Chicken lasagna is a rich, layered dish made with tender chicken, creamy sauce, and soft pasta sheets baked until golden. It combines a savory chicken filling with a smooth white sauce and melted cheese, creating a comforting meal that works well for family dinners or special occasions.
This version uses a simple white sauce instead of a tomato-heavy base, giving the lasagna a creamy texture while still keeping the flavors balanced and satisfying.
What You’ll Need
Ingredients
For the chicken filling
- 400g cooked chicken, shredded
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup mushrooms, chopped
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt to taste
For the white sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
For layering
- 8–10 lasagna sheets (pre-cooked or oven-ready)
- 1½ cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- ½ cup parmesan cheese, grated
Tools
- Large pan
- Saucepan
- Baking dish
- Wooden spoon
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Whisk
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the chicken filling
Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until soft. Add garlic and cook briefly. Stir in chopped mushrooms and cook until they release moisture and soften.
Add shredded chicken, black pepper, oregano, and salt. Mix well and cook for a few minutes until everything is combined. Set aside.
2. Make the white sauce
In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and whisk continuously for about a minute to form a smooth base. Slowly pour in milk while whisking to avoid lumps.
Cook until the sauce thickens. Add salt and black pepper. Stir until smooth and creamy, then remove from heat.
3. Prepare the baking dish
Lightly grease a baking dish. Spread a thin layer of white sauce at the bottom. This prevents sticking and helps the first layer cook evenly.
4. Layer the lasagna
Place a layer of lasagna sheets over the sauce. Add a portion of the chicken filling, followed by white sauce and a sprinkle of mozzarella cheese.
Repeat the layers: pasta, chicken filling, sauce, and cheese. Finish with a final layer of pasta, white sauce, and the remaining mozzarella and parmesan cheese on top.
5. Bake the lasagna
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.
6. Rest and serve
Remove the lasagna from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes. This helps it set and makes slicing easier. Cut into portions and serve warm.
Serving Suggestions
Chicken lasagna pairs well with:
- Garlic bread
- Fresh green salad
- Steamed vegetables
These sides balance the richness of the dish.
Tips for Best Results
Use cooked or leftover chicken to save time.
Whisk the white sauce continuously to keep it smooth.
Do not overfill layers to keep the structure firm.
Let the lasagna rest before cutting to maintain clean slices.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
This dish can be frozen before or after baking for up to one month. Thaw overnight before reheating.
Variations
Add spinach for extra texture and nutrition.
Use a mix of cheeses for a deeper flavor.
Replace mushrooms with bell peppers if preferred.
