This white sauce Chicken Lasagna is so satisfying with layers of lasagna noodles and tender chicken in a creamy spinach sauce. Just like our Classic Lasagna, this white lasagna reheats really well, making it perfect for meal planning. Make it and you will get recipe requests.

Chicken lasagna slice on a plate

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Chicken Lasagna Recipe Video Tutorial:

Learn how to make the best cheesy, saucy Chicken Lasagna! You can cook fresh chicken for this casserole but it’s also a great way to use up leftover chicken (or even leftover turkey from Thanksgiving!).

P.S. If you love creative leftover chicken recipes, don’t miss our juicy Chicken Patties, the easiest Chicken Noodle Soup, and of course Chicken Fried Rice.

Ingredients for White Sauce Chicken Lasagna:

There are 4 main components to a creamy white chicken lasagna: lasagna noodles, a simple bechamel spinach sauce, and a ricotta cheese sauce. Don’t forget the chicken! You can cook your own Instant Pot Chicken or use a store-bought Rotisserie Chicken.

Pro Tip: We always cook an extra couple of noodles in case any of our lasagna noodles break while cooking.

Ingredients for white sauce chicken lasagna

Can I Use Canned Chicken?

We love canned chicken recipes like our easy Chicken Melts and Buffalo Chicken Dip since we always have it on hand in our pantry. Using canned chicken will work for chicken lasagna, just be sure it is well-drained.

lasagna casserole with slice removed

How to Assemble Creamy Chicken Lasagna:

The process of assembling a chicken lasagna is simple. We found it’s easiest to spread the thicker ricotta sauce over the noodles and ladling the spinach sauce ensures the chicken layer is moist and juicy. For best results, follow this order.

  1. Spread 1/2 cup spinach sauce on the bottom of a 9×13 casserole
  2. Add 3 noodles, 1/2 ricotta sauce, 1/2 shredded chicken, 1/3 of spinach sauce
  3. Add 3 noodles, 1/2 ricotta cheese, 1/2 shredded chicken, and 1/3 spinach sauce
  4. Remaining 3 noodles, remaining 1/3 sauce, and sprinkle on reserved 1 cup cheese.

Assembling lasagna step by step photos

Tips for Reheating Chicken Lasagna:

This white sauce lasagna reheats really well and leftovers are just as enjoyable as freshly baked lasagna. Here are some tips for reheating so the lasagna doesn’t dry out.

  • Add Water – Since noodles will naturally soak up some liquid in the lasagna as it sits, it helps to sprinkle on a little bit of water before reheating in the oven or the microwave.
  • Visual Cues – Heat until the edges bubble and the cheese is fully melted on top.
  • 165˚ F Center – You should reach a safe internal temperature of 165˚F on an instant-read thermometer.

Baked Chicken lasagna slice on spatula

How Long Can Leftover Lasagna be Stored?

Chicken lasagna will keep up to 4 days in the refrigerator if you were using freshly cooked chicken. You can also wrap tightly in several layers of plastic wrap and freeze up to 3 months.

White Chicken Lasagna Casserole with slice removed

This lasagna is a meal in itself. All you need is a simple salad to go with it like our Classic Caesar Salad or fresh Beet Salad with Arugula.

Our Best Lasagna Recipes:

If you love lasagna as much as we do, these recipes are a must try and you’re sure to find some new favorites:

Chicken Lasagna Recipe

4.97 from 804 votes
Chicken lasagna slice on a plate
This white sauce Chicken Lasagna is so satisfying with layers of lasagna noodles and tender chicken in a creamy spinach sauce.
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Resting Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes

Ingredients 

Servings: 12 people

Chicken Lasagna Ingredients:

  • 9 lasagna noodles, cooked al dente
  • 4 cups shredded rotisserie chicken, or cooked from 2 lbs chicken breast

Spinach Cream Sauce:

Ricotta Cheese Sauce:

  • 15 oz ricotta
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/4 cup parsley
  • 1/4 cup parmesan cheese
  • 3 cups mozzarella cheese, 12 oz by weight, divided (reserve 1 cup for topping)

Instructions

Cook Noodles & Prep:

  • Preheat oven to 375˚F. Cook pasta in a large pot of salted water until al dente according to package instructions then drain hot water and add cold water to the pot to stop the cooking process and prevent noodles from sticking together. Shred 4 cups of chicken.

Make the Belachamel (Spinach Sauce):

  • Place a pot or large saucepan over medium heat, add 1 Tbsp olive oil and saute onions for 3-4 minutes or until softened. Add 4 Tbsp butter and whisk in 1/3 cup flour. Continue whisking 3 minutes or until flour mixture is golden.
  • Add 2 1/2 cups chicken broth, 1 1/2 cups half and half, 2 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Whisk until smooth and simmer 5 minutes until thickened to a light gravy consistency.
  • Add minced garlic and chopped spinach, and stir to combine then remove from heat.

Make the Ricotta Cheese Sauce:

  • In a large bowl, whisk together: ricotta, egg, 2 cups mozzarella cheese, 1/4 cup parmesan, and 1/4 cup parsley.

