Chicken Lasagna Recipe

I made this Chicken Lasagna Recipe for my family last weekend, and honestly, it was one of those meals that brought everyone to the table without me even calling them. The smell of garlic, cheese, and creamy sauce filled the whole house, and by the first bite, I knew it was a keeper. Watching them go quiet — just enjoying it — made all the effort worth it. Let’s just say there weren’t any leftovers, and that’s the best compliment a cook can get!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Chicken Lasagna Recipe is the ultimate comfort meal — creamy, cheesy, and loaded with flavor. It’s perfect for using leftover or rotisserie chicken, and the homemade white sauce makes it taste like something from a cozy Italian café. It’s family-friendly, hearty enough for company, and can easily be prepped ahead for lazy dinners. Every bite feels indulgent but balanced, with tender spinach adding a touch of freshness.

Ingredients (Detailed & Humanized)

Ricotta Mixture

• 15 oz. whole milk ricotta – creamy and smooth for rich layers
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella – gives that stretchy, melty texture
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan – adds a salty, nutty depth
• 1 large egg – binds everything together
• ¼ tsp freshly cracked black pepper – a little warmth and balance

Lasagna

• 1 rotisserie chicken (about 3 cups cooked chicken) – tender, flavorful, and convenient
• ½ Tbsp salt – for seasoning pasta water
• 9 lasagna noodles – the foundation for all those luscious layers
• 4 Tbsp butter – creates a rich base for the white sauce
• 1 yellow onion, diced – adds sweetness and aroma
• 2 cloves garlic, minced – brings that irresistible savory depth
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour – thickens the sauce beautifully
• 2 cups chicken broth – adds savory flavor to the creamy sauce
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning – a lovely blend of herbs for warmth
• ½ tsp salt – enhances all the flavors
• ¼ tsp black pepper – a touch of spice
• ¼ tsp garlic powder – deepens the savory notes
• 1 cup heavy cream – makes the sauce silky and rich
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan – melts in for extra cheesiness
• 3 cups baby spinach, chopped – adds freshness and color
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella – the perfect gooey topping

Directions (Step-by-Step Cooking Guide)

1. Mix the Ricotta Filling: In a medium bowl, combine ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, and pepper. Stir until creamy and smooth. Set aside while you prep the rest.
2. Prepare the Chicken: Remove the skin from the rotisserie chicken and shred the meat using two forks. This gives you tender, bite-sized pieces ready for layering.
3. Cook the Noodles: Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the lasagna noodles until tender. Drain well and set aside — they’ll form the base of your layers.
4. Sauté the Aromatics: In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and garlic, cooking until fragrant and translucent. Your kitchen will smell amazing at this point.
5. Make the White Sauce: Sprinkle in the flour and whisk until it turns golden. Gradually pour in the chicken broth, whisking constantly until smooth and slightly thickened. Add Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, garlic powder, cream, and Parmesan. Stir in the spinach and watch it wilt gently into the sauce.
6. Assemble the Lasagna: Spread 1 cup of sauce over the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Lay 3 noodles over it, then spread one-third of the ricotta mixture and one-third of the chicken. Repeat the layers twice more — sauce, noodles, ricotta, chicken — finishing with sauce on top.
7. Add Cheese and Bake: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella evenly on top. Bake at 375°F for 25 minutes, then broil for 3–4 minutes until golden and bubbling. Watch carefully so it doesn’t over-brown.
8. Serve and Enjoy: Let it cool slightly before slicing. The layers will settle, and each bite will be creamy, savory perfection.

Cultural or Technique Note

This White Chicken Lasagna is a delicious American twist on traditional Italian lasagna. Instead of the usual tomato-based sauce, it uses a creamy Alfredo-style white sauce, giving it a comforting, modern flavor. It’s the perfect blend of Italian comfort and Southern-style indulgence.

Serving Suggestions

• With a crisp green salad for freshness
• Alongside garlic bread for dipping in that creamy sauce
• With roasted vegetables like broccoli or zucchini
• As a cozy Sunday dinner centerpiece

Pro Tips for Success

• Cook a couple of extra noodles in case one tears.
• Stir the sauce continuously to prevent lumps.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best melt and flavor.
• Don’t rush the layering — even layers mean even baking.
• Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing so it holds its shape.
• For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of cream.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overbaking: Once the top turns golden and bubbly, it’s ready. Overbaking can cause the sauce to dry out and the noodles to become tough. Keep an eye on it, especially during those last few minutes under the broiler.
Skipping the sauce base layer: Always spread a little sauce on the bottom of your baking dish before adding noodles. It prevents sticking and helps the first layer cook evenly.
Uneven layers: It’s tempting to rush through assembly, but even layers of sauce, ricotta, and chicken make every bite balanced. Take your time — it’s worth it.
Not draining spinach well: Spinach holds water, and if it’s too damp, your sauce can turn soupy. Gently press out excess moisture before adding it to the pan.
Too little sauce: The magic of this lasagna is its creamy, cheesy texture. Don’t skimp! Each layer should be generously coated so it stays moist and flavorful after baking.

Storage & Reheating

Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3–4 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it even more delicious the next day.
Freezer: Wrap tightly or store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Label with the date so you don’t lose track.
Reheat: Warm on low heat in the oven or on the stovetop with a splash of broth, cream, or water to revive the sauce’s creaminess. Avoid high heat — it can separate the sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I use ground chicken instead of rotisserie?
Absolutely! Just cook it in a skillet first, season lightly, and make sure it’s well-drained before layering. It gives a slightly different texture but works beautifully.

Q2: Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble it a day in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate. When baking from cold, add an extra 10–15 minutes to ensure it heats through evenly.

Q3: Can I use oven-ready noodles?
You can. Just make sure every layer has plenty of sauce so the noodles soften properly in the oven. Dry spots mean undercooked pasta!

Q4: Can I freeze leftovers?
Definitely. Portion it out before freezing for easy grab-and-reheat meals. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat gently in the oven or microwave.

Q5: What cheese works best for the top layer?
Mozzarella gives that classic melty stretch, while Parmesan adds a sharp, salty edge. For a little extra indulgence, try a sprinkle of provolone or fontina for an even creamier melt.

Closing Paragraph

This Chicken Lasagna Recipe is the kind of meal that fills your home with warmth and your heart with comfort. It’s easy enough for a weeknight, yet special enough for guests. Serve it hot and bubbling, share it with family, and don’t be surprised if everyone asks for seconds. You’ll want to make this creamy, cheesy lasagna part of your regular dinner rotation.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so satisfying about watching the cheese bubble and the sauce thicken as this Chicken Lasagna bakes — it’s pure comfort in a dish. I love how it brings my family together around the table every single time. If you try it, make it your own, and enjoy every creamy, cozy bite. Follow me on Pinterest for more cozy, quick, and nostalgic recipes.