If you’re looking for a seriously comforting meal that’s guaranteed to win hearts at any dinner table, let me introduce you to my forever favorite: Chicken Lasagna. This deliciously hearty casserole layers tender shredded chicken, creamy ricotta, sun-bright spinach, and bubbling cheeses between sheets of perfectly cooked pasta—all blanketed in vibrant marinara. Whether you’re hoping to feed a crowd, create a memorable family dinner, or upgrade your weeknight with something a little special, Chicken Lasagna is a satisfying showstopper every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Chicken Lasagna is in its simplicity: every ingredient plays a starring role in either flavor or texture. Gather these kitchen staples and watch them transform into a mouthwatering masterpiece that’s way easier than it looks.
- Lasagna noodles: Choose traditional or no-boil; cooked just right, these become the luscious layers that hold everything together.
- Olive oil: A quick sauté in olive oil gives the chicken and spices a deeper, richer flavor.
- Cooked chicken breast (shredded): Perfect for using up leftover chicken or simple poached pieces; shred for the coziest texture.
- Ricotta cheese: This creamy layer keeps the lasagna tender and provides that classic Italian flavor.
- Large egg: Mixing this into the ricotta helps bind the filling so it stays beautifully sliceable.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (divided): Melty, stretchy, and irresistible—half gets mixed into the filling, the rest goes on top for a golden finish.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, salty edge to the cheesy crown of the lasagna.
- Fresh spinach (chopped): Packed into the creamy filling for freshness, color, and a sneaky veggie boost.
- Marinara sauce: Use your favorite store-bought or homemade; its tangy warmth ties everything together.
- Italian seasoning: The blend of Italian herbs sets the tone for that classic lasagna aroma.
- Garlic powder: A little goes a long way for deep, savory undertones.
- Salt: Just enough to make every ingredient sing.
- Black pepper: A subtle heat and depth that builds flavor throughout the layers.
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional): Scatter on top for fragrance and a bright pop of color.
How to Make Chicken Lasagna
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Noodles
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F to make sure it’s nice and hot when your Chicken Lasagna goes in. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish—this prevents sticking and makes serving a breeze. Cook your lasagna noodles according to the package instructions, then drain and set them aside in a single layer so they don’t stick together. This small step keeps the pasta perfectly al dente once it bakes up with all those irresistible layers.
Step 2: Flavor the Chicken
While the noodles cool, grab a large skillet and heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add your shredded chicken along with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to coat the chicken and let everything cook together for a couple of minutes—this infuses the meat with rich flavor, making every bite of the Chicken Lasagna pop.
Step 3: Mix the Creamy Filling
In a separate bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, chopped spinach, and half of the shredded mozzarella. This filling bakes up creamy and luscious, and the egg helps everything hold together perfectly. Don’t skip the spinach—it adds freshness and a gorgeous green throughout your Chicken Lasagna.
Step 4: Layer Everything Up
Now for the fun part! Spread half a cup of marinara sauce in your prepared baking dish—this keeps the noodles from sticking and starts the flavor story. Layer three noodles over the sauce. Spread a third of that creamy ricotta mixture on the noodles, top with a third of the chicken, and drizzle with 3/4 cup of marinara. Repeat the layers two more times: noodles, ricotta mix, chicken, sauce. Finish with the last three noodles, pour on the remaining sauce, and scatter the rest of the mozzarella and all the Parmesan over the top for that bubbly, golden finish.
Step 5: Bake and Rest
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes—this keeps things moist as everything melts together. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbling. The aroma at this point is unbelievable! Resist the urge to dive in right away—let your Chicken Lasagna rest for 10 minutes after coming out of the oven. This makes it much easier to slice and keeps the beautiful layers intact.
How to Serve Chicken Lasagna
Garnishes
Once your Chicken Lasagna is ready, a sprinkle of fresh basil or even a little more grated Parmesan can make each slice feel extra special. The basil adds fresh, herby brightness, complementing all that melty cheese and chicken, while a lemon zest twist can add a modern zing if you’re feeling adventurous.
