If you love lasagna but want a lighter, quicker, and equally satisfying version, this Chicken Lasagna recipe is exactly what you need. It’s not your usual beef-packed casserole — instead, it features tender chicken, creamy cheese, and your favorite spaghetti sauce, layered perfectly with noodles. With only six main ingredients, you can easily pull this dish together for a comforting family dinner or prep it ahead for freezer meals. Ready to discover how this simple yet flavorful meal can become your new go-to recipe? Let’s dive in.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Lasagna Recipe
This Chicken Lasagna stands out because it combines ease, taste, and versatility all in one dish. First, it uses just six key ingredients, making your shopping list short and sweet. You don’t have to deal with complicated sauces or long prep times. The creamy chicken mixture with cream cheese and mozzarella melts into the noodles and sauce for a smooth, comforting texture that’s perfect for any season.
Second, it’s adaptable. Whether you use fresh chicken breasts or a whole rotisserie chicken you have on hand, this recipe bends to your needs. Plus, you can add in your favorite seasonings or veggies to make it truly yours without losing that comforting lasagna feel. Finally, it’s freezer-friendly, so you can batch cook and have ready-to-go meals on busy days. This recipe brings both convenience and great taste together, making it a winner in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Chicken Lasagna
To make this Chicken Lasagna, gather these simple ingredients. They work in harmony to create a rich, creamy, and satisfying dish.
- 3 boneless chicken breasts, or 1 whole rotisserie chicken (shredded)
- 9 uncooked ready-to-serve lasagna noodles
- 3 chicken bouillon cubes, or 3 teaspoons of chicken paste
- 1 (8-ounce) package of cream cheese, softened
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 (28-ounce) jar of your favorite spaghetti sauce
How to Make Chicken Lasagna: Step-by-Step Directions
Making this Chicken Lasagna is straightforward and rewarding. Here’s how you bring all those delicious ingredients together.
Prepare the Chicken: If using a rotisserie chicken, simply shred it and skip ahead to assembling. If using chicken breasts, start by bringing a pot of water to a boil, adding 2 chicken bouillon cubes or 2 teaspoons of chicken paste. Cook the chicken breasts in this broth for about 20 minutes until no longer pink inside. Remove and shred the chicken. Reserve 1/4 cup of the cooking water.
Cook the Noodles: Cut or break each lasagna noodle into about three-quarters of its length. Even though the noodles are ready to serve, give them a 5-minute boil in the pot of reserved chicken broth to soften and prevent dryness later. Drain and set aside.
Preheat Oven: Get your oven ready at 350°F (175°C). Use an 8-inch square casserole dish for layering.
Mix the Chicken Filling: In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, and the reserved 1/4 cup chicken water. Mix well until creamy and evenly combined.
Layer the Lasagna: Start by spreading half a cup of spaghetti sauce on the bottom of the casserole dish. Place a layer of broken noodles on top of the sauce, fitting pieces together as needed. Spread half of the chicken mixture evenly over the noodles, then spoon 3/4 cup of sauce over the chicken layer.
Repeat Layers: Add another layer of noodles, the remaining chicken mixture, and another 3/4 cup of sauce. Repeat this process once more, finishing with a final noodle layer topped with the rest of the spaghetti sauce and a generous sprinkle of shredded mozzarella.
Bake Covered: Cover the dish tightly with foil. Bake for 35 minutes.
Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes to brown the cheese on top.
Rest and Serve: Once out of the oven, let the lasagna rest for about 5 minutes before cutting. This helps it set and makes serving easier.
By following these steps, you’ll end up with a lasagna that’s creamy, cheesy, and bursting with chicken flavor. The slightly boiled noodles ensure no toughness, and layering keeps every bite balanced.
How to Serve Chicken Lasagna
Serving this Chicken Lasagna can be as simple or as fancy as you want. It’s already a hearty main course, so pairing it with fresh and light sides works best to balance the meal.
Consider a crisp green salad tossed with a lemon vinaigrette or a simple side of steamed vegetables like broccoli, green beans, or asparagus. These sides add freshness and texture contrast to the creamy lasagna.
If you want to elevate the meal, garlic bread or warm dinner rolls are perfect companions, providing a crunchy, buttery bite that soaks up extra sauce.
For a casual family dinner, serve the lasagna straight from the casserole dish, letting everyone scoop out their portions. For guests, you might plate individual slices with a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley on top for a pop of color and flavor.
No matter how you serve it, this lasagna pairs beautifully with classic Italian-inspired sides or simple veggies, making your meal feel complete and satisfying.
Expert Tips for Perfect Chicken Lasagna Every Time
To get the best results with your Chicken Lasagna, keep these expert tips in mind:
- Choose Your Chicken Wisely: Using a rotisserie chicken saves time and adds a smoky depth of flavor. If you prefer fresh chicken breasts, be sure not to overcook them to keep the meat tender.
