You guys, I have a recipe for Chicken Lasagna that I’m just buzzing to share with you! This is one of those dishes that brings back a flood of delicious memories for me. I remember the first time I tried making it: I was a little scared about tackling lasagna and thought it was reserved for restaurant chefs. But once I dove into it, it turned out to be such a delightful experience! The layers of cheesy goodness and savory chicken were a revelation. Now, it’s one of my go-to comfort foods, perfect for cozy nights and family gatherings.
What I love about this Chicken Lasagna is how versatile it is! You can easily tweak the layers depending on what you have in your fridge or what your family enjoys. Plus, it’s a dish that tends to impress. Who doesn’t love a bubbling, cheesy casserole coming out of the oven? Trust me, this lasagna will surely earn you “kitchen rockstar” points!
What’s in Chicken Lasagna?
Lasagna noodles: These will be the backbone of your dish! I always go for the traditional ones, but feel free to experiment with whole wheat or gluten-free options.
Cooked chicken: Shredded chicken is the star of the show here. I like to use leftover rotisserie chicken—it makes my life easier and adds amazing flavor!
Ricotta cheese: This creamy cheese adds richness and a lovely texture that combines with the other ingredients like a dream.
Spinach: Fresh or thawed from frozen, spinach adds a burst of color and nutrition. It’s also a sneaky way to get some greens into the meal.
mozzarella cheese: The gooey cheese that gets all melty and stretchy? Yes, please! It’s what makes lasagna truly indulgent.
Parmesan cheese: A sprinkle of this savory cheese on top adds an irresistible crispness and extra flavor kick.
Marinara sauce: A good marinara sauce is the secret to tying all the flavors together. I usually opt for store-bought for convenience, but if you have a favorite homemade recipe, go for it!
Egg: The egg helps bind together the ricotta mixture, ensuring that each slice holds its shape while still remaining creamy.
Olive oil, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper: These trusty pantry staples are essential for adding flavor and a bit of warmth to the dish.
Fresh parsley: A little chopped parsley to sprinkle on top gives a wonderful pop of freshness and color when serving!
Is Chicken Lasagna Good for You?
Let’s talk health—because we definitely shouldn’t ignore it even while indulging! This Chicken Lasagna is relatively packed with nutrients thanks to the spinach and chicken.
Spinach: This leafy green is loaded with vitamins A and K, and it’s a great source of iron and calcium. It’s an MVP in any meal!
Chicken: By using lean, shredded chicken, you get plenty of protein which is excellent for muscle repair and keeping you full.
Ricotta cheese: While it’s creamy and indulgent, ricotta is lower in fat compared to some other cheeses, making it a slightly healthier option.
Be mindful, though; lasagna can be a little on the heavy side with all those cheeses and sauces — which is why I like to pair it with a light salad for balance. Also, if you’re watching your sodium intake, consider choosing low-sodium options for the marinara and cheese.
Ingredients
– 9 lasagna noodles
– 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
– 2 cups ricotta cheese
– 3 cups spinach, fresh or thawed frozen
– 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
– 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
– 2 cups marinara sauce
– 1 egg
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1 tsp Italian seasoning
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
This recipe serves about 6-8, depending on how hungry everyone is!
How to Make Chicken Lasagna?
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and get ready to create some magic.
2. Cook the lasagna noodles according to package directions, then drain and set aside.
3. In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Give it a good mix!
4. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with olive oil, then spread a thin layer of marinara sauce at the bottom.
5. Layer 3 lasagna noodles over the sauce, giving them a nice comfy bed!
6. Spread half of the ricotta mixture generously over the noodles.
7. Add half of the shredded chicken next, followed by half of the spinach.
8. Sprinkle a third of the mozzarella cheese over that delicious spinach layer.
9. Let’s do this again! Repeat with another layer: 3 lasagna noodles, the remaining ricotta mixture, remaining chicken, remaining spinach, and another third of the mozzarella cheese.
10. Finish off with the last 3 lasagna noodles on top. Spread the remaining marinara sauce over them.
11. Top everything off with the rest of the mozzarella cheese and the glorious Parmesan cheese.
12. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for about 25 minutes.
13. After that, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the cheese is bubbling and turns a beautiful golden color.
14. Finally, let it cool for about 10 minutes before slicing. Don’t forget to garnish with chopped parsley before serving!
Layer It On: Tips and Variations!
Now, here are a few fun tips for making this dish your own:
– If you want to sneak in even more veggies, sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers are great additions between those layers.
– This lasagna can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge—just bake it right before serving!
– Feeling adventurous? Try swapping out the chicken for ground turkey or even a marinara-style veggie mix if you’re going meatless.
I can’t wait for you to try this Chicken Lasagna! It’s one of my all-time favorites, and I bet it’ll make its way into your heart (and dinner rotation) just like it did mine. If you make it, let me know how it turns out! Happy cooking, my friends!
