Chicken Lasagna: A Hearty and Flavorful Italian Classic

Chicken Lasagna is a delightful twist on the traditional Italian dish, featuring layers of tender chicken, creamy béchamel sauce, gooey cheese, and lasagna noodles. Learn how to make this hearty and flavorful casserole that will impress your family and friends with its delicious taste.

Chicken Lasagna is a comforting and satisfying dish that brings together the goodness of lasagna with the rich flavors of chicken. With its layers of succulent chicken, velvety béchamel sauce, and melted cheese, this Italian classic is sure to become a favorite in your household.

Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or a special occasion, Chicken Lasagna is the perfect choice to please everyone’s taste buds and leave them wanting more.

In this article, we will guide you through the process of making Chicken Lasagna step-by-step. From preparing the chicken and sauce to assembling and baking the casserole, you’ll learn how to create a mouthwatering Chicken Lasagna that will become a regular on your dinner table.

Table of Contents

What is Chicken Lasagna?

Chicken Lasagna is a variation of the traditional Italian lasagna that replaces the usual ground meat with tender and flavorful chicken. The layers of lasagna noodles are alternated with a creamy béchamel sauce, shredded chicken, and melted cheese, creating a delicious and hearty casserole.

The combination of chicken and creamy sauce adds a delightful twist to the classic lasagna, making it a comforting and satisfying dish that is perfect for gatherings and family dinners.

The Rich and Savory Flavors

Chicken Lasagna offers a wonderful blend of rich and savory flavors. The tender chicken is infused with a medley of herbs and spices, while the creamy béchamel sauce brings a velvety texture and a touch of indulgence to each bite.

With every layer of lasagna noodles, chicken, and sauce, the flavors meld together, creating a mouthwatering experience that will have you savoring every forkful of this delightful Italian classic.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this hearty and flavorful Chicken Lasagna, gather the following ingredients:

9 lasagna noodles, cooked according to package instructions
3 cups (360g) of cooked and shredded chicken
2 cups (240g) of shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup (60g) of grated Parmesan cheese
2 cups (480ml) of béchamel sauce
1 cup (240ml) of marinara sauce
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1 teaspoon of dried oregano
1 teaspoon of dried basil
1/2 teaspoon of onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Preparation

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
In a large bowl, combine the cooked and shredded chicken with minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well to coat the chicken with the herbs and spices.
In the prepared baking dish, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce at the bottom.
Place three cooked lasagna noodles over the sauce, covering the bottom of the dish.
Spoon half of the seasoned chicken over the noodles, spreading it evenly.
Pour half of the béchamel sauce over the chicken, spreading it to cover the chicken completely.
Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese over the sauce.
Repeat the layers with three more lasagna noodles, the remaining chicken, the rest of the béchamel sauce, and half of the remaining cheeses.
Top with the last three lasagna noodles and the remaining marinara sauce and cheeses.
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the lasagna is heated through.
Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Tips for Perfect Chicken Lasagna

For the shredded chicken, you can use rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken breasts or thighs.
You can prepare the béchamel sauce from scratch or use store-bought for convenience.
Feel free to add layers of sautéed spinach or other vegetables for extra flavor and nutrition.
Let the lasagna rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving to allow the layers to set.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make Chicken Lasagna ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the Chicken Lasagna ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just remember to adjust the baking time accordingly if the lasagna is cold from the refrigerator.

2. Can I freeze Chicken Lasagna?

Yes, you can freeze the Chicken Lasagna before or after baking. Wrap it tightly in aluminum foil and place it in a freezer-safe container. When ready to enjoy, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating in the oven.

3. Can I use other types of cheese?

Yes, you can experiment with different types of cheese, such as cheddar, provolone, or fontina, to add variety to the dish.

Conclusion

Chicken Lasagna is a delightful and flavorful twist on the traditional Italian favorite. With its layers of tender chicken, creamy béchamel sauce, and gooey cheese, this hearty casserole offers a satisfying and comforting dining experience for the whole family.

Now that you have the recipe and tips to make Chicken Lasagna, it’s time to treat your loved ones to this delicious Italian classic. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, Chicken Lasagna will surely impress and delight everyone at the table.