Chicken Lasagna

Chicken lasagna stands out for its unique combination of ingredients, making it an excellent alternative to the traditional beef or vegetable lasagna. With its layers of pasta, shredded chicken, and creamy spinach sauce, this dish offers a hearty meal that is both comforting and nutritious. It’s perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or a cozy weeknight dinner. Plus, it’s easy to prepare, especially if you use leftover chicken or a store-bought rotisserie chicken.

The layers of flavor in chicken lasagna are delightful! The creamy spinach sauce complements the chicken beautifully, while the gooey mozzarella cheese pulls everything together, creating a satisfying dish. Whether you are a novice cook or an experienced chef, chicken lasagna is a fantastic recipe to try.

Ingredients about Chicken Lasagna

List of ingredients with measurements

To make chicken lasagna, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 9 lasagna noodles, cooked al dente
• 4 cups shredded rotisserie chicken (or cooked from 2 lbs chicken breast)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 4 tablespoons 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, coarsely chopped
• 2 teaspoons sea salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 15 oz ricotta cheese
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated
• 3 cups mozzarella cheese (about 12 oz, divided)

Optional ingredient substitutions

You can make a few substitutions if needed. For example:

• Instead of lasagna noodles, you can use whole wheat noodles or gluten-free options.
• Use any leftover chicken or even turkey if you prefer.
• You can replace heavy cream or half and half with a low-fat milk alternative for a lighter version.
• If you want to skip spinach, consider other leafy greens like kale or cooked broccoli.
• Feel free to add vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini for extra nutrition and flavor.

How to Make Chicken Lasagna

Step 1: Cook the Lasagna Noodles

Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the lasagna noodles in a large pot of salted water until they are tender but still slightly firm to the bite, which is known as “al dente.” Follow the package instructions for cooking time. Once cooked, drain the noodles and allow them to cool. You can lay them flat on a clean kitchen towel or a baking sheet to prevent sticking.

Next, shred the rotisserie chicken into bite-sized pieces using two forks or your hands. If you prefer cooking chicken breast, boil or bake the chicken until fully cooked, then shred.

Step 2: Prepare the Spinach Cream Sauce

In a medium saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the finely chopped onion and sauté until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning. After the onions are softened, add 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter to the pan.

Once the butter has melted, whisk in 1/3 cup of all-purpose flour. Cook this mixture for about 1-2 minutes until it turns golden brown, forming a roux. Gradually whisk in 2 1/2 cups of chicken broth and 1 1/2 cups of half and half. Season the mixture with 2 teaspoons of sea salt and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Continue whisking until the sauce thickens, which takes about 5-7 minutes.

Once thickened, remove it from heat and stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and 5 oz of chopped fresh spinach. The residual heat will wilt the spinach. Set aside this delicious spinach cream sauce.

Step 3: Prepare the Ricotta Cheese Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine 15 oz of ricotta cheese, 1 large egg, 1/4 cup of chopped parsley, 1/4 cup of grated parmesan cheese, and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated. This will be your creamy ricotta filling, which adds creaminess and flavor to your lasagna.

Step 4: Assemble the Lasagna

To start assembling your lasagna, pour a small amount of the spinach cream sauce into the bottom of a 9×13 casserole dish to prevent sticking. Create your first layer by placing 3 lasagna noodles over the sauce. Spread half of the ricotta cheese mixture over the noodles, followed by half of the shredded chicken and a layer of the spinach cream sauce.

Repeat the layering process: add another layer of 3 lasagna noodles, the remaining ricotta mixture, the rest of the shredded chicken, and more spinach cream sauce. Finish with the last layer of 3 noodles on top, followed by the remaining spinach cream sauce. Sprinkle the top generously with the remaining mozzarella cheese to create a bubbly, cheesy crust.

Step 5: Bake

Cover the casserole dish with foil and bake it in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. This allows all the flavors to meld and the lasagna to heat through. After 45 minutes, remove the foil and switch your oven to broil. Broil for about 2-3 minutes, keeping a close eye to ensure the cheese doesn’t burn, until it’s golden and bubbly.

Once done, remove the chicken lasagna from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This resting period helps the layers set and makes for easier serving.

How to Serve Chicken Lasagna

Best ways to serve Chicken Lasagna

When serving chicken lasagna, the presentation is key. Cut the lasagna into squares and serve on individual plates. You can garnish each piece with additional chopped parsley or basil for a pop of color and freshness. This dish pairs beautifully with a side salad or garlic bread to soak up any extra sauce.

