Lasagna night! Is there anything better than gathering around the table with family and digging into a cheesy, comforting pan of lasagna? It’s always been a favorite in our house. But, let’s be real, sometimes you just don’t have *hours* to spend making the traditional beef version. That’s where my Chicken Lasagna Recipe comes in! It’s seriously a lifesaver on busy weeknights.
My picky-eater nephew, Liam? He *loves* this chicken lasagna! And that’s saying something. He usually turns his nose up at anything with too many “green things” (parsley!), but he devours this. I’ve been making this recipe for years, tweaking it here and there until it was absolutely perfect – the right balance of cheesy, saucy, and oh-so-delicious. Trust me, you’re gonna want to bookmark this one.
Plus, it’s a bit lighter than the classic beef lasagna, so you can feel good about serving it. It’s hearty, satisfying, and honestly? Just plain yummy. So, if you’re looking for a quicker, easier, and equally delicious lasagna option, you’ve come to the right place!
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Lasagna Recipe
Quick and Easy Chicken Lasagna Recipe
Seriously, you can whip this up faster than ordering takeout! Minimal prep, simple steps – dinner’s on the table in under an hour. What’s not to love?
Family-Friendly Flavor
Even the pickiest eaters will gobble this up! The mild chicken and cheesy goodness are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. My kids ask for it every week!
Lighter Take on a Classic
Craving lasagna but not the heavy feeling afterward? This chicken version is lighter than traditional beef, so you can indulge without the guilt. Yay!
Ingredients for Your Scrumptious Chicken Lasagna Recipe
Alright, let’s gather our goodies! Here’s what you’ll need to make this amazing Chicken Lasagna Recipe. Don’t skimp on the cheese – it’s what makes it so good!
- Grab about 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Cook ’em however you like – boiled, baked, or even a rotisserie chicken from the store works great in a pinch! Just shred it up.
- You’ll need one 15-ounce container of ricotta cheese. I usually go for full-fat because, well, why not? But part-skim works too if you’re watching those calories.
- ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Freshly grated is *always* better, trust me.
- ¼ cup of chopped fresh parsley. I like flat-leaf parsley, but curly works just fine.
- One large egg, beaten.
- 1 teaspoon of salt. I’m a sea salt kinda gal, but regular table salt is just dandy.
- ½ teaspoon of black pepper. Freshly ground? Yes, please!
- 6 lasagna noodles, cooked. Now, you can use oven-ready noodles to save time. But if you’re using regular noodles, cook ‘em according to the package directions until they’re al dente. You don’t want mushy lasagna!
- 2 ½ cups of marinara sauce. Store-bought is totally fine (I won’t tell!), but if you’re feeling fancy, homemade is amazing.
- And last but not least, 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese. Low-moisture, part-skim or whole milk – your call!
How to Make the Best Chicken Lasagna Recipe: Step-by-Step Instructions
Okay, ready to get cooking? This Chicken Lasagna Recipe is super easy to put together. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious dinner on the table in no time! Don’t worry if you mess up a little – it’ll still taste great!
Preparing for Your Chicken Lasagna Recipe
First things first, let’s get that oven preheating to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). You don’t want to forget this step! While the oven’s warming up, grab a 9×13 inch baking dish and lightly grease it. I usually just use a little cooking spray. This will help prevent the lasagna from sticking – nobody wants a stuck lasagna!
Assembling the Chicken Lasagna Recipe Layers
Now comes the fun part: layering! Start by spreading about 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly across the bottom of the baking dish. Next, layer 3 lasagna noodles over the sauce. Then, spread half of the ricotta cheese mixture over the noodles. Top *that* with half of the shredded chicken and about ½ cup of mozzarella cheese. Now, repeat those layers: sauce, noodles, ricotta mixture, chicken, and mozzarella. Make sure you distribute everything evenly so every bite is perfect!
Finally, top with the remaining noodles and marinara sauce. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over the top. Don’t be shy with the cheese – it’s what makes it extra yummy!
Baking Your Perfect Chicken Lasagna Recipe
Pop that beautiful Chicken Lasagna Recipe into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until it’s golden brown and bubbly. Keep an eye on it! If the cheese starts to get too brown, you can tent it with foil. Once it’s done, let it stand for about 10 minutes before serving. This helps it set up a bit so it’s easier to slice. You can also use a toothpick to check if it’s heated through. Just poke it in the center – if it comes out warm, you’re good to go!
Tips for a Perfect Chicken Lasagna Recipe
Want to take your Chicken Lasagna Recipe from good to *amazing*? Here are a few little tricks I’ve learned over the years. These’ll help you avoid common pitfalls and really make those flavors sing!
Preventing Soggy Chicken Lasagna Recipe
Nobody likes a watery lasagna! To avoid a soggy mess, try draining your ricotta cheese first. Just put it in a cheesecloth-lined strainer for about 30 minutes. Also, don’t overcook your noodles! They should be al dente, not mushy. Trust me on this one!
