Sarah’s Chicken Lasagna: A Creamy, Cheesy Delight!

Chicken lasagna is a delicious twist on the classic Italian dish. This recipe, affectionately known as Sarah’s Chicken Lasagna, is a crowd-pleaser, known for its creamy sauce, tender chicken, and layers of cheesy goodness. It’s perfect for a family dinner, potluck, or even a special occasion. This recipe provides detailed instructions for even novice cooks to achieve lasagna perfection.

Why Sarah’s Chicken Lasagna is Special

* **Creamy and Flavorful:** The secret lies in the rich and creamy béchamel-based sauce infused with herbs and spices. This sauce perfectly complements the chicken and cheese.
* **Tender Chicken:** Using pre-cooked chicken (rotisserie or leftover cooked chicken) simplifies the process, ensuring the chicken is tender and juicy.
* **Customizable:** You can easily adapt this recipe to your preferences by adding vegetables, changing the cheese blend, or adjusting the spice level.
* **Make-Ahead Friendly:** Lasagna is a fantastic make-ahead dish. Prepare it a day or two in advance and bake it when you’re ready to serve.
* **Comfort Food at its Best:** This lasagna is the ultimate comfort food – warm, cheesy, and satisfying.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you start, gather all the ingredients. This will make the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.

**For the Chicken Mixture:**

* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1 medium onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 teaspoon dried oregano
* 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
* 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
* 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie chicken works great!)
* 1 (15-ounce) container ricotta cheese
* 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* 1 large egg, lightly beaten
* Salt and pepper to taste

**For the Béchamel Sauce:**

* 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
* 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
* 4 cups milk (whole or 2%)
* 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
* Salt and pepper to taste

**Other Ingredients:**

* 9 lasagna noodles (oven-ready or traditional)
* 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
* Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)

## Step-by-Step Instructions: Creating Sarah’s Chicken Lasagna

Follow these detailed instructions to create a lasagna that will impress your family and friends.

### 1. Prepare the Chicken Mixture:

* **Sauté the Aromatics:** In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using) and cook for another minute until fragrant.
* **Combine with Chicken and Cheese:** In a large bowl, combine the sautéed onion mixture with the shredded or diced cooked chicken, ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, and beaten egg. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed. Set aside.

### 2. Make the Béchamel Sauce:

* **Melt the Butter:** In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the all-purpose flour. Cook, whisking constantly, for 1-2 minutes until the mixture is smooth and slightly golden. This is called a roux.
* **Gradually Add the Milk:** Gradually whisk in the milk, about 1 cup at a time, ensuring each addition is fully incorporated before adding the next. This will prevent lumps from forming.
* **Simmer and Thicken:** Bring the sauce to a simmer, whisking constantly. Reduce the heat to low and continue to simmer, whisking occasionally, until the sauce has thickened to a coating consistency, about 5-7 minutes. The sauce should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
* **Season and Flavor:** Remove the sauce from the heat and stir in the ground nutmeg, salt, and pepper to taste. Set aside.

### 3. Assemble the Lasagna:

* **Preheat the Oven:** Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
* **Prepare the Baking Dish:** Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
* **Layer the Ingredients (for traditional noodles):** If using traditional lasagna noodles, cook according to package directions. Drain well.
* **Layer the Ingredients (Oven Ready Noodles):** Spread a thin layer of béchamel sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Place three lasagna noodles over the sauce, slightly overlapping if necessary.
* **Add Chicken and Cheese:** Spread half of the chicken mixture evenly over the noodles. Sprinkle with one-third of the mozzarella cheese. Drizzle with one-third of the remaining béchamel sauce.
* **Repeat Layers:** Repeat the layers: three more lasagna noodles, the remaining chicken mixture, another one-third of the mozzarella cheese, and another one-third of the béchamel sauce.
* **Final Layer:** Top with the remaining three lasagna noodles, the remaining béchamel sauce, and the remaining mozzarella cheese.

### 4. Bake the Lasagna:

* **Cover and Bake:** Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
* **Uncover and Brown:** Remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown.
* **Rest Before Serving:** Remove the lasagna from the oven and let it rest for at least 10-15 minutes before cutting and serving. This allows the lasagna to set properly and makes it easier to slice.

### 5. Garnish and Serve:

* **Garnish:** Garnish with fresh chopped parsley (optional).
* **Serve:** Serve warm and enjoy!

## Tips and Variations for the Perfect Chicken Lasagna

Here are some tips and variations to help you customize this recipe to your liking:

* **Use Rotisserie Chicken:** Rotisserie chicken is a convenient and flavorful option for this recipe. It saves time and adds a delicious smoky flavor.
* **Add Vegetables:** Incorporate vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for added nutrients and flavor. Sauté the vegetables before adding them to the chicken mixture.
* **Spice it Up:** Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the chicken mixture for a spicier kick.
* **Cheese Variations:** Experiment with different cheese blends. Try using provolone, Monterey Jack, or a combination of cheeses.
* **Make it Gluten-Free:** Use gluten-free lasagna noodles to make this recipe gluten-free.
* **Make-Ahead Instructions:** Assemble the lasagna and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Add an extra 15-20 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
* **Freezing Instructions:** Assemble the lasagna and freeze it before baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking. Add an extra 20-30 minutes to the baking time if baking from frozen.
* **Herbs:** Fresh herbs can elevate the flavor of your lasagna. Consider adding fresh basil, oregano, or thyme to the chicken mixture or béchamel sauce.
* **Salt and Pepper:** Taste and adjust the seasoning of both the chicken mixture and the béchamel sauce. Proper seasoning is key to a flavorful lasagna.
* **Don’t Overcook the Noodles (If using traditional):** Overcooked lasagna noodles will become mushy. Cook them al dente, so they hold their shape during baking.
* **Even Layers:** Ensure that the layers of chicken mixture, cheese, and sauce are evenly distributed for a consistent flavor in every bite.
* **Use a Good Quality Cheese:** The quality of the cheese can significantly impact the flavor of your lasagna. Use a good quality mozzarella and Parmesan cheese for the best results.
* **Let it Rest:** Allowing the lasagna to rest for at least 10-15 minutes after baking is crucial. This allows the lasagna to set, making it easier to slice and preventing it from being too runny.

## Serving Suggestions

Sarah’s Chicken Lasagna is a complete meal on its own, but here are some serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:

* **Garlic Bread:** Serve with warm garlic bread or crusty bread for soaking up the delicious sauce.
* **Side Salad:** A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the lasagna.
* **Roasted Vegetables:** Roasted asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts make a healthy and flavorful side dish.
* **Wine Pairing:** A light-bodied red wine like Pinot Noir or a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc pairs well with chicken lasagna.
* **Dessert:** Finish the meal with a light dessert like fruit salad, tiramisu, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

*Please note that the nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes.*

* Calories: 450-550 per serving
* Protein: 30-40g per serving
* Fat: 25-35g per serving
* Carbohydrates: 30-40g per serving

## Sarah’s Chicken Lasagna: A Recipe Worth Sharing

Sarah’s Chicken Lasagna is more than just a recipe; it’s a culinary experience. The combination of creamy sauce, tender chicken, and layers of cheesy goodness makes it a dish that’s sure to please. Whether you’re cooking for your family, hosting a dinner party, or simply craving a comforting meal, this lasagna is a perfect choice. With easy-to-follow instructions and customizable options, you can create a lasagna that’s tailored to your taste. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a slice of heaven! This chicken lasagna will surely become a staple in your kitchen.

Enjoy every cheesy, creamy bite!