Creamy Chicken Lasagna with White Sauce

Creamy chicken lasagna with white sauce is a comforting, rich, and cheesy twist on the classic lasagna. Instead of tomato sauce, this version uses a velvety béchamel-style white sauce layered with tender shredded chicken, lasagna noodles, and plenty of melted cheese. It’s a cozy and elegant dish I love making for family dinners or when I want to impress guests with something different.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this chicken lasagna brings a creamy, savory flavor that’s totally different from traditional red-sauce lasagna. The white sauce adds smoothness, the chicken makes it hearty, and the cheese gives it that perfect gooey finish. It’s a meal that feels both indulgent and comforting, and it’s always a hit with everyone at the table.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the lasagna:

• Lasagna noodles (regular or oven-ready)
• Cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
• Mozzarella cheese (shredded)
• Parmesan cheese (grated)
• Ricotta or cottage cheese (optional layer for creaminess)

For the white sauce:

• Butter
• All-purpose flour
• Whole milk
• Garlic (minced)
• Chicken broth
• Salt and pepper
• Nutmeg (optional, just a pinch)
• Fresh parsley or Italian seasoning (optional)

Directions

1. I preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. If I’m not using oven-ready noodles, I boil the lasagna noodles until al dente, then drain and set aside.
3. To make the white sauce, I melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat, then whisk in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to form a roux.
4. I gradually whisk in the milk and chicken broth, then add garlic, salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg. I simmer the sauce for 5–7 minutes until thick and smooth.
5. I stir in a handful of Parmesan cheese and set the sauce aside.
6. To assemble, I spread a thin layer of white sauce on the bottom of the dish, then layer noodles, chicken, ricotta (if using), more white sauce, and mozzarella.
7. I repeat the layers, finishing with noodles, sauce, and a generous topping of mozzarella and Parmesan.
8. I cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes, then uncover and bake for another 15–20 minutes until golden and bubbly.
9. I let the lasagna rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing to help the layers set.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 8 servings.
Prep time: 25 minutes
Cook time: 40 minutes
Rest time: 15 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Variations

Sometimes I add spinach or sautéed mushrooms between the layers for extra vegetables. For a garlicky punch, I roast the garlic before adding it to the sauce. I’ve also made this with leftover turkey or ham instead of chicken. For a little kick, I sprinkle in crushed red pepper flakes or use a blend of Italian cheeses.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, I cover and bake at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave individual slices. It also freezes well—I assemble the lasagna, freeze it unbaked, and then bake from frozen (adding about 20 extra minutes). Baked leftovers can be frozen in individual portions for easy future meals.

FAQs

Can I make this lasagna ahead of time?

Yes, I often assemble it a day in advance, cover it, and refrigerate until I’m ready to bake. It’s a great make-ahead meal.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely. I sometimes use provolone, fontina, or even cream cheese in place of or alongside mozzarella and ricotta.

Is there a shortcut for the white sauce?

If I’m in a rush, I use a jar of Alfredo sauce—but homemade tastes fresher and richer.

Can I make it gluten-free?

Yes, I use gluten-free lasagna noodles and swap the flour in the white sauce for a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch.

What’s the best chicken to use?

I usually use shredded rotisserie chicken for convenience, but any cooked chicken breast or thigh meat works great.

Conclusion

Creamy chicken lasagna with white sauce is one of those meals that feels special and comforting at the same time. I love how the creamy layers, tender chicken, and gooey cheese come together in every bite. Whether I’m feeding a crowd or just treating myself to a delicious dinner, this dish always delivers that warm, homemade feeling.

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