Description
This Easy and Delicious Chicken Lasagne recipe combines tender shredded chicken with creamy béchamel sauce, layers of ricotta and mozzarella cheeses, and aromatic Italian seasoning. Baked to golden perfection, this comforting dish makes a perfect family meal or special dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Mixture
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast (shredded)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion (finely chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper (freshly ground)
Béchamel Sauce
- 3 tbsp butter
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- ½ tsp nutmeg (optional)
- ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
Lasagne Layers
- 9 lasagna noodles (pre-cooked or oven-ready)
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese (shredded)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese (for topping)
- ½ cup fresh basil (chopped)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the correct temperature for baking the lasagne.
- Sauté Aromatics and Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until soft and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Add the shredded chicken, Italian seasoning, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Stir well and cook for an additional 5 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Prepare Béchamel Sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in the all-purpose flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to form a roux. Gradually whisk in the milk, continuing to stir to prevent lumps. Add nutmeg (if using), salt, and grated Parmesan cheese. Cook the sauce until it thickens and becomes creamy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Assemble Lasagne Layers: Begin by spreading a thin layer of béchamel sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Lay down a layer of lasagna noodles. Spread half of the chicken mixture evenly over the noodles, followed by dollops of ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, and a generous spoonful of béchamel sauce. Repeat the layering with remaining noodles, chicken, ricotta, mozzarella, and sauce.
- Add Topping and Bake: Finish with a layer of noodles topped with béchamel sauce, sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese and extra mozzarella cheese on top. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
- Finish Baking: Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- Rest and Garnish: Allow the lasagne to rest for 10 minutes after baking to set before slicing. Garnish with freshly chopped basil and serve warm.
Notes
- Pre-cooked or oven-ready noodles reduce prep time and eliminate the need to boil noodles separately.
- Adjust salt according to taste, especially if using salted cheeses.
- For extra richness, you can add a layer of sautéed mushrooms or spinach.
- Leftover lasagne stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheats beautifully.
- Nutmeg in the béchamel sauce is optional but adds a warm, subtle depth of flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: chicken lasagne recipe, easy chicken lasagne, creamy chicken lasagna, baked lasagne with chicken, Italian chicken pasta bake
