Chicken lasagna is a popular dish that originated in Italy. Lasagna itself is an Italian pasta dish made with layered noodles, meat, cheese, and sauce. It has become widely enjoyed and adapted in various cuisines around the world, including different variations of chicken lasagna. However, the dish's roots can be traced back to Italy, where it has been a beloved and iconic part of Italian cuisine for centuries.


HERE'S A RECIPE FOR CHICKEN LASAGNA:

prep time - 25 mins
cooking time - 50 mins

INGREDIENTS: 
9 lasagna noodles, cooked according to package instructions 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese 2 cups marinara sauce 1/2 cup ricotta cheese 1/2 cup chopped onion 1/2 cup chopped bell peppers 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon dried basil 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon black pepper Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional). 

INSTRUCTIONS: 
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
  2.  In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. 
  3. Add the chopped onion, bell peppers, and minced garlic. Sauté until the vegetables are softened and lightly browned. Add the cooked chicken, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir well to combine and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat. 
  4. Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of the greased baking dish. Place 3 lasagna noodles on top of the sauce, slightly overlapping them. 
  5. Spread half of the chicken mixture over the noodles. Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese on top. Dollop half of the ricotta cheese evenly over the chicken and cheese layer. 
  6. Repeat the layers with another layer of marinara sauce, 3 lasagna noodles, the remaining chicken mixture, and the remaining shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Finish with dollops of ricotta cheese on top. 
  7. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly browned. 
  8. Remove the lasagna from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. 
  9. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired. 
  10.  Serve the chicken lasagna hot and enjoy! 
Note: You can customize this recipe by adding or substituting other vegetables like mushrooms or spinach. You can also use a different type of cheese, such as a blend of mozzarella and cheddar, to suit your taste preferences. 

This chicken lasagna is a comforting and hearty dish that is perfect for a family meal or special occasion.

Tips -  
  • Allow it to cool slightly: Chicken lasagna is best enjoyed when it has cooled down a bit from the oven. This allows the layers to set and makes it easier to cut and serve. 
  • Use a sharp knife: When serving chicken lasagna, use a sharp knife to cut through the layers smoothly without disturbing the structure. This will help in serving neat and tidy portions. 
  • Pair it with a side salad: Chicken lasagna is rich and filling, so pairing it with a side salad can provide a refreshing contrast. A simple green salad or a tomato and cucumber salad can complement the flavors and add some crispness to the meal.