Chicken Lasagna Recipe

This creamy and flavorful chicken lasagna is a comforting twist on the classic dish. Layers of tender shredded chicken, rich white sauce, and creamy ricotta are stacked between soft lasagna noodles and topped with melted mozzarella. Perfect for family dinners or meal prep, this dish is hearty, satisfying, and sure to be a hit at the dinner table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich and Creamy – A velvety white sauce replaces traditional marinara for a luxurious flavor.
• Great Use for Leftover Chicken – Rotisserie chicken works perfectly in this dish, making it quick and easy.
• Family-Friendly – A mild, cheesy, and comforting dish that both kids and adults will love.
• Make-Ahead Friendly – Assemble in advance and bake when ready for a stress-free meal.
• Customizable – Easily adjust the cheese, seasonings, or add vegetables to make it your own.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Chicken Filling:

• 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie works great)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

For the White Sauce:

• 3 tablespoons butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

For Assembly:

• 12 lasagna noodles, cooked
• 1 ½ cups ricotta cheese
• 1 egg
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Directions

1. Prepare the Chicken Filling – In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant. Stir in shredded chicken, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Cook for a couple of minutes, then remove from heat and set aside.
2. Make the White Sauce – In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute, whisking constantly. Gradually add milk and heavy cream, stirring continuously until the mixture thickens. Stir in salt, black pepper, and Parmesan cheese. Remove from heat.
3. Prepare the Ricotta Mixture – In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, egg, and ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese until well combined.
4. Assemble the Lasagna
   • Spread a thin layer of white sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
   • Add a layer of cooked lasagna noodles.
   • Spread a portion of the ricotta mixture over the noodles.
   • Add a layer of the chicken mixture.
   • Sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese and more white sauce.
   • Repeat layers, finishing with white sauce and mozzarella cheese on top.
5. Bake – Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10–15 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbly.
6. Serve – Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 8
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Variations

• Add Vegetables – Mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers can be added to the chicken mixture for extra texture and flavor.
• Use Different Cheeses – Try fontina, provolone, or gouda for a unique twist.
• Spicy Version – Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for some heat.
• Gluten-Free Option – Use gluten-free lasagna noodles and a gluten-free flour alternative for the sauce.
• Lighter Option – Substitute part-skim ricotta and mozzarella and use half-and-half instead of heavy cream to reduce the calorie count.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store leftover lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm in a 350°F oven for 20 minutes or microwave in 1-minute intervals until heated through.

FAQs

Can I make chicken lasagna ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble it up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate it before baking.

How do I prevent the lasagna from becoming watery?

Ensure the white sauce is thickened properly and let the lasagna rest before slicing.

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Yes, rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut for this recipe and adds extra flavor.

What can I serve with chicken lasagna?

Garlic bread, a fresh green salad, or roasted vegetables pair well with this dish.

Can I use no-boil lasagna noodles?

Yes, but you may need to add a little extra liquid to the white sauce to ensure they cook properly.

How can I make this lasagna cheesier?

Increase the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese layers or mix in additional cheeses like provolone or asiago.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, use plant-based butter, milk, and cheese alternatives for a dairy-free version.

How do I prevent the lasagna from falling apart when serving?

Let it rest for at least 10 minutes before cutting to allow the layers to set properly.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute lasagna noodles with pasta sheets or even penne for a casserole-style dish.

How do I store leftovers properly?

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat as needed.

Conclusion

Chicken lasagna is a creamy, comforting dish that’s perfect for a hearty meal. With tender chicken, a rich white sauce, and layers of cheesy goodness, it’s a delicious alternative to traditional beef lasagna. Whether you make it fresh, prepare it ahead, or freeze it for later, this lasagna is a satisfying and crowd-pleasing option for any occasion. Enjoy!