Chicken Lasagna with Cheese: Easy Step-by-Step Recipe

Chicken Lasagna with Cheese: The Complete Recipe

Introduction

Chicken lasagna with cheese: the complete recipe is a dish combining the best of Italian cuisine with a Brazilian touch. This recipe is perfect for a family lunch or special dinner. Besides delicious, it is a versatile option that pleases every palate. In this article, we explore every detail for preparing perfect chicken lasagna with cheese, from ingredients to step-by-step preparation, including tips to make it even tastier.

Ingredients

To prepare chicken lasagna with cheese, you will need the following ingredients:

Pasta

• 1.1 lb (500 g) lasagna noodles
• Water for cooking the pasta
• Salt to taste

Chicken Sauce

• 1.1 lb (500 g) shredded chicken breast
• 2 tablespoons good-quality olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 can (14 oz / 400 g) peeled tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 cup chicken broth

White Sauce

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 4 cups (1 liter) milk
• Nutmeg to taste
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Assembly

• 10.5 oz (300 g) grated mozzarella cheese
• 3.5 oz (100 g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 7 oz (200 g) sliced ham (optional)
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Preparation

Preparing the Pasta

1. Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, boil salted water and cook the lasagna noodles according to the package directions. Drain and set aside.

Preparing the Chicken Sauce

1. Sauté the Ingredients: In a pan, heat the olive oil and sauté the onion and garlic until golden.
2. Add the Chicken: Add the shredded chicken and mix well.
3. Add Tomato and Seasonings: Add the peeled tomatoes, tomato paste, salt, black pepper, oregano, and basil. Cook over medium heat for about 10 minutes.
4. Add the Chicken Broth: Add the chicken broth and cook 10 more minutes, until the sauce thickens. Set aside.

Preparing the White Sauce

1. Melt the Butter: In another pan, melt the butter over low heat.
2. Add the Flour: Add the flour and mix well, forming a roux.
3. Add the Milk: Gradually add the milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
4. Season: Season with salt, black pepper, and nutmeg. Cook until the sauce thickens. Set aside.

Assembling the Lasagna

1. First Layer: In a large baking dish, spread a layer of chicken sauce.
2. Add the Pasta: Place a layer of lasagna noodles over the sauce.
3. White Sauce: Spread a layer of white sauce over the pasta.
4. Cheese and Ham: Add a layer of mozzarella cheese and, if desired, a layer of ham.
5. Repeat the Layers: Repeat the layers until the ingredients run out, finishing with white sauce and a generous layer of grated Parmesan.
6. Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and bake the lasagna for about 30 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.

Tips for a Perfect Lasagna

• Use fresh ingredients: Whenever possible, use fresh ingredients for a more authentic, delicious flavor.
• Well-seasoned sauce: The secret to good lasagna is in the sauces. Make sure both the chicken sauce and the white sauce are well seasoned.
• Quality cheese: Choose good-quality cheeses, like fresh mozzarella and freshly grated Parmesan.
• Let it rest: After baking, let the lasagna rest a few minutes before serving. This helps set the layers and makes slicing easier.

Recipe Variations

Chicken lasagna with cheese is a recipe that allows many variations. Here are some suggestions:

• Chicken Lasagna with Spinach: Add fresh spinach leaves between the layers for a healthier version.
• Chicken Lasagna with Vegetables: Add grated zucchini, eggplant, or carrot to the chicken sauce to boost the vegetable content.
• Chicken Lasagna with Creamy Cheese: Add creamy Brazilian cheese spread between the layers for a creamy touch and extra flavor.

How to Store and Reheat

Leftover lasagna keeps in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, just cover with aluminum foil and bake in a preheated 350°F (180°C) oven for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also freeze the lasagna before baking. To do so, assemble the lasagna in a freezer-safe baking dish, cover tightly with aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. To bake, go straight from freezer to oven, increasing the cooking time to about 1 hour.

Sides

Chicken lasagna with cheese is a complete dish on its own but can be accompanied by:

• Green Salad: A green-leaf salad with a light olive oil and lime dressing perfectly complements the lasagna’s richness.
• Garlic Bread: Slices of crispy garlic bread are great for scooping up the sauces.
• White Wine: A good white wine, like a Chardonnay, pairs well with chicken and cheese lasagna.

Nutritional Benefits

Although chicken lasagna with cheese is an indulgent dish, it can also offer some nutritional benefits:

• Protein: Chicken is an excellent source of lean protein, essential for building and repairing body tissues.
• Calcium: The cheeses in the recipe are rich in calcium, important for bone health.
• Vitamins and Minerals: Ingredients like tomato, onion, and garlic are rich in vitamins and minerals that support overall health.

Final Thoughts

Preparing chicken lasagna with cheese may seem challenging, but following this detailed guide, you’ll have a delicious, satisfying meal. With fresh ingredients, well-seasoned sauces, and careful assembly, your lasagna is guaranteed to succeed.

Try this recipe next time you want to surprise family or friends with a special dish. Enjoy every layer of flavor and the satisfaction of a homemade dish prepared with love.

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Nutrition Facts (7 oz / 200 g Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	350 kcal
Carbohydrates	30 g
Protein	25 g
Total fat	15 g
Saturated fat	8 g
Dietary fiber	2 g
Sodium	600 mg
Calcium	250 mg
Iron	2 mg

Making chicken lasagna with cheese is a delicious way to bring a touch of sophistication to your table. With this recipe, you’ll have a meal that is both nutritious and irresistibly tasty.

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