- Don’t Skip the Noodle Boil: Even though the noodles are ready to use, boiling them briefly ensures they cook fully and prevents dry, crunchy edges in your lasagna.
- Use Room Temperature Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese mixes more easily with the chicken, creating a smooth filling without lumps.
- Reserve the Cooking Water: Adding a small amount of the reserved chicken broth to the filling adds moisture and flavor, preventing dryness in the casserole.
- Layer Evenly: Try to spread the ingredients evenly for consistent flavor in every bite. This also helps the lasagna bake uniformly.
- Let It Rest: Allow the lasagna to sit after baking. This resting time firms up the layers, making slicing easier and presentation nicer.
- Customize with Care: Add spinach, herbs, or spices to suit your taste. For instance, fresh baby spinach or Italian seasoning can boost flavor without overpowering the classic profile.
By following these suggestions, you’ll consistently create a tender, cheesy, and flavorful Chicken Lasagna that impresses every time.
How to Store Chicken Lasagna for Best Results
If you have leftovers or want to prepare this meal ahead, proper storage is key to maintaining flavor and texture.
- Refrigerate: Cover the lasagna tightly with plastic wrap or foil and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When reheating, cover loosely and warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through to avoid drying out.
- Freeze: This recipe freezes beautifully. After assembling, wrap the casserole tightly with foil and plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake covered at 350°F for about 40 minutes, uncovering for the last 10 minutes.
- Reheat Tips: To keep the lasagna moist while reheating, add a splash of water or sauce before covering. Avoid microwaving for large portions as it can make noodles gummy.
Proper storage lets you enjoy this comforting meal any time with minimal effort.
Variations to Make Chicken Lasagna Your Own
One of the best things about this recipe is how easily it adapts to different tastes and preferences. Here are some ideas to personalize your Chicken Lasagna:
- Add Greens: Incorporate fresh baby spinach or thawed frozen spinach for added nutrition and color. Mix it into the chicken and cheese mixture before layering.
- Spice It Up: If you like heat, stir in diced jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or a bit of sriracha into the cream cheese and chicken blend.
- Seasonings: Enhance the Italian flavors by adding oregano, garlic powder, or sautéed onions to the sauce or filling. These little extras bring more depth to the dish.
- Cheese Variations: Try mixing mozzarella with Parmesan or provolone for richer flavor. A sprinkle of Parmesan on top before baking adds a nice golden crust.
- Low Fat Options: Substitute regular cream cheese with low-fat or light versions. You won’t lose much creaminess but will cut down on calories.
- Alternate Sauces: Use marinara, arrabbiata, or a creamy tomato sauce to change up the flavor profile.
Feel free to experiment with these ideas to suit your family’s tastes and keep this dish exciting.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Lasagna
What kind of chicken is best for Chicken Lasagna?
You can use fresh boneless chicken breasts or a rotisserie chicken. Rotisserie chicken is convenient and adds extra flavor, but fresh chicken works well if cooked properly.
Do I need to boil the noodles if they are ready to serve?
Yes, briefly boiling the broken noodles for about 5 minutes helps them soften fully and prevents them from being chewy after baking.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble it a day before, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake. It also freezes well for up to 3 months.
How do I prevent the lasagna from drying out?
Use the reserved chicken broth in the filling to keep it moist. Also, cover the dish with foil during most of the baking time to trap steam.
Can I add vegetables to this lasagna?
Yes, spinach is a popular addition. You can also try mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini, but make sure to sauté or drain them first to avoid excess moisture.
What should I serve with Chicken Lasagna?
A fresh salad, steamed vegetables, or garlic bread pairs wonderfully with this dish to create a balanced meal.
Chicken Lasagna
Ingredients
- 3 pieces boneless chicken breasts or 1 whole rotisserie chicken (shredded)
- 9 pieces uncooked ready-to-serve lasagna noodles
- 3 cubes chicken bouillon or 3 teaspoons of chicken paste
- 1 package cream cheese (8 ounces, softened)
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 jar spaghetti sauce (28 ounces, your favorite)
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: If using a rotisserie chicken, shred it. If using chicken breasts, boil in water with 2 bouillon cubes for about 20 minutes until no longer pink. Remove and shred, reserving 1/4 cup of the cooking water.
- Cook the noodles: Cut each lasagna noodle into three-quarters of its length and boil in reserved chicken broth for 5 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Use an 8-inch square casserole dish for layering.
- Mix the chicken filling: In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella, and the reserved chicken water until creamy.
- Layer the lasagna: Spread 1/2 cup of spaghetti sauce on the bottom of the casserole dish. Layer noodles, half of the chicken mixture, and 3/4 cup of sauce. Repeat layers once more, finishing with noodles and remaining sauce topped with mozzarella.
- Bake covered: Cover tightly with foil and bake for 35 minutes.
- Bake uncovered: Remove foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes to brown cheese.
- Rest and serve: Let the lasagna rest for 5 minutes before cutting to help set the layers.
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