This Chicken and Cheese Lasagna is a creamy, comforting baked pasta dish layered with tender chicken, rich cheese sauce, and melted mozzarella. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or make-ahead meals.
Chicken and Cheese Lasagna: Creamy, Cheesy, and Comforting
Chicken lasagna is a delicious twist on classic lasagna, replacing traditional beef with juicy shredded chicken and a rich, cheesy white sauce. Each layer is packed with creamy ricotta, gooey mozzarella, and savory chicken, making it the ultimate comfort food.
This dish is perfect for feeding a crowd or preparing ahead for busy weeknights.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Creamy and cheesy layers
- Great use for cooked chicken
- Perfect make-ahead meal
- Freezer-friendly
- Family-approved comfort food
- Rich, restaurant-style flavor
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Servings: 8
Ingredients
For the Lasagna
- 9 lasagna noodles, cooked
- 3 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
For the Ricotta Layer
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Creamy Sauce
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 cups milk
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Oven
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 2: Cook the Sauce
In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
Whisk in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes.
Slowly add milk, whisking constantly until smooth and thickened.
Add:
- Garlic
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Onion powder
Simmer for 3–5 minutes, then remove from heat.
Step 3: Prepare Ricotta Mixture
In a bowl, mix:
- Ricotta cheese
- Egg
- Italian seasoning
- Salt
- Pepper
Stir until creamy.
Step 4: Assemble the First Layer
Spread a thin layer of creamy sauce in the baking dish.
Add a layer of lasagna noodles.
Top with:
- Chicken
- Ricotta mixture
- Mozzarella cheese
- Sauce
Step 5: Repeat Layers
Repeat layering until all ingredients are used, finishing with:
- Sauce
- Mozzarella cheese
- Parmesan cheese
Step 6: Bake
Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
Remove foil and bake an additional 15 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Step 7: Rest
Let lasagna rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing.
This helps layers set properly.
Step 8: Serve
Cut into squares and serve warm.
Pair with garlic bread or a fresh salad.
Tips for Best Results
Cook Chicken Properly
Use rotisserie chicken or well-seasoned boiled chicken for best flavor.
Don’t Skip Resting Time
This prevents the lasagna from falling apart when cut.
Use Freshly Shredded Cheese
It melts more smoothly than pre-shredded varieties.
Layer Evenly
Even layers ensure balanced flavor in every bite.
Variations
Spinach Chicken Lasagna
Add sautéed spinach between layers.
Buffalo Chicken Lasagna
Mix chicken with buffalo sauce and ranch.
Mushroom Chicken Lasagna
Add sautéed mushrooms for earthy flavor.
Alfredo Chicken Lasagna
Use Alfredo sauce instead of white sauce.
Storage Instructions
Refrigerator
Store covered for up to 4 days.
Freezer
Freeze baked or unbaked for up to 2 months.
Reheating
Warm in oven at 350°F until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use store-bought Alfredo sauce?
Yes, it can replace the homemade white sauce for convenience.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
What cheese works best?
Mozzarella, Parmesan, and ricotta are classic, but provolone also works well.
Final Thoughts
Chicken and Cheese Lasagna is a rich, creamy, and satisfying baked pasta dish that transforms simple ingredients into a comforting family favorite. With layers of tender chicken, velvety sauce, and melted cheese, it’s perfect for cozy dinners, gatherings, or meal prep.