Chicken lasagna is a comforting, cheesy, and flavorful twist on the classic Italian dish. It’s perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or impressing guests with a hearty homemade meal. If you’ve been wondering, how do I make chicken lasagna? – you’re in the right place! This guide breaks down the process into simple steps, with tips to make your lasagna creamy, savory, and absolutely irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Sauce:
– Butter
– All-purpose flour
– Milk
– Chicken broth
– Garlic powder
– Salt and pepper
– Parmesan cheese
– Dried parsley or Italian herbs
– Optional: diced tomatoes or marinara sauce for a tomato-based sauce
For the Filling:
– Cooked shredded chicken
– Ricotta cheese or cottage cheese
– Eggs (to bind the cheese mixture)
– Spinach or other vegetables (optional)
– Mozzarella cheese, shredded
– Parmesan cheese
– Garlic powder, salt, and pepper for seasoning
Pasta:
– Lasagna noodles (regular or oven-ready)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Sauce
Start by making a creamy white sauce (béchamel) or a tomato-based chicken sauce depending on your preference.
– Melt butter in a pan over medium heat.
– Whisk in flour and cook until golden and bubbling.
– Slowly add milk and chicken broth, whisking constantly until the sauce thickens.
– Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, parmesan cheese, and herbs.
– For a tomato sauce, sauté onions, garlic, and add tomato puree with chicken broth and seasonings, simmering until thick and flavorful.
2. Cook the Noodles
Boil lasagna noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and let cool. If using oven-ready noodles, you can skip this step but adjust baking time accordingly.
3. Make the Cheese Filling
In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, eggs, parmesan, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and chopped spinach if using. This mixture adds creaminess and flavor to your layers.
4. Assemble the Lasagna
– Spread a thin layer of sauce on the bottom of a greased baking dish.
– Lay down a layer of noodles.
– Spread half the chicken mixture over the noodles.
– Add a layer of the cheese filling.
– Spoon sauce over the cheese.
– Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and parmesan cheese.
– Repeat the layers ending with noodles, sauce, and a generous cheese topping.
5. Bake
Cover the dish with foil and bake at 350-375°F (175-190°C) for about 30-40 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly with a golden crust.
6. Rest Before Serving
Let the lasagna sit for 10-15 minutes after baking to allow the sauce to thicken and make slicing easier.
Tips for Perfect Chicken Lasagna
– Use shredded rotisserie chicken for a quick shortcut.
– Customize with your favorite veggies like spinach, broccoli, or mushrooms.
– For extra flavor, add fresh herbs like basil or parsley to the sauce and cheese mixture.
– Don’t skip resting time after baking-it helps the lasagna set beautifully.
Chicken lasagna is a versatile and satisfying dish that combines tender chicken, rich cheeses, and flavorful sauce in every bite. With these easy steps, you’ll have a homemade meal that’s sure to become a family favorite!
Enjoy your cooking adventure and feel free to ask if you want tips on variations or side dishes to serve with your lasagna!