Chicken Lasagna Recipe for the Ultimate Comfort Food

Naomi

Everyday Culinary Delights 👩‍🍳

There’s nothing quite like a hot, bubbling dish of lasagna to bring everyone to the table. And when you combine tender chicken, smoky turkey bacon, rich ranch seasoning, and creamy cheeses, you get a comfort food masterpiece that’s hard to resist. This Chicken Lasagna Recipe is everything you love about traditional lasagna—hearty, cheesy, layered perfection—but with a delicious twist that makes it feel fresh and exciting.

I first made this recipe on a chilly Sunday when I wanted something comforting but just a little different from our usual beef lasagna. I had some leftover cooked chicken in the fridge, and the rest of the ingredients were pantry staples. What came out of the oven was pure magic. The cream cheese adds an unexpected silkiness, while the ranch seasoning brings bold, savory flavor that ties everything together. My family went back for seconds (and thirds), and just like that, it earned a permanent spot in our dinner rotation.

This recipe is perfect for family meals, potlucks, or even meal prepping for the week ahead. It’s hearty enough to satisfy everyone at the table, and you can easily pair it with a simple salad or some garlic bread for a full-on comfort food feast.

Let’s get started with the first part of the recipe—assembling that creamy, flavor-packed chicken filling and beginning the layering process.

Ingredients for the Chicken Filling

  • 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken breast
  • 8 slices turkey bacon, cooked and chopped
  • 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
  • 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

STEP 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This gives your oven time to come up to temperature while you prepare the filling and assemble the lasagna layers.

STEP 2: Make the Chicken Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, chopped turkey bacon, ranch seasoning, softened cream cheese, sour cream, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, and 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar. Stir everything together until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This filling should be creamy and thick, full of savory flavor from the ranch and bacon.

Tip: Make sure the cream cheese is soft before mixing. If it’s too cold, it won’t blend well. You can leave it out on the counter for about 30 minutes or microwave it in short bursts until it’s soft but not melted.

Ingredients for the Lasagna Layers

  • 9 cooked lasagna noodles
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 tbsp chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)

STEP 3: Start Layering the Lasagna

Begin assembling the lasagna in a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread a thin layer of the chicken mixture on the bottom of the dish—this helps prevent the noodles from sticking and adds flavor right from the first bite.

Place three lasagna noodles over the filling, then spread a generous layer of the chicken mixture over the noodles. Continue layering: noodles, chicken mixture, noodles, and so on until all the ingredients are used up, ending with a final layer of noodles on top.

Chicken Lasagna Recipe for the Ultimate Comfort Food

Now that we’ve layered up our rich and creamy chicken mixture between tender sheets of lasagna noodles, it’s time to take this dish across the finish line. The next steps are all about moisture, flavor, and achieving that irresistible, golden cheese crust on top.

One of the secrets to keeping this lasagna from drying out during baking is a simple yet unexpected ingredient—milk. It may sound unusual, but adding a bit of milk over the final layer helps everything stay tender and creamy without overpowering the flavors. Once the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the top is lightly golden, this dish becomes everything you crave in a comfort food classic.

Let’s get back into the kitchen and finish off this hearty, crowd-pleasing Chicken Lasagna.

STEP 4: Pour Milk Over the Top Layer

With your lasagna fully layered and the final layer of noodles on top, it’s time to pour the milk evenly over the surface. Use 1/2 cup of milk and drizzle it slowly to make sure it soaks in gently without disturbing the layers. This step helps steam the noodles and keeps the top from drying out during baking.

STEP 5: Add the Cheese Topping

Now comes the part everyone looks forward to—the cheese topping. Sprinkle the remaining 2 cups of shredded mozzarella and 1/2 cup of cheddar evenly over the top layer of noodles. Then, finish with a final sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for that salty, nutty flavor and slightly crisp finish after baking.

Tip: If you want the cheese to brown beautifully and create that golden, bubbly top, make sure the cheese is spread all the way to the edges of the dish. Don’t skimp—it’s the show-stopping finish.

STEP 6: Bake Covered

Cover your baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 25 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt and the layers to heat through evenly.

Covering the lasagna at this stage is key—it locks in moisture and prevents the cheese from burning before everything is cooked.

STEP 7: Finish Baking Uncovered

After the initial 25 minutes, remove the foil and return the dish to the oven. Bake uncovered for another 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and golden brown. This is when your kitchen starts to smell amazing and you know you’re getting close.

Optional Tip: If you like your cheese topping extra golden, you can broil the lasagna for 1 to 2 minutes at the very end. Just keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.

STEP 8: Let It Rest Before Serving

Once it’s out of the oven, don’t be tempted to dig in immediately. Let the lasagna rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing and serving. This resting time allows the layers to set, making it easier to cut and serve neatly.

