Chicken and Broccoli Lasagna is a delightful twist on the classic Italian dish, offering a creamy, cheesy, and savory experience that is both comforting and satisfying. This dish combines tender pieces of chicken, nutritious broccoli, and rich cheese, all layered between sheets of perfectly cooked lasagna noodles. The first time I made this lasagna, it quickly became a family favorite. It’s a great way to enjoy a traditional comfort food with a bit of a healthier spin, thanks to the addition of broccoli. This recipe is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any occasion where you want to impress your guests with a delicious, hearty meal. The process of making this lasagna is straightforward, and the end result is a delectable dish that everyone will love.
Ingredients
9 lasagna noodles
4 boneless chicken breasts, cut into small cubes
12 oz. bag of frozen broccoli, thawed
8 oz. shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves minced garlic
1/4 tsp. plus 1 tbsp. salt
1 cup chicken broth
1 1/2 cups full-fat milk
1 tsp. dried basil
2 tsp. olive oil
5 tbsp. butter
5 tsp. flour
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Lasagna Noodles
Boil the Noodles:
Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
Add 1 tablespoon of salt to the boiling water.
Add the 9 lasagna noodles to the pot.
Cook the noodles for 7-8 minutes, or until they are tender.
Drain and Rinse:
Drain the cooked noodles in a colander.
Rinse the noodles with cold water to prevent them from sticking together.
Set the noodles aside.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken and Vegetables
Cook the Chicken:
Heat 2 teaspoons of olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat.
Add the chicken cubes to the skillet.
Cook the chicken until it is fully cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic.
Sauté the vegetables until the onions are translucent and fragrant, about 4-5 minutes.
Add the thawed broccoli to the skillet and cook for another 2-3 minutes, until the broccoli is heated through.
Remove the skillet from the heat and set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce
Make the Roux:
In a separate saucepan, melt 5 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
Once the butter is melted, add 5 teaspoons of flour to the pan.
Stir constantly to form a roux, cooking for about 1 minute until it is lightly golden.
Add the Liquids:
Gradually whisk in 1 cup of chicken broth and 1 1/2 cups of full-fat milk.
Continue to whisk until the sauce begins to thicken, about 5-7 minutes.
Season the Sauce:
Once the sauce has thickened, remove it from the heat.
Stir in 1/4 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of dried basil, 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, and 1/4 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese.
Mix until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
Combine Chicken and Vegetables:
Add the cooked chicken and vegetable mixture to the sauce.
Stir until everything is well combined.
Step 4: Assemble the Lasagna
Prepare the Baking Dish:
Lightly grease a 9″x13″ baking dish with cooking spray or a small amount of olive oil.
Layer the Lasagna:
Place a layer of cooked lasagna noodles on the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
Spread a generous layer of the chicken and broccoli sauce mixture over the noodles.
Sprinkle a quarter of the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
Repeat the Layers:
Repeat the layering process with the remaining noodles, sauce, and cheese.
Make sure the final layer is a topping of noodles, covered with any remaining sauce and sprinkled with the remaining cheese.
Step 5: Bake the Lasagna
Bake:
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius).
Cover the lasagna with aluminum foil.
Bake the lasagna in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
Finish Baking:
Remove the foil from the lasagna.
Continue to bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese on top is golden brown and bubbling.
Step 6: Serve
Cool and Serve:
Once the lasagna is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes.
This resting period allows the layers to set, making it easier to slice and serve.
Enjoy:
Cut the lasagna into squares and serve hot.
Pair it with a fresh green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Variations and Substitutions
Vegetarian Option:
Replace the chicken with a medley of sautéed vegetables such as mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach.
Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for the sauce.
Gluten-Free Version:
Substitute the regular lasagna noodles with gluten-free lasagna noodles.
Use a gluten-free flour blend to make the roux for the sauce.
Different Proteins:
Use turkey or ground beef instead of chicken for a different flavor profile.
Try adding crumbled bacon or pancetta for an extra savory touch.
Cheese Variations:
Experiment with different cheeses such as fontina, gouda, or provolone to enhance the flavor.
Add a layer of ricotta cheese mixed with an egg and some spinach for a richer, creamier lasagna.
Conclusion
Chicken and Broccoli Lasagna is a delicious and comforting dish that combines the best of classic lasagna with a healthy twist. The tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and rich, cheesy sauce create a delightful harmony of flavors and textures. This recipe is perfect for family dinners, gatherings with friends, or any occasion where you want to serve a hearty and satisfying meal. The flexibility of the recipe allows for numerous variations to suit different tastes and dietary preferences, making it a versatile addition to your cooking repertoire. Enjoy making this delightful lasagna and savor every bite of its creamy, cheesy goodness.
