Get ready to fall in love with the ultimate comfort food: this incredible Chicken Lasagna Bake. This isn’t just another pasta dish; it’s a rich, creamy, and cheesy casserole that combines tender chicken with a velvety homemade white sauce and perfectly cooked lasagna noodles. It’s the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table, perfect for a cozy family dinner yet impressive enough to serve to guests. If you’ve been searching for a standout recipe, your search ends here.
Unlike traditional lasagna, this recipe swaps beef and red sauce for chicken and a luscious, easy-to-make white sauce. The result is a uniquely satisfying dish that feels both elegant and hearty. We’ll walk you through every simple step, from creating the sauce to layering for the perfect bake.
Why This Chicken Lasagna Bake Recipe is a Must-Try
This recipe is designed to be a winner for cooks of all skill levels. We’ve focused on creating maximum flavor with minimum fuss, making it a reliable favorite you’ll return to again and again.
- Unbelievably Creamy: The homemade white sauce (a simple béchamel) is the star, creating a silky texture that coats every layer.
- Simple, Wholesome Ingredients: Made with kitchen staples, you can create a gourmet-tasting meal without a complicated shopping list.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: It’s a fantastic weeknight meal, a potluck superstar, and an ideal dish to prep ahead. For another crowd-pleasing chicken dinner, you have to try this creamy garlic chicken.
- Family-Approved Flavor: The combination of tender chicken and gooey cheese is a guaranteed hit with both kids and adults.
Key Ingredients for Your Casserole
This Chicken Lasagna Bake uses simple ingredients to create its signature creamy and cheesy flavor. Here’s what you’ll need.
For the Creamy White Sauce
- Butter: The rich base for our sauce.
- All-Purpose Flour: This thickens the sauce to the perfect consistency.
- Whole Milk: For that essential creamy, velvety texture.
- Seasonings: A simple mix of garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg enhances the flavor beautifully.
For the Lasagna Layers
- Lasagna Noodles: Use standard or no-boil noodles, whichever you prefer.
- Cooked Chicken: Shredded rotisserie chicken works wonderfully, or you can use cooked and shredded chicken breasts.
- Ricotta Cheese: Provides a classic creamy lasagna texture.
- Egg: Acts as a binder for the ricotta filling, helping it set.
- Fresh Parsley: Adds a touch of freshness and color.
For the Cheesy Topping
- Mozzarella Cheese: For that irresistible, bubbly, golden-brown top.
- Parmesan Cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty flavor to both the filling and the topping.
Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Chicken Lasagna Bake
Follow these simple steps to assemble your delicious casserole. We’ve broken down the process into manageable parts to ensure a perfect result every time.
- Prep Your Ingredients: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the lasagna noodles according to package directions. Cook and shred your chicken if you’re not using a rotisserie chicken.
- Make the Creamy White Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for one minute. Gradually pour in the milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and cook until it has thickened, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese.
- Prepare the Ricotta Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, most of the chopped parsley (save some for garnish), and 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese. Mix until well combined.
- Assemble the Lasagna: Spread a thin layer of the white sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange a single layer of cooked noodles on top. Spread half of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, followed by half of the shredded chicken. Sprinkle with one-third of the shredded mozzarella. Pour about one-third of the white sauce over the top. Repeat the layers one more time. Finish with a final layer of noodles, the remaining white sauce, the rest of the mozzarella, and the remaining Parmesan cheese.
- Bake to Perfection: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the sauce is bubbly.
- Rest and Serve: Let the Chicken Lasagna Bake rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing and serving. This helps the layers set. Garnish with the remaining fresh parsley.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Bake
Want to ensure your lasagna is flawless? Here are a few expert tips.
- Shred Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting as smoothly. For the best cheese pull, buy a block and shred it yourself.
- Don’t Overcook the Noodles: Cook the pasta until it’s just al dente. It will continue to cook in the oven, and this prevents it from becoming mushy.
- Let It Rest: This is the most important tip! Letting the lasagna sit before you cut into it allows the layers to set, ensuring clean, beautiful slices.
- Season Every Layer: A little salt and pepper on the chicken and in the ricotta filling goes a long way in building flavor throughout the dish.
Fun Variations to Try
While this Chicken Lasagna Bake is fantastic as is, it’s also a great canvas for creativity. Feel free to customize it to your liking!
- Spinach and Chicken Lasagna: Add a layer of wilted spinach on top of the ricotta mixture for extra nutrients and flavor.
- Add a Spicy Kick: Mix a pinch of red pepper flakes into the white sauce for a subtle touch of heat.
- Mushroom Medley: Sauté sliced mushrooms and add them along with the chicken for an earthy, savory twist.
- For a Different Vibe: If you’re looking for another unforgettable main course, give this Marry Me Chicken recipe a try!
What to Serve with Your Chicken Lasagna
This dish is wonderfully rich, so it pairs best with simple, fresh sides. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette is a perfect contrast. You can also serve it with garlic bread for dipping into the extra sauce or a side of steamed or roasted green beans.
Storing, Freezing, and Reheating
This casserole is a fantastic make-ahead meal. Here’s how to store it properly.
- To Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- To Freeze: You can freeze the lasagna either before or after baking. Assemble it in a freezer-safe dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before baking as directed.
- To Reheat: Reheat individual slices in the microwave or a toaster oven. To reheat a larger portion, place it in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, absolutely! You can assemble the entire lasagna up to 24 hours in advance. Cover it tightly and store it in the refrigerator. You may need to add 5-10 minutes to the covered baking time since it will be cold.
Certainly! While mozzarella is classic for its meltiness, you could also use a mix of provolone, fontina, or an Italian cheese blend for a different flavor profile.
Yes, this recipe is perfect for using leftover chicken! A shredded rotisserie chicken is a fantastic time-saver, but any cooked, shredded or diced chicken breast or thigh meat will work wonderfully.
To freeze, assemble the lasagna in a freezer-safe dish. Cover it tightly with a layer of plastic wrap and then a layer of aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
This dish pairs beautifully with simple sides that cut through its richness. A crisp green salad, garlic bread, roasted asparagus, or steamed green beans are all excellent choices.
For a single serving, the microwave works well. For larger portions, place the lasagna in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through.
The Best Creamy Chicken Lasagna Bake Recipe
Chicken Lasagna Bake: The Ultimate Creamy Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the lasagna noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually pour in the milk, whisking constantly. Add garlic powder, onion powder, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Simmer, stirring often, until the sauce thickens (about 5-7 minutes). Remove from heat and stir in 1/4 cup of the Parmesan cheese.
- In a medium bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, egg, 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, and chopped parsley until well combined.
- Spread a thin layer of white sauce in the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish. Layer with noodles, half of the ricotta mixture, half of the shredded chicken, one-third of the mozzarella, and one-third of the white sauce.
- Repeat the layers once more: noodles, the remaining ricotta mixture, remaining chicken, another third of the mozzarella, and another third of the white sauce.
- Add a final layer of noodles. Top with the remaining white sauce, the rest of the mozzarella, and the remaining Parmesan cheese.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and continue to bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Let the lasagna rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Notes
Tip 2: Don't skip the resting step! It's crucial for letting the layers set, which makes slicing much cleaner.
Tip 3: Rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver for this recipe.
Share Your Creation!
We are sure this Creamy Chicken Lasagna Bake will become a new favorite in your home. It’s the perfect blend of comfort, flavor, and simplicity. After you’ve enjoyed this delicious meal, we’d love to see it! Share a photo of your masterpiece and tag us on Pinterest. For a sweet finish to your meal, why not try this decadent caramel brownie cheesecake?