STEP 9: Garnish and Serve

Right before serving, sprinkle the top with chopped parsley for a fresh touch of color and a little herb flavor. It’s optional, but it gives the lasagna that final polish that makes it look as good as it tastes.

Chicken Lasagna Recipe for the Ultimate Comfort Food

You’ve built the layers, baked it to golden, bubbling perfection, and let it rest—now all that’s left is to dig into this delicious Chicken Lasagna. Whether you’re serving it for Sunday dinner, bringing it to a potluck, or meal-prepping for the week ahead, this dish is pure comfort in every bite.

Before we wrap up, let’s go over some of the most common questions people have when making this recipe. These tips will help you customize, store, and reheat your lasagna like a pro.

1. Can I make this lasagna ahead of time?
Yes, this recipe is perfect for making in advance. Assemble the lasagna completely, cover it with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add an extra 5 to 10 minutes of baking time if you’re starting from cold.

2. Can I freeze chicken lasagna?
Absolutely. You can freeze it either before or after baking. Wrap it tightly with foil and plastic wrap. If frozen unbaked, bake straight from the freezer at 375°F for about 60–75 minutes, covering it with foil for the first 45 minutes. If reheating after baking, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven until warmed through.

3. What kind of chicken works best?
Any cooked chicken breast or rotisserie chicken will work well. Just make sure it’s shredded or chopped finely so it layers easily and blends well with the cream cheese mixture.

4. Can I use regular bacon instead of turkey bacon?
Yes, regular bacon works just as well. Cook it until crispy and chop it before adding it to the filling. The smoky flavor complements the creamy cheese and ranch perfectly.

5. Can I substitute the cream cheese?
You can use a lower-fat cream cheese or Neufchâtel for a lighter version. However, the texture might be slightly less rich, and the filling may be softer.

6. What sides go well with this lasagna?
A crisp green salad or roasted vegetables make great sides. Garlic bread or a warm loaf of crusty bread also pairs beautifully with the creamy layers.

7. How should I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or cover the whole dish with foil and reheat in the oven at 350°F until hot.

Final Thoughts: Comfort Food That Delivers Every Time

This Chicken Lasagna recipe is everything comfort food should be—rich, flavorful, easy to make, and guaranteed to bring smiles to the table. The creamy filling is packed with ranch-seasoned chicken and smoky bacon, and the cheesy layers are gooey and satisfying without being heavy.

What I love most about this dish is how adaptable it is. You can switch up the cheeses, swap in different meats, or add a handful of spinach or cooked mushrooms to sneak in some veggies. It’s a recipe that works for just about any occasion and one that you’ll want to make again and again.

If you try this lasagna, I’d love to hear how it turned out. Leave a comment with your favorite twist or serving idea. And if you’re anything like me, don’t be surprised if it becomes your new go-to whenever you need a cozy, satisfying meal to share with the people you love.

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Chicken Lasagna Recipe for the Ultimate Comfort Food


  • Author: Naomi
  • Total Time: 1 hr 5 min

Description

This Chicken Lasagna is a delicious twist on the classic, layering tender shredded chicken, creamy ricotta, gooey mozzarella, and a flavorful white béchamel sauce. It’s the perfect cozy dish for family dinners or a make-ahead meal.


Ingredients

Scale

For the Lasagna:

  • 9 lasagna noodles, cooked and drained

  • 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie works great)

  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

  • 1 cup ricotta cheese

  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

  • 1 egg

  • 2 cups fresh spinach (optional)

For the White Sauce:

  • 4 tbsp butter

  • 3 tbsp all-purpose flour

  • 2 cups milk

  • 1 cup chicken broth

  • 1 tsp garlic powder

  • ½ tsp onion powder

  • Salt and pepper to taste

  • ½ tsp Italian seasoning


Instructions

1️⃣ Make the white sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute. Slowly whisk in milk and chicken broth. Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Simmer until thickened, about 5–7 minutes. Remove from heat.

2️⃣ Prepare the ricotta mixture: In a bowl, combine ricotta, egg, Parmesan, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until smooth.

3️⃣ Assemble the lasagna: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of sauce. Layer with noodles, half the ricotta mixture, half the chicken, spinach (if using), mozzarella, and sauce. Repeat layers. Top with remaining sauce and mozzarella.

4️⃣ Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake an additional 10–15 minutes until bubbly and golden.

5️⃣ Rest and serve: Let sit for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve hot with garlic bread or a side salad.

Notes

  • Add sautéed mushrooms or zucchini for extra veggies.

  • Make ahead and refrigerate overnight for deeper flavor.

  • Freeze unbaked for up to 2 months—just thaw and bake when ready!

  • Prep Time: 20 min
  • Cook Time: 45 min

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