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Layers of tender shredded chicken, creamy white sauce, and gooey cheese come together in this decadent twist on a classic lasagna. It’s rich, flavorful, and perfect for cozy dinners, family gatherings, or any time you want a dish that feels extra special.
Ingredients (Serves 6-8):
For the White Sauce:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk (or half-and-half for extra creaminess)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
For the Filling:
- 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great!)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
For Assembly:
- 12 lasagna noodles (cooked and drained)
- 2 cups baby spinach (optional, for a fresh touch)
Instructions:
- Prepare the White Sauce:
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, whisking constantly to create a roux.
- Gradually pour in the milk, whisking to avoid lumps.
- Cook until the sauce thickens (about 5-7 minutes). Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, Parmesan cheese, and season with salt and pepper. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Prepare the Chicken Filling:
- In a large bowl, mix the shredded chicken, ricotta cheese, 1 cup mozzarella, 1/2 cup cheddar, and 1/4 cup Parmesan. Add the dried basil and oregano, mixing until well combined.
- Cook the Lasagna Noodles:
- Boil the lasagna noodles according to package instructions. Drain and lay flat on a clean towel to prevent sticking.
- Assemble the Lasagna:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Spread a thin layer of white sauce at the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Add a layer of lasagna noodles, followed by 1/3 of the chicken mixture, a handful of spinach (if using), and a drizzle of white sauce. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, ending with a layer of noodles topped with remaining white sauce.
- Sprinkle the top with the remaining mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses.
- Bake:
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Serve:
- Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve with garlic bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal.
Why This Recipe Shines:
- Creamy and Decadent: The white sauce elevates this lasagna to pure comfort food status.
- Perfect for Sharing: A great dish for gatherings or potlucks.
- Customizable: Add mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or swap spinach for kale to suit your tastes.
✨ Pro Tip: To save time, you can make the white sauce and chicken filling a day ahead and assemble the lasagna when ready to bake!
#ComfortFood #ChickenLasagna #WhiteSauceRecipe #FamilyDinner #CheesyGoodness
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