Boosting the Flavor of Your Chicken Lasagna Recipe
Want to kick things up a notch? Add a pinch of Italian seasoning or some red pepper flakes to the ricotta mixture. You could also use a richer, more flavorful marinara sauce. My favorite part is fresh basil sprinkled on top after baking. Mmm!
Chicken Lasagna Recipe Variations
Okay, so you’ve got the basic Chicken Lasagna Recipe down. But what if you want to mix things up? No problem! This recipe is super versatile. Here are a couple of fun twists to try. Get creative!
Vegetarian Chicken Lasagna Recipe
Want a meat-free version? Easy peasy! Just skip the chicken and load it up with veggies instead. Sautéed spinach, zucchini, mushrooms, bell peppers – whatever you like! It’s a delicious and healthy twist.
Spicy Chicken Lasagna Recipe
Feeling fiery? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the ricotta mixture or use a spicy marinara sauce. You could even toss in some chopped jalapeños. Careful, it splatters! This’ll give your Chicken Lasagna Recipe a serious kick!
Serving Suggestions for Your Chicken Lasagna Recipe
Alright, your Chicken Lasagna Recipe is baked to bubbly perfection. But what should you serve with it? Here are a few ideas for side dishes that’ll make your meal complete. Get ready for a feast!
Classic Sides for Chicken Lasagna Recipe
You can’t go wrong with a simple side salad! A crisp garden salad with a light vinaigrette is always a winner. Garlic bread is another classic – who can resist warm, garlicky bread? Or, for a healthier option, try some roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus. Yum!
Storing & Reheating Your Chicken Lasagna Recipe
Made too much Chicken Lasagna Recipe (is that even possible?). No worries! Here’s how to store those leftovers and reheat them safely so they taste just as good the second time around. Safety first, folks!
Storing Leftover Chicken Lasagna Recipe
Let your lasagna cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil. You can also portion it out into individual containers. It’ll keep in the fridge for 3-4 days. Want to freeze it? Wrap it well in plastic wrap, then foil, and it’ll last for up to 2-3 months. Don’t forget to label it!
Reheating Chicken Lasagna Recipe
Oven’s the best way to reheat! Preheat to 350°F (175°C), cover the lasagna with foil, and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. In a hurry? The microwave works too! Just cover it with a paper towel and microwave for a few minutes, checking frequently. Careful, it can get super hot!
Chicken Lasagna Recipe: Frequently Asked Questions
Got questions about this Chicken Lasagna Recipe? I bet you do! Here are a few of the most common ones I get asked. Don’t be shy – I’m here to help you make the *perfect* lasagna!
Can I use No-Boil Noodles for this Chicken Lasagna Recipe?
Yep, you totally can! It’s a great time-saver. But, heads-up: no-boil noodles tend to soak up more liquid, so you might want to add a little extra marinara sauce to keep things nice and saucy. Nobody wants dry lasagna!
Can I Freeze this Chicken Lasagna Recipe Before Baking?
Absolutely! Assemble the lasagna as directed, then wrap it *really* well with plastic wrap and foil. It’ll keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, thaw it in the fridge overnight, then bake as usual. Easy peasy!
What is the Best Way to Reheat Chicken Lasagna Recipe?
Okay, oven’s definitely the *best* way – it helps keep that cheesy goodness melty and the noodles from getting soggy. But, if you’re short on time, the microwave works too! Just nuke it in short bursts until it’s heated through. Careful not to overcook it!
Chicken Lasagna Recipe: Nutritional Information
Okay, so you’re curious about the nutritional info for this Chicken Lasagna Recipe? I get it! Just keep in mind that the exact numbers can vary *a lot* depending on the specific ingredients and brands you use. So, this is just a general estimate, not an exact science, okay?
Enjoyed This Chicken Lasagna Recipe? Leave a Comment!
Made this Chicken Lasagna Recipe? Let me know how it turned out! Leave a comment below and don’t forget to rate the recipe. I love hearing from you!
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Chicken Lasagna Recipe: Vanquish Dinner in 1 Hour
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
Delicious and easy-to-make chicken lasagna, perfect for a family dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
- 1 (15 ounce) container ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 6 lasagna noodles, cooked
- 2 1/2 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
- In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, salt, and pepper.
- In a 9×13 inch baking dish, spread 1 cup of marinara sauce.
- Layer 3 lasagna noodles over the sauce.
- Spread half of the ricotta cheese mixture over the noodles.
- Top with half of the shredded chicken and 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese.
- Repeat layers: sauce, noodles, ricotta mixture, chicken, and mozzarella cheese.
- Top with remaining noodles and marinara sauce.
- Sprinkle remaining mozzarella cheese over the top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.
- Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- You can use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- For a spicier lasagna, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the ricotta cheese mixture.
- Feel free to substitute other cheeses, such as provolone or Monterey Jack.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 100mg