Are you craving a comforting and delicious meal that combines the goodness of lasagna with the flavors of chicken and broccoli? Look no further than this Chicken and Broccoli Lasagna recipe! Perfect for family dinners or special gatherings, this dish is sure to become a favorite.
Ingredients:
- 9 lasagna noodles
- 4 boneless chicken breasts, cut into small cubes
- 12 oz. bag of frozen broccoli, thawed
- 8 oz. shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 1/4 tsp. plus 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 1/2 cups full-fat milk
- 1 tsp. dried basil
- 2 tbsp. olive oil
- 5 tbsp. butter
- 5 tbsp. flour
Directions:
- Prepare the Lasagna Noodles:
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil, add 1 tablespoon of salt, and cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, rinse with cold water, and set aside.
- Cook the Chicken and Broccoli:
- In a medium skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the cubed chicken breasts and cook until fully cooked through. Add the thawed broccoli, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Cook until the onions are translucent. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Make the Sauce:
- In another saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute to make a roux. Gradually whisk in chicken broth and milk. Cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce begins to thicken and coats the back of a spoon. Remove from heat and stir in dried basil, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, grated parmesan cheese, and 1/4 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. Add the cooked chicken and broccoli mixture to the sauce, mixing well.
- Assemble the Lasagna:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9″x13″ baking dish.
- Spread a layer of cooked lasagna noodles evenly on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Spoon a generous layer of the chicken and broccoli sauce mixture over the noodles. Sprinkle with a quarter of the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese. Repeat for a second layer, ending with a final layer of noodles on top.
- Pour any remaining sauce over the top layer of noodles and sprinkle with the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Bake:
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the lasagna is golden brown and bubbling.
- Enjoy:
- Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired. Serve hot and enjoy this delicious Chicken and Broccoli Lasagna with your loved ones!
Serving and Storage Tips:
Once you’ve prepared this delicious Chicken and Broccoli Lasagna, here are some tips to enhance your serving experience and ensure it stays fresh for later:
- Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the Chicken and Broccoli Lasagna hot, directly from the oven for the best taste and texture.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley to add a pop of color and freshness to the dish.
- Pair with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with vinaigrette for a balanced meal.
- Storage Tips:
- If you have leftovers, allow the lasagna to cool completely before storing.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container or tightly covered with foil in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave or oven until heated through. Cover with foil to prevent drying out.
- Freezing Instructions:
- This Chicken and Broccoli Lasagna freezes well. After assembling but before baking, cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 2-3 months.
- When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed. You may need to add a few extra minutes of baking time if baking from frozen.
- Meal Prep Tip:
- Prepare the lasagna ahead of time, refrigerate or freeze, and bake when ready to serve for a convenient meal solution.
By following these serving and storage tips, you can enjoy the flavors of this Chicken and Broccoli Lasagna freshly made or as a convenient leftover meal option. Whether for a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends, this dish is sure to impress!
Variations :
Looking to switch up your Chicken and Broccoli Lasagna recipe? Here are some delicious variations to try:
- Spinach and Mushroom Lasagna:
- Replace the broccoli with sautéed spinach and mushrooms for a earthy, vegetarian twist. Use ricotta cheese mixed with spinach instead of the chicken.
- Alfredo Chicken Lasagna:
- Instead of a tomato-based sauce, use a creamy Alfredo sauce made with heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and garlic. Add cooked chicken and broccoli as usual.
- Pesto Chicken Lasagna:
- Substitute the basil in the sauce with pesto sauce for a flavorful, herby twist. Mix pesto sauce with cream cheese or ricotta for added creaminess.
- Mexican Chicken Lasagna:
- Use corn tortillas instead of lasagna noodles and layer with a mixture of chicken cooked with taco seasoning, black beans, corn, and salsa. Top with shredded cheese and bake until bubbly.
- Cheesy Broccoli Chicken Lasagna Rolls:
- Roll up the chicken and broccoli mixture in cooked lasagna noodles with some extra cheese. Place in a baking dish, cover with marinara sauce, and bake until heated through.
- Vegetarian Option:
- Skip the chicken altogether and double up on the broccoli or add other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots for a hearty vegetarian lasagna.
- Gluten-Free Option:
- Use gluten-free lasagna noodles or replace them with layers of thinly sliced zucchini or eggplant for a low-carb alternative.
- Spicy Chicken Lasagna:
- Add diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick. Garnish with fresh cilantro or green onions before serving.
- Seafood Lasagna:
- Replace the chicken with cooked shrimp or crab meat for a decadent seafood twist. Consider adding a creamy seafood sauce or a touch of lemon zest for brightness.
- Mediterranean Chicken Lasagna:
- Incorporate flavors like sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese into the sauce. Add fresh herbs like oregano and thyme for a Mediterranean flair.
These variations offer a range of flavors and ingredients to suit different preferences and dietary needs while still delivering the comforting essence of a classic Chicken and Broccoli Lasagna. Enjoy experimenting with these ideas to create your own unique twist on this beloved dish!
FAQs:
Here are some frequently asked questions about Chicken and Broccoli Lasagna, along with helpful answers:
- Can I use fresh broccoli instead of frozen?
- Yes, you can use fresh broccoli. Steam or blanch it lightly before adding it to the lasagna for the best texture.
- Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
- Absolutely! Using pre-cooked chicken can save time. Simply shred or dice it and add it to the sauce mixture as directed.
- How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
- Substitute the chicken with extra vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers. You can also use a meat substitute if desired.
- Can I prepare this lasagna ahead of time?
- Yes, you can assemble the lasagna ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake. It may require a few extra minutes of baking time if chilled.
- What can I serve with Chicken and Broccoli Lasagna?
- A fresh green salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables make excellent side dishes to complement the flavors of the lasagna.
- How do I prevent the lasagna noodles from sticking together?
- After cooking the noodles, rinse them with cold water and lay them out on a baking sheet or parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Can I freeze Chicken and Broccoli Lasagna?
- Yes, this lasagna freezes well. Wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap before freezing. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
- How do I know when the lasagna is done baking?
- The lasagna is done when it is golden brown on top and bubbling around the edges. Use a knife to check that the noodles are tender.
- Can I use different types of cheese in this recipe?
- Yes, feel free to experiment with different cheeses like cheddar, provolone, or a blend of Italian cheeses for varied flavors.
- How can I make the sauce thicker or thinner?
- To thicken the sauce, simmer it longer. To thin it out, add a little more milk or broth gradually until reaching the desired consistency.
These FAQs address common queries about preparing, storing, and customizing Chicken and Broccoli Lasagna, ensuring you have all the information needed to make this dish a success every time!
This Chicken and Broccoli Lasagna recipe is a delightful twist on traditional lasagna, offering a hearty and flavorful meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Try it out today and treat yourself to a satisfying dining experience!