Creamy Chicken Lasagna

If you’re craving comfort food that’s creamy, rich, and utterly satisfying, look no further than this mouthwatering Creamy Chicken Lasagna recipe. Packed with tender shredded chicken, savory vegetables, and layers of creamy sauce, this lasagna is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re serving it for a cozy dinner at home or bringing it to a potluck, it’s guaranteed to impress. So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to dive into layers of deliciousness!

Ingredients:

For the Chicken Mixture:

• 1.5 pounds (about 700g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup spinach, chopped (optional)
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced (optional)

For the Creamy Sauce:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 cups whole milk
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• Salt and white pepper to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)

Other Ingredients:

• 9 lasagna noodles, cooked according to package instructions
• 3 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken Mixture:

1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions and garlic, and sauté until softened and fragrant.
2. Stir in the shredded chicken, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
3. If using, add chopped spinach and sliced mushrooms to the skillet. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are tender. Remove from heat and set aside.

2. Make the Creamy Sauce:

1. In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour to form a roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
2. Gradually pour in the milk and chicken broth, whisking continuously to prevent lumps from forming.
3. Cook the sauce until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
4. Season the sauce with salt, white pepper, and nutmeg (if using). Remove from heat and set aside.

3. Assemble the Lasagna:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
2. Spread a thin layer of the creamy sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
3. Place three cooked lasagna noodles on top of the sauce.
4. Spread half of the chicken mixture over the noodles, followed by a layer of the creamy sauce. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.
5. Repeat the layers, starting with lasagna noodles and ending with mozzarella cheese.
6. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes.
7. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.

4. Serve and Enjoy:

1. Allow the lasagna to cool for a few minutes before slicing.
2. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil, if desired.
3. Serve warm and enjoy every creamy, cheesy bite!

Cook Notes and Variations:

• Vegetarian Option: Skip the chicken and add extra vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or eggplant for a delicious vegetarian version.
• Spice It Up: Add a dash of red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños to the chicken mixture for a spicy kick.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free lasagna noodles and substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend in the creamy sauce.

Keto and Low-Carb Version:

For a keto-friendly or low-carb Creamy Chicken Lasagna, consider the following modifications:

• Low-Carb Noodles: Use thinly sliced zucchini or eggplant instead of traditional lasagna noodles.
• Creamy Sauce: Substitute the all-purpose flour with almond flour or coconut flour to thicken the sauce.
• Dairy-Free Option: Replace the whole milk and Parmesan cheese with unsweetened almond milk and nutritional yeast for a dairy-free alternative.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Q: Can I use precooked rotisserie chicken for this recipe? A: Yes, precooked rotisserie chicken works great and saves you time in the kitchen. Simply shred the chicken and add it to the skillet with the onions and garlic.

Q: Can I freeze leftover lasagna? A: Absolutely! Once cooled, wrap individual portions of lasagna tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store them in the freezer for up to three months. To reheat, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake in the oven until heated through.

Q: Can I prepare this lasagna in advance? A: Yes, you can assemble the lasagna ahead of time and refrigerate it, covered, for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes it a convenient option for entertaining or meal prep.

With its creamy sauce, tender chicken, and layers of cheesy goodness, this Creamy Chicken Lasagna is comfort food at its finest. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or a cozy family dinner, it’s sure to delight everyone at the table. Plus, with the option to customize and