Lasagne is a beloved comfort food, known for its rich layers of pasta, creamy sauces, and delicious fillings. While the classic beef lasagna is popular, chicken lasagne offers a lighter yet equally flavorful alternative. Whether you’re looking for a new family dinner idea or a dish to impress guests, this chicken lasagna recipe will surely become a favorite.
In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about making the perfect chicken lasagna, from ingredients to step-by-step preparation, helpful tips, and FAQs. Let’s dive in!
Table of contents
- Introduction to Chicken Lasagne
- Why Choose Chicken Over Beef for Lasagne?
- Ingredients for Chicken Lasagna
- Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Tips for the Best Chicken Lasagne
- Variations – Adding Your Own Twist
- How to Store and Reheat Chicken Lasagne?
- What to Serve with Chicken Lasagne?
- Health Benefits of Chicken Lasagne
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Introduction to Chicken Lasagne
Lasagne is traditionally made with beef or pork, but using chicken creates a delicious variation with a slightly lighter yet still rich taste. Chicken pairs beautifully with creamy white sauce, making it a fantastic option for anyone looking to change up their usual lasagna recipe.
With the perfect balance of tender chicken, layers of pasta, gooey cheese, and a flavorful sauce, this chicken lasagna recipe will become a staple in your home.
Why Choose Chicken Over Beef for Lasagne?
While beef lasagne is rich and hearty, chicken lasagne offers several advantages:
- Lighter Flavor – Chicken has a milder taste, making the dish less heavy than traditional beef lasagna.
- Healthier Alternative – Chicken is leaner than beef, reducing the overall fat content of the dish.
- Versatility – Chicken pairs well with various sauces, cheeses, and herbs, allowing for more creative variations.
If you love lasagne but want a slightly healthier or different taste, chicken lasagna is an excellent choice.
Ingredients for Chicken Lasagna
To make chicken lasagne, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For the Chicken Filling:
- 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken breast
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup spinach (optional for added nutrition)
For the White Sauce (Béchamel Sauce):
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
For the Layers:
- 9-12 lasagna noodles (pre-cooked or oven-ready)
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup ricotta cheese or cottage cheese
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- ½ cup fresh basil, chopped
Now that we have all the ingredients, let’s move on to the step-by-step cooking process.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Filling
- Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
- Add chopped onions and garlic, sautéing until soft and fragrant.
- Add the shredded chicken, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
- Optionally, mix in spinach for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Cook for 5 minutes, then remove from heat.
Step 2: Make the White Sauce
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Stir in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until golden.
- Gradually whisk in milk and heavy cream, stirring continuously to prevent lumps.
- Add nutmeg, salt, and pepper, and cook until the sauce thickens.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese, then remove from heat.
Step 3: Assemble the Lasagne
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Spread a thin layer of white sauce at the bottom of a baking dish.
- Add a layer of lasagna noodles.
- Spread a portion of the chicken filling over the noodles.
- Add dollops of ricotta cheese and a handful of mozzarella.
- Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used.
- Finish with a generous layer of mozzarella and Parmesan on top.
Step 4: Bake
- Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Tips for the Best Chicken Lasagne
- Use fresh ingredients – Fresh cheese and herbs make a huge difference.
- Let it rest – Resting allows the layers to set for easier slicing.
- Don’t overcook the noodles – If using boiled noodles, cook them al dente to avoid sogginess.
Variations – Adding Your Own Twist
- Chicken Ranch Lasagne – Add ranch seasoning to the white sauce for a flavorful twist.
- Spicy Chicken Lasagne – Mix in red pepper flakes for a hint of spice.
- Veggie-Packed Lasagne – Include zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers.
How to Store and Reheat Chicken Lasagne?
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze unbaked lasagne for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for an extra 30 minutes.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes.
What to Serve with Chicken Lasagne?
- Garlic bread – The perfect side for scooping up extra sauce.
- Caesar salad – A fresh and crisp contrast to the rich lasagne.
- Roasted vegetables – Adds a healthy touch to the meal.
Health Benefits of Chicken Lasagne
- High protein – Helps with muscle repair and growth.
- Rich in calcium – Cheese provides essential nutrients for bone health.
- Versatile and balanced – Includes proteins, carbs, and healthy fats.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make chicken lasagna ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble it, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
2. What’s the best cheese for chicken lasagne?
A mix of mozzarella, Parmesan, and ricotta gives the best texture and flavor.
3. Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken saves time and adds extra flavor.
4. Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free lasagna noodles and substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour in the white sauce.
5. How do I prevent watery lasagne?
Drain the cooked chicken well and allow the lasagna to rest before slicing.
Easy and Delicious Chicken Lasagne Recipe
Equipment
- Large Skillet
- Medium Saucepan
- Mixing Bowl
- Baking Dish
- Whisk
- Oven
Ingredients
For the Chicken Filling
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast shredded
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp salt adjust to taste
- ½ tsp black pepper freshly ground
For the Béchamel Sauce
- 3 tbsp butter
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- ½ tsp nutmeg optional
- ½ tsp salt adjust to taste
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese grated
For the Lasagne Layers
- 9 lasagna noodles pre-cooked or oven-ready
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese shredded
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese for topping
- ½ cup fresh basil chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Heat olive oil in a skillet and sauté the chopped onion and garlic until soft and fragrant.
- Add shredded chicken, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir and cook for 5 minutes, then remove from heat.
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and cook for 1-2 minutes while stirring.
- Gradually whisk in milk, stirring continuously to prevent lumps. Add nutmeg, salt, and Parmesan cheese. Cook until thick and creamy.
- Spread a thin layer of béchamel sauce in a baking dish. Add a layer of lasagna noodles.
- Layer with the chicken mixture, ricotta cheese, mozzarella, and more sauce. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used.
- Top with Parmesan and extra mozzarella cheese. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Let the lasagne rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil.
Video
Notes
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This chicken lasagna recipe is packed with flavor and guaranteed to impress! Try it today, and let us know how it turns out! 🍽️
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Easy and Delicious Chicken Lasagne Recipe | Chicken Lasagna