Chicken Lasagna Recipe

If you love creamy, cheesy comfort food, this Chicken Lasagna Recipe is a must-try! I recently made this dish for a family dinner, and it was such a hit that we barely had leftovers. The layers of shredded chicken, velvety white sauce, and gooey melted cheese come together in the most satisfying way.

While preparing this dish, I realized just how simple and cozy homemade lasagna can be. It’s the perfect meal for gatherings, meal prep, or just treating yourself to something hearty. Plus, it gave me time to experiment with other sides like a Strawberry Salad Recipe, which surprisingly paired beautifully with the rich lasagna.

Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better

After making this chicken lasagna a few times, I’ve figured out a few tricks that really take it to the next level. If you’re making it for the first time, here’s what I suggest:

• Use rotisserie chicken – I used store-bought rotisserie chicken for ease and flavor. It saves time and tastes amazing.
• Grate your own cheese – Pre-shredded cheese has added starch that prevents melting. Freshly grated melts smoother and tastes better.
• Cook noodles just right – Boil the lasagna noodles until just al dente. They’ll continue cooking in the oven and stay firm, not mushy.
• Season the sauce well – Taste your white sauce before assembling to make sure it’s seasoned enough. A bit more garlic or salt can make all the difference.
• Let it rest before slicing – Once baked, let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes. It firms up and slices neatly.

Tasty Twists and Recipe Variations

You can easily customize this recipe to suit your dietary needs or taste preferences. I’ve tried a few swaps that worked great and made the dish feel new again!

• Dairy-free version – Swap regular cheese with dairy-free mozzarella and Parmesan. Use almond or oat milk for the sauce.
• Add veggies – I’ve added sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or even zucchini slices between layers for extra nutrition and texture.
• Make it spicy – Mix in red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños with the chicken mixture for a spicy kick.
• Go low-carb – Replace lasagna noodles with thin slices of cooked zucchini or eggplant.
• Try a red & white combo – I sometimes layer in marinara with the white sauce for extra tang and moisture.

You can also explore other chicken recipes that use shredded chicken in creative ways, like chicken enchiladas or creamy chicken pasta dishes.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Having the right equipment makes assembling and baking easier. Here’s what I used:

• Large mixing bowl – To combine the chicken filling ingredients.
• Medium saucepan – For preparing the smooth white sauce.
• Whisk – Essential to avoid lumps while making the roux.
• 9×13 inch baking dish – Ideal for layering and evenly baking the lasagna.
• Spatula or spoon – Helps spread the sauce and fillings without breaking the noodles.
• Oven – To bake the dish until bubbly and golden brown.

How to Serve Chicken Lasagna Recipe?

Presentation matters, especially if you’re hosting guests or meal prepping for the week. I like to pair my lasagna with a crisp, fresh side.

Serve a generous square of lasagna on a warm plate, garnished with chopped parsley or basil for a burst of color. Add a slice of garlic bread and a simple side like an Olive Garden Salad Recipe—it perfectly balances the rich, cheesy flavors. For a family-style meal, bring the whole baking dish to the table and serve straight from it. It’s both homey and inviting!

How to Store Chicken Lasagna

Proper storage is important for keeping leftovers fresh and delicious. Here’s how I handle it:

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container or cover the baking dish tightly with foil. It stays fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Freeze: To freeze, wrap individual portions or the whole tray with plastic wrap, then foil. It freezes well for up to 2 months.
• Reheat: Reheat single servings in the microwave for 2–3 minutes or until hot. For larger portions, bake covered at 350°F (175°C) for about 25 minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This chicken lasagna is more than just delicious—it’s smart, versatile, and satisfying. Here’s why it’ll become a staple in your kitchen:

• Simple to make: You don’t need fancy ingredients or techniques. It’s beginner-friendly and forgiving.
• Great for meal prep: Make it once, and enjoy leftovers for days. It tastes even better the next day!
• Customizable to diets: You can make it gluten-free, dairy-free, or packed with veggies to suit your needs.
• Family-approved flavor: The creamy white sauce and gooey cheese make it irresistible for both kids and adults.
• Perfect for sharing: Ideal for potlucks, family dinners, or hosting guests. Everyone will ask for seconds!

Helpful Tips Before You Cook

Before diving into your lasagna journey, here are some extra things to keep in mind to make sure everything goes smoothly:

• Cook and cool your noodles – After boiling the lasagna sheets, lay them flat on a lightly oiled surface or parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Double the batch – While you’re making one, consider prepping a second for the freezer. Future-you will be thankful!
• Use quality cheese – The better the cheese, the richer the taste. Parmesan from a block adds unbeatable flavor.
• Control the moisture – Avoid overly watery fillings by draining any extra moisture from cooked veggies or meats.
• Bake uncovered for browning – For a golden cheesy top, bake uncovered for the last 10 minutes.

Nancy

Chicken Lasagna Recipe

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 25 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 55 minutes mins

Servings: 6

Course: Main Course

Calories: 450

Ingredients Method

Ingredients

  

• 2 cups shredded cooked chicken – Use rotisserie chicken for added flavor and convenience.
• 1 cup ricotta cheese – Gives the lasagna a creamy texture; full-fat is best for richness.
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese shredded – Freshly shredded melts better than pre-packaged.
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese grated – Adds sharp, salty flavor to balance the creaminess.
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped – Brightens the flavors and adds color.
• 1 tsp garlic powder – Enhances the savory notes.
• Salt & pepper to taste – Adjust based on your preference.
• For the White Sauce:
• 2 tbsp butter – Creates the base of the roux for the sauce.
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour – Helps thicken the sauce.
• 2 cups milk – Whole milk works best for a richer sauce.
• 1 tsp garlic powder – Adds depth of flavor.
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese – Melts into the sauce for creamy texture.
• Salt & pepper to taste – Season to taste once sauce is thickened.
• For Assembling:
• 12 lasagna noodles cooked – Cook al dente and lay flat to prevent sticking.
• 2 cups marinara sauce optional – For added flavor between layers.
• Fresh parsley – For garnish before serving.

Method

 

1. In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken with ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella, ½ cup of Parmesan, chopped parsley, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is evenly mixed. The ricotta adds creaminess while the mozzarella brings the melt. Set the mixture aside while you prepare the sauce.
2. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for about a minute or two to eliminate the raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Let it simmer until thickened. Stir in garlic powder, Parmesan, salt, and pepper, and turn off the heat.
3. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, start by spreading a thin layer of the white sauce. Place lasagna noodles over the sauce, then spoon on some of the chicken filling. Drizzle more white sauce (and marinara if using). Repeat these layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with noodles and white sauce on top.
4. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top layer. This cheese topping creates a beautiful golden crust. Cover loosely with foil and bake for 25–30 minutes or until bubbly and the top is golden brown. Remove foil for the last 10 minutes if you want more browning.
5. Let the lasagna cool for about 10 minutes before slicing. This allows the layers to set and makes serving easier. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and flavor. Serve warm, and enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness.