Indulge in the comforting flavors of this Chicken and Broccoli Lasagna, a satisfying meal that combines tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and rich cheeses layered between sheets of lasagna noodles. With a creamy béchamel sauce infused with garlic and basil, this lasagna is sure to become a family favorite. Follow these simple steps to create a delicious and hearty dish that will delight your taste buds and fill your home with irresistible aromas.
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 garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon plus 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 1/2 cups full-fat milk
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 5 tablespoons butter
- 5 tablespoons flour
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
- Cook Lasagna Noodles: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare Chicken and Broccoli:
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until softened and fragrant.
- Add the cubed chicken breasts to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through. Season with 1/4 teaspoon of salt.
- Add the thawed broccoli to the skillet and cook for a few minutes until heated through. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Make Béchamel Sauce:
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour to form a roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Gradually pour in the chicken broth and milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps from forming.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until thickened, stirring frequently.
- Stir in the dried basil and remaining 1 tablespoon of salt. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Assemble the Lasagna:
- Spread a thin layer of the béchamel sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Arrange 3 lasagna noodles over the sauce, slightly overlapping.
- Spread half of the chicken and broccoli mixture over the noodles, followed by a layer of béchamel sauce and a sprinkle of Parmesan and mozzarella cheese.
- Repeat the layers, ending with a final layer of noodles topped with remaining béchamel sauce and shredded cheeses.
- Bake:
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the lasagna is hot and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove the foil and let the lasagna cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
Cook’s Tips and Variations:
- Vegetarian Option: Omit the chicken and add extra broccoli or your favorite vegetables for a vegetarian version of this lasagna.
- Make-Ahead: Prepare the lasagna in advance and refrigerate it overnight. Simply bake it when ready to serve for a convenient meal option.
- Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheeses such as cheddar, fontina, or provolone for unique flavor combinations.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or Italian seasoning to the chicken and broccoli mixture for added flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
- Can I use fresh broccoli instead of frozen? Yes, you can use fresh broccoli florets in place of frozen. Simply blanch them in boiling water for a few minutes until tender-crisp before adding them to the skillet.
- Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this recipe? Yes, if you have leftover cooked chicken, you can shred or dice it and add it to the skillet with the broccoli to heat through.
- Can I freeze this lasagna? Yes, this lasagna can be assembled and frozen before baking for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed.
- What can I serve with chicken and broccoli lasagna? Serve this lasagna with a side salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.
In conclusion, this Chicken and Broccoli Lasagna is a comforting and flavorful dish that’s perfect for family dinners and special occasions alike. With its layers of tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and creamy béchamel sauce, it’s a delicious twist on the classic lasagna that will leave everyone coming back for more. Give this recipe a try and enjoy the hearty and satisfying flavors of this irresistible dish!
