How Do You Make Chicken Lasagna? The Ultimate Guide to a Creamy, Cheesy Delight

Craving something warm, cheesy and absolutely delicious? Let me tell you about my favorite comfort food – chicken lasagna! It’s like traditional lasagna’s cooler cousin that swapped out the beef for tender chicken and marinara for a creamy white sauce. I’ve made this dish countless times for potlucks, family dinners, and meal prep, and it’s always a hit!

Today, I’m gonna walk you through making this incredible dish step by step. Whether you’re a kitchen newbie or a seasoned cook looking to try something different, this chicken lasagna recipe is gonna rock your world!

What Makes Chicken Lasagna Special?

Before we dive into the cooking, let’s talk about what makes chicken lasagna so darn good. Unlike traditional lasagna with red sauce and ground beef, chicken lasagna typically features:

• Tender chunks of cooked chicken instead of beef
• A creamy white cheese sauce instead of tomato sauce
• Spinach for added nutrition and flavor
• Multiple types of cheese for maximum flavor

The result? A rich creamy dish that’s both familiar and excitingly different. It’s perfect for those who prefer milder flavors or are looking for a change from traditional Italian-American lasagna.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you’ll need to create this mouthwatering dish

For the Noodles and Filling:

• 9 lasagna noodles
• 2 cups cooked, cubed chicken
• 2 packages (10 ounces each) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and well drained
• 2 cups ricotta cheese
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

For the Cheese Sauce:

• ½ cup butter
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1½ cups milk (whole milk works best)
• 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon black or white pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now, let’s break down this recipe into manageable steps:

Step 1: Prepare the Basics

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook the lasagna noodles according to package directions until al dente (usually 8-10 minutes). Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking.
3. Make sure your frozen spinach is thoroughly thawed and squeezed to remove excess moisture. This is super important to prevent a watery lasagna!
4. Have your chicken cooked and cubed. Pro tip: rotisserie chicken works great for this recipe and saves time!

Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce

1. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and sauté until tender (about 5 minutes).
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
4. Whisk in the flour and salt, cooking until the mixture is bubbly and lightly browned (about 2 minutes). This is your roux!
5. Gradually add the chicken broth and milk, whisking constantly.
6. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, stirring continuously until thickened (about 1 minute).
7. Remove from heat and stir in 2 cups of mozzarella, ½ cup of Parmesan, basil, oregano, and pepper until well combined.

Step 3: Prepare the Ricotta Mixture

In a large bowl, combine:

• 2 cups ricotta cheese
• 2 cups of the remaining mozzarella
• Chopped fresh parsley

Mix well and set aside.

Step 4: Layer Your Lasagna

Now comes the fun part – building those beautiful layers!

1. Spread about ¼ of the cheese sauce on the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Arrange 3 lasagna noodles over the sauce.
3. Spread half of the ricotta mixture over the noodles.
4. Add half of the spinach on top of the ricotta.
5. Sprinkle half of the chicken over the spinach.
6. Pour another ¼ of the cheese sauce over the chicken.
7. Repeat layers: 3 more noodles, remaining ricotta mixture, remaining spinach, remaining chicken, and another ¼ of the sauce.
8. Top with the final 3 noodles and the remaining cheese sauce.
9. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of Parmesan cheese on top.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

1. Bake uncovered in your preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, until the sauce is bubbly and the top is golden brown.
2. Let stand for 15 minutes before serving. This resting time is crucial – it helps the lasagna set up and makes it easier to cut into neat portions.

Pro Tips for the Best Chicken Lasagna

After making this recipe dozens of times, I’ve picked up some tricks that really make a difference:

Prevent a Watery Lasagna

• Squeeze that spinach! I mean really wring it out. I sometimes use a clean kitchen towel to get every last drop of moisture out.
• Don’t rinse your noodles after cooking. The starch helps the sauce cling better.
• If you’re worried about excess moisture, you can reduce the milk slightly in the sauce.

Make-Ahead Options

This dish is perfect for meal prep! You have several options:

• Assemble the entire lasagna up to 24 hours ahead, cover and refrigerate, then bake when needed (you might need to add 10-15 minutes to the baking time).
• Make the sauce and ricotta mixture ahead of time and store separately in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Fully bake the lasagna, let it cool completely, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating Instructions

• For a whole lasagna, reheat covered in a 375°F oven until the center reaches 165°F (about 20-30 minutes).
• For individual slices, the microwave works great! Heat on 70% power for best results.

Variations to Try

Wanna switch things up? Here are some tasty variations:

Buffalo Chicken Lasagna

Add ¼ cup of buffalo sauce to your chicken and include some blue cheese in your cheese mixture for a spicy twist!

Vegetarian Option

Skip the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Add sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini for extra texture and flavor.

Meat Lover’s Version

Use Italian sausage instead of chicken, or do a combo of both for an extra hearty dish.

No-Boil Shortcut

You can use no-boil lasagna noodles to save time. Just make sure your sauce is slightly thinner, as these noodles absorb more liquid during baking.

Serving Suggestions

Chicken lasagna is pretty filling on its own, but I like to serve it with:

• A simple green salad with vinaigrette
• Garlic bread or Italian bread
• Steamed or roasted vegetables
• A glass of crisp white wine (for the adults!)

Storage and Leftovers

Chicken lasagna actually tastes even better the next day! Here’s how to store it:

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Freeze individual portions wrapped in foil and stored in freezer bags for easy grab-and-go meals.
• For best quality, consume frozen lasagna within 3 months.

Common Questions About Chicken Lasagna

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely! It’s one of my favorite shortcuts. Just remove the skin and bones and cube or shred the meat.

Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?

Yes! You’ll need about 1½ pounds of fresh spinach to equal two 10-ounce packages of frozen. Cook it down first, then squeeze out the excess moisture.

My sauce seems too thick/thin. What should I do?

If it’s too thick, add a bit more milk until you reach your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, cook it a bit longer or add a bit more flour mixed with cold water.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Sure thing! Use gluten-free lasagna noodles and substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend in the sauce.

Why This Recipe Works

I’ve been making this chicken lasagna for years, and I think the secret to its success is the balance between the creamy sauce, tender chicken, and the three different cheeses. The mozzarella provides that stretchy, melty goodness, the Parmesan adds a sharp, salty kick, and the ricotta creates a creamy, luxurious texture.

Plus, the spinach not only adds nutrition but also creates a nice color contrast and slightly earthy flavor that complements the chicken beautifully.

Final Thoughts

Chicken lasagna might take a bit of time to prepare, but trust me, it’s worth every minute. There’s something so satisfying about pulling that bubbling, golden-topped dish out of the oven and watching your family’s faces light up.

Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just want to elevate your weeknight dinner game, this chicken lasagna recipe is sure to impress. So grab your apron, preheat that oven, and get ready to create a dish that’ll have everyone asking for seconds!

Now, who’s hungry? Let’s get cooking!