This tasty white chicken skillet lasagna is a comforting meal that brings all your favorites together. It’s packed with tender chicken, creamy cheese, and fresh spinach, all in one pan!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Chicken: Shredded rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut here! You can also use leftover grilled or baked chicken. If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, try using sautéed mushrooms or spinach instead.
No-Boil Lasagna Noodles: These save time but if you can’t find them, regular lasagna noodles work too. Just cook them according to the package before adding them to the dish.
Cheeses: Mozzarella brings the melty goodness while Parmesan adds that sharp, nutty flavor. If you’re looking for lighter options, you can use low-fat mozzarella or a cheese blend. For a twist, try adding ricotta cheese!
Milk: I love whole milk for its creaminess, but you can use 2% milk for a lighter version. Almond or soy milk works too, just ensure they are unsweetened varieties.
How Do I Make a Smooth Sauce?
Creating a smooth sauce is crucial for this dish. Use this method for the best results:
- Start with a medium heat to melt the butter, then whisk in the flour to create a roux. This gives your sauce thickness.
- When adding the milk and broth, do it slowly while whisking continuously to prevent lumps from forming.
- Keep stirring until the sauce thickens; it should coat the back of a spoon. If it gets too thick, stir in a bit more milk until you reach your desired consistency.
With these tips, you’ll have a creamy and delicious White Chicken Skillet Lasagna that’s sure to please everyone at the table!
How to Make White Chicken Skillet Lasagna
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Lasagna:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded
- 6 no-boil lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
For the Sauce:
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
For the Cheese Topping:
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For Garnishing:
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This White Chicken Skillet Lasagna will take about 15 minutes to prepare and approximately 25-30 minutes in total for cooking and baking. In just about an hour, you’ll have a hearty meal ready for the table!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure it’s ready to bake our delicious lasagna when we’re done assembling it!
2. Prepare the Sauce:
In a large oven-safe skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and bubbling, whisk in the all-purpose flour. Cook this mixture for 1-2 minutes until it becomes a light golden color and forms a roux.
3. Add Milk and Broth:
Slowly incorporate the whole milk and chicken broth into the roux, whisking constantly to avoid any lumps. Continue cooking and stirring until the sauce thickens up—this should take about 5-6 minutes.
4. Season Your Sauce:
Add in garlic powder, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper to taste. Mix thoroughly and then remove the skillet from the heat. The sauce should be creamy and flavorful!
5. Assemble the Lasagna:
Layer the broken no-boil lasagna noodles over the sauce, making sure they are slightly coated. It’s okay if they overlap a bit! Next, add the diced or shredded cooked chicken evenly on top of the noodles.
6. Add Cheese:
Sprinkle 1 1/2 cups of shredded mozzarella and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese over the chicken layer—this will get all melty and delicious!
7. Heat It Up:
Put the skillet back on medium-low heat for about 5 minutes, letting the cheese start to melt before we bake it.
8. Bake:
Now, it’s time for the oven! Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven (make sure it’s safe for oven use) and bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Once done, carefully remove the skillet from the oven. Garnish with the chopped fresh basil leaves right before serving for that pop of color and freshness.
Enjoy your warm, cheesy, and creamy White Chicken Skillet Lasagna—a dish that’s perfect for family dinners or meal prepping for the week. Happy cooking!
Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover roasted or grilled chicken works perfectly. Just shred or dice it and add it directly to the skillet, making this dish a great way to use up food from previous meals.
What Can I Substitute for the Cheeses?
If you want to make it a bit healthier, you can use reduced-fat mozzarella or a blend of cheeses. For a different flavor, try mixing in some ricotta or adding feta cheese!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in the microwave or on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk if it feels a bit dry.
Can I Freeze This White Chicken Skillet Lasagna?
Yes, this dish freezes well! Once baked, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
