A comforting twist on classic lasagna featuring tender shredded chicken, creamy ricotta, and fragrant basil—all baked to bubbly, golden perfection.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This chicken lasagna offers a delightful alternative to traditional beef or sausage versions. It’s lighter yet just as satisfying, with creamy ricotta, flavorful tomato sauce, and tender chicken. Quick to assemble and perfect for family dinners or meal prep, it’s a dish everyone will appreciate.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
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500 g (1.1 lb) cooked shredded chicken
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9–12 lasagna noodles
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1 cup ricotta cheese
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2 cups tomato sauce
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A handful of fresh basil leaves, chopped
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2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
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Salt, pepper, and oregano, to taste
Directions
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Prepare the chicken filling:
In a mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken with tomato sauce, chopped basil, salt, pepper, and a pinch of oregano. Set aside. -
Assemble the lasagna:
Preheat your oven to 180 °C (350 °F).
Lightly grease a lasagna baking dish.
Spread a thin layer of the chicken-tomato mixture on the bottom.
Place a layer of noodles over the sauce, followed by a layer of chicken mixture, dollops of ricotta cheese, and a sprinkling of shredded mozzarella.
Repeat the layering process (noodles, chicken mixture, ricotta, mozzarella) until ingredients are used—typically two to three layers. -
Top and bake:
Finish with a final layer of noodles, the remaining tomato sauce, and the rest of the mozzarella.
Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes, until the cheese is golden brown and the sauce is bubbly. -
Rest and serve:
Remove from the oven and let the lasagna rest for 5–10 minutes to set.
Garnish with additional fresh basil if desired, then slice and serve warm.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: Serves 6–8 people
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Preparation time: 15 minutes
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Baking time: 30–35 minutes
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Total time: Approximately 45–50 minutes
Variations
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Spinach addition: Add a layer of sautéed spinach between noodles for extra vegetables.
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Cheese blend: Use half Parmesan or provolone alongside mozzarella for a richer flavor.
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Spicy kick: Stir a pinch of red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeño into the chicken filling.
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Gluten-free: Substitute lasagna noodles with gluten-free alternatives or use thinly sliced zucchini.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Cover leftovers and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
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Freezing: Assemble but don’t bake; wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
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Reheating: Bake at 180 °C (350 °F) for 15–20 minutes, or microwave individual slices until heated through.
FAQs
1. Can I use fresh lasagna noodles instead of dry?
Yes. No-boil fresh noodles work well—just ensure you add a bit more sauce to prevent dryness.
2. Is pre-cooked chicken necessary?
Yes. Using cooked shredded chicken reduces the baking time and keeps the dish tender and moist.
3. Can I swap ricotta for cottage cheese?
Yes—cottage cheese is a lighter alternative, though the texture will be slightly different.
4. How do I prevent the lasagna from being watery?
Drain any excess liquid from the chicken and ricotta layers. Let the dish rest before slicing so filling sets.
5. Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble the lasagna and refrigerate it for a few hours before baking; bake when you’re ready to serve.
6. What herbs pair well with basil?
Oregano, thyme, and parsley complement basil beautifully in this dish.
7. Can this be made vegetarian?
Yes. Omit the chicken and use spinach, mushrooms, or roasted vegetables as a hearty filling instead.
8. How can I add extra greens?
Layer in sautéed spinach or kale between the noodle and cheese layers.
9. Can I double the recipe?
Yes—use a larger baking dish or two separate dishes and adjust bake time slightly if needed.
10. How do I get a bubbly, golden top?
Bake uncovered at the end. If the cheese hasn’t browned enough, briefly broil for 1–2 minutes—watch closely to avoid burning.
Conclusion
This Chicken Lasagna with Ricotta and Basil is a delicious, comforting dish that’s easy to make and endlessly adaptable. With creamy layers, tender chicken, and fresh basil, it hits all the right notes for a satisfying family meal. Enjoy every cheesy, flavorful bite!