Serving suggestions or pairings

Some great sides to complement your chicken lasagna include:

• Caesar Salad: The crisp romaine lettuce and Caesar dressing provide a refreshing contrast to the rich lasagna.
• Garlic Bread: Whether toasted or fresh, garlic bread is perfect for rounding out the meal.
• Steamed Vegetables: Lightly steamed broccoli or green beans can add color and nutrition to your dinner table.
• Wine Pairing: A glass of Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio can elevate the meal, balancing the savory flavors of the lasagna.

How to Store Chicken Lasagna

Proper storage methods

If you have leftovers, storing chicken lasagna properly is essential to keep it fresh. Allow the lasagna to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Alternatively, you can keep it in the same casserole dish, covered tightly with foil or plastic wrap.

Store the lasagna in the refrigerator if you plan to eat the leftovers within a few days. Chicken lasagna can generally be kept in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.

Tips for reheating or freezing

To reheat, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the lasagna with foil and bake for about 20-30 minutes until heated through. If you’re reheating individual portions, you can use the microwave, heating in 30-second increments until warm.

If you’d like to prepare the lasagna for future meals, you can freeze it before baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Chicken lasagna can be frozen for up to 3 months. To bake from frozen, remove the foil, cover with foil, and bake at 375°F for about 1 hour, then remove the foil and bake until bubbly.

Tips to Make Chicken Lasagna

Common mistakes to avoid

1. Overcooking the noodles: Make sure to cook the lasagna noodles just to al dente. They will continue cooking while baking, so you don’t want them too soft initially.
2. Skipping the resting time: Allowing the lasagna to rest for at least 10 minutes after baking lets the layers set, making it easier to slice and serve.
3. Not seasoning enough: Don’t be shy with the salt and pepper in the spinach cream sauce; seasoning is vital for flavor!

Helpful tips for better results

• Use freshly made or high-quality ricotta cheese for the best flavor and texture in your lasagna. You can even make your own ricotta at home for an extra special touch.
• Consider using a variety of cheeses for depth of flavor. Mixing in other cheeses, like provolone or fontina, can give your lasagna a unique taste.
• For added flavor, try incorporating Italian herbs like basil, oregano, or thyme into the sauce or ricotta mixture.
• Experiment with different vegetables based on season or preferences—adding mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini can provide additional textures and flavors.

Variation of Chicken Lasagna

Suggested variations or twists on the recipe

Chicken lasagna is very versatile and can be tailored to suit different tastes and preferences. Here are some fun variations:

• Buffalo Chicken Lasagna: Add some buffalo wing sauce to the shredded chicken for a spicy kick. You can top it with ranch dressing or blue cheese crumbles before serving.
• Pesto Chicken Lasagna: Replace the spinach cream sauce with a homemade or store-bought pesto to introduce a fresh, aromatic flavor.
• Mexican Chicken Lasagna: Layer with black beans, corn, and salsa, and use spices like cumin and chili powder for a twist on flavors.

Adjustments for dietary preferences

• Vegetarian version: Omit the chicken and substitute with vegetables like roasted eggplant, zucchini, and mushrooms. Use a vegetable broth instead of chicken broth in the sauce.
• Low-carb option: For a lower-carb dish, consider using thin slices of zucchini or eggplant instead of lasagna noodles, creating a veggie-packed version that is still hearty.
• Dairy-free: Substitute dairy ingredients with plant-based alternatives like almond milk or coconut milk for the sauce and use dairy-free cheese.

FAQs

What can I do if the dish isn’t turning out right?

If your chicken lasagna is watery, it may be because of excess liquid from the vegetables or chicken. Make sure to drain any excess liquid before layering. If it’s not baking evenly, check your oven temperature with an oven thermometer to ensure it’s accurate.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the lasagna a day in advance, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it until you are ready to bake. For longer storage, prepare it and freeze it for up to 3 months. Just remember to adjust baking time if you are cooking it straight from the freezer.

What can I substitute for ingredients?

There are many substitutions you can make based on availability or dietary needs. For example, you can use ground turkey instead of chicken, non-dairy cheese for a dairy-free version, and various types of noodles, such as gluten-free. Experiment with flavors by trying different cheeses or herbs based on what you love!

With this comprehensive guide, you now have everything you need to create a delicious chicken lasagna that your family will enjoy. Whether you follow the classic recipe or make a variation, this dish is sure to be a hit!

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