and garlic mixture, stirring constantly to make a roux. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the flour turns a light golden color.
Slowly whisk in the chicken broth and milk (or heavy cream), stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook until thickened, about 5 minutes.
Add Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and about ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese. Stir in the chopped spinach until evenly distributed.
5. Assemble the Lasagna
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread about 1 cup of the creamy sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Arrange three lasagna noodles side by side over the sauce. Spread one-third of the ricotta cheese mixture over the noodles, then top with one-third of the shredded chicken. Pour one-third of the creamy sauce over the chicken.
Repeat this layering process two more times: noodles, ricotta mixture, chicken, sauce.
Finish with a final layer of noodles topped with the remaining sauce. Sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly on top.
6. Bake and Serve
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 20 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted and bubbly.
For a golden-brown crust, broil on high for 2 to 3 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
Let the lasagna rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired, then serve and enjoy!
Tips for the Best Chicken Lasagna
– Use rotisserie chicken for convenience and flavor.
– Don’t skip the spinach; it adds color, nutrition, and a lovely texture.
– Make the sauce slowly to avoid lumps and ensure creaminess.
– Let the lasagna rest after baking to help it set and slice neatly.
– Customize your cheese blend with your favorites like provolone or fontina for extra richness.
Chicken lasagna is a crowd-pleaser that combines the best of creamy cheese, tender chicken, and comforting pasta. It’s simple enough for a weeknight but special enough for guests. Try this recipe and watch it become a family favorite!