If you’re a fan of rich, indulgent comfort food, Creamy Chicken Lasagna is about to become your new favorite. This twist on the classic lasagna swaps red sauce for a luscious, creamy white sauce and layers of tender chicken, gooey cheese, and tender lasagna noodles.
Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep, this dish is hearty, satisfying, and bursting with flavor. It’s also a great way to switch things up when you want something different from the traditional Italian classic. Let’s dive into this creamy, cheesy masterpiece!
Ingredients
For the Chicken Mixture:
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced, rotisserie works great!)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded)
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the White Sauce:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk (warmed)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For Assembly:
- 9 lasagna noodles (cooked according to package instructions)
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese (shredded)
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
- Chopped parsley (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the White Sauce
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Gradually whisk in the warm milk and chicken broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
- Add the garlic powder, onion powder, nutmeg (if using), salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Chicken Mixture
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, basil, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
Step 3: Assemble the Lasagna
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Spread a thin layer of white sauce on the bottom of the dish.
- Lay 3 lasagna noodles over the sauce.
- Spread ⅓ of the chicken mixture over the noodles, then spoon ⅓ of the white sauce on top. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.
- Repeat the layers two more times, finishing with a layer of white sauce and topping with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
Step 4: Bake
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
Step 5: Serve
- Let the lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.
Tips
- Make Ahead: Assemble the lasagna up to a day in advance and refrigerate. Bake it fresh when ready to serve.
- No-Boil Noodles: If using no-boil lasagna noodles, ensure the white sauce is slightly thinner to help soften the noodles as they bake.
- Shortcut Chicken: Use store-bought rotisserie chicken to save time.
- Customize It: Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or broccoli for extra vegetables.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerate: Store leftover lasagna in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Assemble the lasagna, but don’t bake it. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen at 375°F for about 1 hour, covering with foil if needed.
- Reheat: Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire dish in the oven at 350°F until heated through.
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the white sauce.
- Alfredo Swap: Use your favorite store-bought Alfredo sauce in place of the homemade white sauce for convenience.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free lasagna noodles and a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the sauce.
- Seafood Lasagna: Replace the chicken with cooked shrimp or crab meat for a seafood twist.
Nutrition Details
Per Serving (Approximate, based on 8 servings):
- Calories: 430
- Total Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
- Sodium: 670mg
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 5g
- Protein: 28g
FAQ
Can I make this lasagna without ricotta cheese?
Yes, you can substitute cottage cheese or additional mozzarella for the ricotta.
What sides go well with creamy chicken lasagna?
A crisp green salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables pair wonderfully with this rich dish.
Can I use precooked lasagna sheets?
Absolutely! Adjust the sauce consistency slightly to ensure the noodles soften during baking.
How do I avoid a runny lasagna?
Let the lasagna rest after baking to allow the layers to set before slicing.
