Chicken Parmesan Lasagna: The Ultimate Comfort Dish
A cheesy, crowd-pleasing casserole that blends Italian classics into one satisfying meal.
Chicken parmesan and lasagna rank among the most beloved Italian-American comfort foods—so what happens when you combine both in one hearty, satisfying dish? Enter Chicken Parmesan Lasagna! This crowd-pleasing casserole weaves together tender chicken, rich marinara sauce, creamy ricotta, and layers of melty cheese to deliver a dinner destined to become a family favorite.
Why Chicken Parmesan Lasagna?
Classic chicken Parmesan and traditional lasagna each have their devoted fans. This hybrid recipe brings the best of both worlds by stacking all the signature flavors in luscious layers:
- Tender rotisserie chicken for supreme convenience and flavor
- No-boil noodles to streamline assembly
- Plenty of cheese: Mozzarella, Parmigiano-Reggiano, and creamy ricotta
- A crispy garlic-panko topping that echoes breaded chicken cutlets
Perfect for Sunday dinners, potlucks, meal prep, or whenever you need a big, bubbly tray of comfort food to feed a hungry crowd!
Ingredients You’ll Need
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Whole-milk ricotta cheese | 3 cups | Creamy texture; use whole milk for richness. |
| Shredded mozzarella cheese | 2 cups (about 8 oz.), divided | Signature stretch and melt. |
| Grated parmesan cheese | 1/2 cup, divided | Adds nutty, sharp flavor. |
| Marinara sauce | 2 jars (24-oz. each) | Choose your favorite store-bought or homemade! |
| No-boil lasagna noodles | 12 sheets (from one 8-oz. box) | For ease—no pre-boiling needed. |
| Chopped rotisserie chicken | 4 cups | Short-cut for speed and flavor. |
| Salted butter | 2 tablespoons | For making the crunchy topping. |
| Panko breadcrumbs | 1 cup | Lighter and crispier than traditional breadcrumbs. |
| Garlic | 1 clove, minced | For aromatic depth. |
| Fresh parsley leaves | 2 sprigs, chopped | For freshness. |
| Kosher salt | To taste | Essential seasoning. |
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Mix cheesy filling: In a medium bowl, whisk together ricotta, 1 cup mozzarella, and 1/4 cup of the parmesan. This forms the creamy, crave-worthy base for your lasagna layers.
- Prepare the baking dish: Spread about 1 1/2 cups of the marinara sauce in a 9-by-13-inch baking dish. This prevents noodles from sticking and infuses flavor from the bottom up.
- Layer the lasagna:
- Add 4 no-boil noodles in a single layer, breaking them as needed to fit.
- Spread one-third of the ricotta mixture evenly over the noodles.
- Scatter one-third of the chopped chicken over the cheese.
- Pour another 1 1/2 cups of marinara sauce atop.
- Repeat twice more:
- Layer 4 noodles, half of the remaining ricotta, half of the remaining chicken, and 1 1/2 cups of sauce.
- Add final 4 noodles, remaining ricotta, remaining chicken, and last of the sauce.
- Finish with a generous sprinkle of the remaining 1 cup mozzarella and 1/4 cup grated parmesan.
- Make the crispy garlic-breadcrumb topping:
- In a large microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter.
- Stir in the panko, minced garlic, chopped parsley, and a pinch of kosher salt until well combined.
- Scatter this mixture evenly over the top of your lasagna.
- Bake the lasagna:
- Cover the pan with foil.
- Bake at 400°F for about 20 minutes, until the cheese melts.
- Uncover and continue baking another 20 minutes, until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- For an extra crispy topping, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end—but watch closely!
- Cool and serve: Let the lasagna rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the layers set and makes serving easier.
Expert Tips for Perfect Chicken Parm Lasagna
- Shredded rotisserie chicken offers both flavor and convenience, but any leftover roast or poached chicken will work.
- Use whole-milk ricotta for the richest flavor and creamiest texture. If using part-skim, the filling will be lighter but less decadent.
- No-boil noodles dramatically cut down prep time and readily absorb rich flavor as they bake. If using regular noodles, be sure to cook them first until al dente.
- A 9-by-13-inch baking dish ensures perfect proportions and even cooking. Glass or ceramic pans are preferred for casserole-style bakes.
- The crispy panko topping is key—it mimics the crunch of classic chicken Parmesan breading, adding both texture and flavor.
- Let the lasagna rest after baking for cleaner slices and flavor meld.
Serving Suggestions
A hearty dish like Chicken Parm Lasagna pairs well with lighter accompaniments:
- Crisp green salad dressed with a zingy vinaigrette
- Steamed green beans or roasted broccoli
- Warm garlic bread or soft rolls to soak up every bit of sauce
- A glass of Chianti or your favorite Italian red (for the adults!)
Storing and Reheating Tips
- Store leftovers tightly wrapped in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheat single portions in the microwave, or rewarm larger pieces in the oven at 325°F, covered, until heated through.
- For longer storage, cut cooled lasagna into squares, wrap individually, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before baking to reheat.
Variations and Substitutions
- Gluten-free: Swap in your favorite gluten-free lasagna noodles and ensure all other ingredients are GF-certified.
- Cheese variations: Try mixing in provolone, fontina, or pecorino for a unique twist.
- Vegetable boost: Add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or roasted bell peppers to the layers.
- Spicy: Stir 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes into the marinara for gentle heat.
- Homemade marinara: Use a batch of your preferred homemade sauce for extra depth and freshness.
What others are reading
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I assemble Chicken Parm Lasagna ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can fully assemble the lasagna (with the breadcrumb topping separate; add just before baking) up to 24 hours in advance. Keep it covered in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, allow it to sit at room temperature while your oven preheats.
Q: Can I freeze this lasagna?
A: Absolutely. Assemble (without baking) and freeze tightly covered for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake as directed, adding extra time if needed.
Q: Is there a way to make this vegetarian?
A: Yes, simply omit the chicken and add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted vegetables for a hearty vegetarian option.
Q: What’s the secret to a super-crispy topping?
A: Broil the lasagna for 1-2 minutes at the end of baking, watching closely to prevent burning. The panko and butter combination delivers a crunch reminiscent of classic fried chicken parm.
Q: Can I use homemade chicken instead of rotisserie?
A: Certainly! Poach or roast boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, then chop or shred. Season well for extra flavor.
Chicken Parm Lasagna: A Family Favorite
This Chicken Parmesan Lasagna transforms weeknight dinners and special occasions alike into memorable, mouthwatering feasts. Its make-ahead convenience, abundance of cheese, and irresistible crispy topping are guaranteed to win over both kids and adults. Try it once, and watch it earn a permanent spot in your dinner rotation!
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