Chicken Lasagna Recipe

Chicken Lasagna is a creamy, flavorful twist on the classic Italian dish that incorporates tender chicken, fresh spinach, and a rich cream sauce. Perfect for family gatherings, weeknight dinners, or special occasions, this lasagna is a comfort food that never disappoints. Layers of pasta, shredded rotisserie chicken, spinach cream sauce, and ricotta cheese blend together beautifully to create a dish that’s both satisfying and indulgent. With its perfect balance of textures and flavors, this chicken lasagna will quickly become a favorite in your recipe repertoire.

This dish offers a lighter yet equally delicious alternative to traditional beef lasagna. The creamy spinach sauce and ricotta cheese filling make every bite rich and flavorful, while the mozzarella cheese adds a wonderful stretchiness. If you’re looking for a hearty meal that’s sure to impress, this Chicken Lasagna is the perfect choice. Plus, it’s an ideal make-ahead meal, allowing you to prepare it in advance and bake it when you’re ready to serve.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Chicken Lasagna is a fresh, delicious variation of the classic lasagna that will have everyone asking for seconds. The tender, shredded rotisserie chicken pairs perfectly with the creamy spinach sauce and rich ricotta filling. This dish is not only hearty and filling but also a great way to sneak in some veggies, thanks to the spinach. The mozzarella cheese melts beautifully, giving the lasagna its signature gooey texture. You can easily prepare it ahead of time and store it in the fridge, making it a great option for busy weeknights or dinner parties. Whether you’re serving it to a crowd or enjoying it as a cozy family meal, this lasagna is sure to satisfy.

Ingredients

For the Lasagna:

• Lasagna noodles (cooked al dente)
• Shredded rotisserie chicken or cooked chicken breast

For the Spinach Cream Sauce:

• Olive oil
• Medium onion (finely chopped)
• Unsalted butter
• All-purpose flour
• Chicken broth
• Half and half (or equal parts heavy cream and milk)
• Fresh spinach (coarsely chopped)
• Sea salt
• Black pepper
• Minced garlic

For the Ricotta Cheese Sauce:

• Ricotta cheese
• Large egg
• Parsley (chopped)
• Parmesan cheese (grated)
• Mozzarella cheese (shredded, divided)

Variations

1. Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken with sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or eggplant for a hearty vegetarian lasagna.
2. Spicy Chicken Lasagna: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the spinach cream sauce to give it some heat.
3. Low-Carb Version: Use zucchini or eggplant slices in place of the lasagna noodles for a low-carb, gluten-free alternative.
4. Extra Cheesy: Add extra mozzarella or a combination of your favorite cheeses such as Gouda or provolone to create a richer, cheesier lasagna.
5. Herbed Ricotta: Mix in additional herbs like basil, oregano, or thyme into the ricotta cheese sauce for more flavor.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a little olive oil.

Step 2: Cook the Lasagna Noodles

Cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions until they are al dente. Drain the noodles and set them aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Spinach Cream Sauce

In a large saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until it becomes soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the butter, followed by the flour, and whisk for about 2 minutes to create a roux. Gradually add the chicken broth while continuing to whisk, then pour in the half and half (or heavy cream and milk). Bring the sauce to a simmer, allowing it to thicken for about 5 minutes. Stir in the chopped spinach, salt, pepper, and minced garlic. Let the spinach wilt and cook for another 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 4: Prepare the Ricotta Cheese Sauce

In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, chopped parsley, grated Parmesan cheese, and 1 1/2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese. Mix until everything is well incorporated.

Step 5: Layer the Lasagna

Start by spreading a thin layer of spinach cream sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Add a layer of lasagna noodles, followed by a layer of the ricotta cheese mixture, then a layer of shredded chicken. Spoon over more spinach cream sauce and repeat the layers, finishing with a final layer of noodles, spinach cream sauce, and the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese on top.

Step 6: Bake the Lasagna

Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Allow the lasagna to cool for 10 minutes before slicing and serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil if desired.

Tips for Making the Recipe

1. Use Shredded Rotisserie Chicken: Rotisserie chicken makes this recipe easier and faster. However, you can also use leftover cooked chicken or poach fresh chicken breasts.
2. Don’t Overcook the Noodles: Make sure to cook the noodles al dente to prevent them from becoming too soft during baking.
3. Layer Carefully: Be sure to evenly distribute the layers to ensure every bite is full of flavor.
4. Make Ahead: You can assemble the lasagna ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.
5. Add Extra Cheese: For a cheesier lasagna, feel free to add more mozzarella cheese to the layers or on top.

How to Serve

Serve Chicken Lasagna with a side of garlic bread or a light green salad. A crisp Caesar salad or a fresh arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette will complement the rich flavors of the lasagna. You can also pair it with roasted vegetables, such as zucchini or asparagus, for a balanced meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Chicken Lasagna can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.

Freezing

Chicken Lasagna freezes well! After assembling, wrap the lasagna tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil before freezing. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed.

Reheating

To reheat, cover the lasagna with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes or until hot and bubbly. You can also reheat individual slices in the microwave.

FAQs

1. Can I use store-bought spinach?

Yes, you can use frozen spinach instead of fresh. Just be sure to thaw and drain the spinach to remove excess water.

2. Can I make this recipe without the spinach?

Yes, you can omit the spinach if you prefer. You can substitute with other vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini if desired.

3. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can swap the mozzarella cheese with provolone, Gouda, or even cheddar for a different flavor profile.

4. Can I prepare the lasagna in advance?

Absolutely! You can assemble the lasagna the night before and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake it.

5. Is there a substitute for ricotta cheese?

If you don’t have ricotta, you can use cottage cheese or even mascarpone cheese for a richer texture.

6. Can I use cooked chicken breast instead of rotisserie chicken?

Yes, cooked chicken breast works perfectly in this recipe. Just shred it and use it in place of rotisserie chicken.

7. Can I make this lasagna gluten-free?

Yes, you can use gluten-free lasagna noodles as a substitute for the regular noodles.

8. Can I add more vegetables to the lasagna?

Yes, you can add other vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition.

9. Can I make this lasagna without using cream or half-and-half?

Yes, you can substitute the cream or half-and-half with milk for a lighter version.

10. How do I prevent the lasagna from being watery?

Be sure to cook the noodles al dente and let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes after baking. This will allow the sauce to thicken and prevent it from becoming watery.

Conclusion

Chicken Lasagna is a comforting and delicious alternative to the classic meat-based lasagna. With layers of creamy spinach sauce, ricotta cheese, and shredded chicken, this dish is packed with flavor and texture. Perfect for feeding a crowd or making ahead for busy nights, it’s a dish that will satisfy every palate. Whether served with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad, this Chicken Lasagna is sure to become a go-to recipe for family dinners and special occasions alike.

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