Side Dishes
This dish is wonderfully filling on its own, but I love to serve Chicken Lasagna with a simple green salad tossed in a zippy vinaigrette, or some warm, crusty garlic bread to soak up the extra sauce. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli make it a balanced, colorful meal.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to wow your friends or family, try baking the Chicken Lasagna in smaller ramekins for individual portions, or slice it into squares and layer the slices artfully on a platter. Top each piece with a basil leaf or a little cracked pepper for that restaurant-style look.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Chicken Lasagna keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to four days. Just cover the baking dish tightly with foil or transfer slices to airtight containers. The flavors get even better as they mingle, so leftovers are truly something to look forward to.
Freezing
If you want to plan ahead, this lasagna freezes like a dream. Let it cool completely, then wrap the whole dish or individual pieces tightly in foil and plastic wrap. Label with the date and freeze for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating for best texture.
Reheating
To reheat Chicken Lasagna, cover a slice with foil and warm it in a 350°F oven until hot (about 20-25 minutes). You can also use the microwave for a speedy lunch—just be sure to cover it so the cheese stays nice and soft. If reheating from frozen, allow it to thaw overnight first for even heating.
FAQs
Can I make Chicken Lasagna ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the lasagna up to a day ahead and store it covered in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, you may need to add a little extra time if baking straight from the fridge, but it’s a lifesaver for meal planning or entertaining.
Is there a way to make this lasagna lighter?
You can easily use part-skim ricotta and mozzarella, swap spinach for kale or arugula, or add more veggies like mushrooms or roasted zucchini in the layers. The Chicken Lasagna will still taste indulgent while being a bit lighter!
What’s the best chicken to use?
Cooked chicken breast works great, but don’t hesitate to use rotisserie chicken for convenience or leftover grilled chicken for a subtle smoky flavor. The important thing is that it’s shredded so the layers meld together perfectly.
Can I customize the sauce?
Yes! While classic marinara keeps the flavors familiar and family-friendly, you can absolutely swap in a creamy Alfredo or tomato basil sauce if you’re in the mood for something different. Just make sure you use about the same quantity as the recipe.
How do I keep lasagna from turning out watery?
Be sure to thoroughly drain your noodles, use cooked (not raw) spinach, and don’t add extra liquid to the filling. Letting the Chicken Lasagna rest before slicing also helps set the layers for beautiful, clean pieces.
Final Thoughts
It’s hard to beat the warmth and satisfaction of homemade Chicken Lasagna—each forkful is loaded with comfort and flavor. Whether this becomes your family’s new weeknight go-to or your signature potluck offering, I truly hope you’ll give it a try and share it with someone you love!
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Chicken Lasagna Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in this cheesy and flavorful Chicken Lasagna, a perfect twist on the classic Italian dish. Layers of tender shredded chicken, creamy ricotta, and spinach nestled between lasagna noodles and marinara sauce, topped with a gooey mix of mozzarella and Parmesan. A comforting and satisfying meal for the whole family.
Ingredients
Lasagna Noodles:
- 9 lasagna noodles
Chicken Mixture:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound cooked chicken breast (shredded)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Cheese Mixture:
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups fresh spinach (chopped)
Other:
- 3 cups marinara sauce
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Cook Lasagna Noodles: Cook noodles per package instructions, drain, and set aside.
- Prepare Chicken Mixture: Heat olive oil in a skillet. Add chicken, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Make Cheese Mixture: Combine ricotta, egg, spinach, and half of the mozzarella.
- Layer Ingredients: Start with marinara sauce in dish, layer noodles, ricotta mixture, chicken, and sauce. Repeat twice. Top with remaining cheeses.
- Bake: Cover with foil, bake 25 minutes. Uncover, bake 15-20 minutes until golden. Rest before serving.
Notes
- Enhance with sautéed mushrooms or kale.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 125mg
