The Ultimate Chicken Lasagna Recipe: A Comfort Food Classic Reinvented

Lasagna is the undisputed king of comfort food. Its layers of pasta, rich sauce, and bubbling cheese have warmed hearts and filled bellies for generations. But what happens when you take this Italian-American classic and give it a delicious twist? You get Chicken Lasagna a lighter, yet incredibly satisfying, version that is sure to become a new family favorite.

This recipe moves beyond the traditional ground beef and tomato-based ragù, introducing tender, seasoned chicken and a luxurious, creamy sauce. The result is a wonderfully flavorful and hearty baked pasta dish that offers a delightful change of pace. Whether you’re looking for a spectacular Sunday dinner, a dish to impress guests, or a make-ahead meal for a busy week, this Chicken Lasagna delivers on every front.

In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through every step, from preparing the succulent chicken filling to assembling the perfect, picture-worthy layers. Get ready to create a lasagna that is not only packed with flavor but also boasts a perfect structural integrity no soupy mess here!

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Lasagna

• A Flavorful Twist on a Classic: The combination of chicken with herbs and a creamy sauce provides a sophisticated and deeply savory alternative to traditional lasagna.
• Crowd-Pleasing & Family-Friendly: It’s a guaranteed hit with both adults and children, making it perfect for potlucks, holidays, and family gatherings.
• Excellent for Making Ahead: You can assemble the entire lasagna a day in advance and simply pop it in the oven when you’re ready, making it a lifesaver for busy schedules.
• Surprisingly Easy to Make: While it has multiple components, each step is straightforward and simple, resulting in a dish that looks and tastes like it came from a professional kitchen.

Essential Ingredients for the Perfect Chicken Lasagna

For the best results, use high-quality, fresh ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Chicken Filling:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1.5 pounds (about 700g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into small cubes
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• ½ cup dry white wine (optional, but recommended for depth of flavor)

For the Creamy Sauce (Béchamel-Based):

• ½ cup (1 stick / 115g) unsalted butter
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 4 cups whole milk, warmed
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
• Salt and white pepper, to taste
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided

For the Cheese Layer & Assembly:

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 12 no-boil (oven-ready) lasagna noodles
• Cooking spray or extra butter for greasing

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Follow these steps carefully for a flawlessly executed Chicken Lasagna.

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Filling

1. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Season the cubed chicken with salt, pepper, oregano, basil, and thyme. Add it to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink.
4. If using, pour in the white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let the wine reduce by half. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 2: Create the Creamy White Sauce

1. In a medium-sized saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to form a pale golden paste (this is a roux). Do not let it brown.
3. Gradually pour in the warm milk and chicken broth, whisking continuously to prevent any lumps from forming.
4. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Continue to whisk until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 5-7 minutes.
5. Remove from heat and stir in the garlic powder, nutmeg, salt, and white pepper. Then, whisk in ½ cup of the grated Parmesan cheese until smooth. Set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Ricotta Mixture

1. In a small bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, chopped parsley, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until well blended. This will add a rich, creamy layer to the lasagna.

Step 4: Assemble the Lasagna Layers

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
3. Layer 1 (Bottom): Spread ½ cup of the creamy white sauce evenly over the bottom of the dish. This prevents the noodles from sticking.
4. Layer 2: Place 4 oven-ready lasagna noodles over the sauce.
5. Layer 3: Spread half of the ricotta mixture evenly over the noodles.
6. Layer 4: Spoon half of the cooked chicken filling over the ricotta.
7. Layer 5: Pour 1 cup of the creamy sauce over the chicken, spreading it gently.
8. Layer 6: Sprinkle ½ cup of shredded mozzarella and 2 tablespoons of Parmesan cheese.
9. REPEAT Layers: Add another 4 noodles, the remaining ricotta, the remaining chicken, another 1 cup of sauce, and another ½ cup of mozzarella.
10. Final Layer: Place the last 4 noodles on top. Pour the remaining creamy sauce over the noodles, ensuring they are completely covered. Top with the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella and the rest of the Parmesan cheese.

Step 5: Baking to Perfection

1. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil.
2. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
3. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
4. For an extra-golden top, you can broil for the last 1-2 minutes, but watch it closely to prevent burning.
5. CRUCIAL STEP: Once out of the oven, let the lasagna rest for at least 15-20 minutes before cutting. This allows the layers to set, making it much easier to slice into clean portions.

Serving Suggestions and Tips

• Serving: Serve generous squares of this Chicken Lasagna alongside a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli also make excellent accompaniments.
• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or the entire dish, covered with foil, in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warm.
• Freezing: This lasagna freezes beautifully. Assemble it completely but do not bake it. Wrap the entire dish tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking as directed, adding 10-15 minutes to the covered baking time if needed from cold.

We hope you enjoy creating and savoring this magnificent Chicken Lasagna as much as we do. It’s more than just a meal; it’s a warm, cheesy, and comforting experience that brings people together. Buon Appetito