To Assemble Chicken Lasagna:

  • Add a little bechamel sauce on the bottom of a 9x13 casserole dish, add 3 noodles, Add 1/2 ricotta sauce, 1/2 shredded chicken then ladle 1/3 of spinach sauce over the chicken.
  • Add 3 noodles, 1/2 ricotta cheese, 1/2 shredded chicken, and 1/3 spinach sauce
  • Add 3 noodles, remaining 1/3 sauce, and sprinkle on reserved 1 cup cheese.
  • Cover and Bake: Arrange 10-12 toothpicks over the top to keep the foil from touching the cheese then cover with a large sheet of foil. Bake on the center rack in a preheated oven at 375˚F for 45 minutes then uncover and broil 2-3 minutes to brown the cheese. Rest at least 10 minutes uncovered before slicing.

Nutrition Per Serving

337kcal Calories24g Carbs18g Protein19g Fat11g Saturated Fat73mg Cholesterol670mg Sodium287mg Potassium1g Fiber2g Sugar1768IU Vitamin A6mg Vitamin C377mg Calcium1mg Iron
Nutrition Facts
Chicken Lasagna Recipe
Amount per Serving
Calories
337
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
19
g
29
%
Saturated Fat
 
11
g
69
%
Cholesterol
 
73
mg
24
%
Sodium
 
670
mg
29
%
Potassium
 
287
mg
8
%
Carbohydrates
 
24
g
8
%
Fiber
 
1
g
4
%
Sugar
 
2
g
2
%
Protein
 
18
g
36
%
Vitamin A
 
1768
IU
35
%
Vitamin C
 
6
mg
7
%
Calcium
 
377
mg
38
%
Iron
 
1
mg
6
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian
Keyword: chicken lasagna, white sauce lasagna
Skill Level: Easy/Medium
Cost to Make: $$
Calories: 337
Natasha's Kitchen Cookbook

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4.97 from 804 votes (545 ratings without comment)

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Recipe Rating




Comments

  • Celeste Whittemore
    February 6, 2021

    Scrumptious!
    So delicious and cheesy

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      February 6, 2021

      That’s just awesome! Thank you for sharing your wonderful review!

      Reply

  • Jennifer B
    February 3, 2021

    Amazing! We loved this recipe. We used our smoked chicken and it was just delicious

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      February 3, 2021

      I’m so happy to hear that! Thank you for sharing your great review, Jennifer.

      Reply

  • Shannon
    February 2, 2021

    This was so yummy! I’m sure it would be equally yummy as is but as a mushroom lover I added in some mushrooms I’d sautéed in garlic butter. Perfection!

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      February 2, 2021

      Sounds good, Shannon! Thanks for sharing that with us and for giving this recipe a great review!

      Reply

  • Marge Schmidt
    February 1, 2021

    i make my sauce with 2 pkgs of Hollandaise sauce with milk & half the butter on pkg & it is real good also. for the sauce that is.

    Reply

  • Melissa
    January 31, 2021

    I added mushrooms and basil pesto to the sauce. So yummy!

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      January 31, 2021

      Hello Melissa, sounds wonderful! I’m glad you enjoyed this lasagna recipe.

      Reply

  • MK
    January 31, 2021

    For Italian food lovers this was somewhat dissappointing. I guess I was expecting more flavor. Maybe adding more garlic and spices would help. I love most of Natasha’s recipes but this one fell a little short.

    Reply

    • Natasha
      January 31, 2021

      Hi MK, this normally has plenty of flavor. I wonder if maybe it was undersalted or you might check that all of the proportions were accurate without substitutions in the ingredients.

      Reply

  • DEBBIE
    January 29, 2021

    Hi, I enjoy your recipes and the videos you post. Can you suggest a substitute for the lasagna. Have to cut back on carbs 🙁 Thanks so much 🙂

    Reply

    • Natasha
      January 30, 2021

      Hi Debbie, we do have an excellent Eggplant Parmesan you might love. I haven’t tested anything besides lasagna noodles in this particular recipe. I’m not sure it would meld well with the cream sauce since something like zucchini lets off some juice.

      Reply

  • Amy Tygett Logsdon
    January 28, 2021

    This was easy to make and absolutely delish! Home run with my family. Thank you!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      January 28, 2021

      That’s just awesome, Amy! I’m so glad you enjoyed this recipe.

      Reply

  • Farah
    January 27, 2021

    Hi Natasha this recipe looks so delicious! Is there anyway to make it without the ricotta layer? I’m making for friends and family and there is an egg allergy/husband doesn’t like ricotta. Also thank you for all the amazing recipes you make, cheesy chicken fritters are a family staple!

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      January 28, 2021

      Hello Farah, thank you! Drained and mashed cottage cheese might work or cottage cheese. I haven’t tried these substitutes but others commented that they liked it too.

      Reply

  • Jan Meyer
    January 26, 2021

    Does it freeze well?

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      January 26, 2021

      Hello Jan, chicken lasagna will keep up to 4 days in the refrigerator if you were using freshly cooked chicken. You can also wrap tightly in several layers of plastic wrap and freeze up to 3 months.

      Reply

  • Lisa-Maria Bolduc
    January 26, 2021

    OMG, That is sooo good if you must try it tonight!!!
    Thank you for that recipe 🙂

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      January 26, 2021

      You’re welcome! I hope you love this recipe!

      Reply

  • Kim Niffenegger
    January 25, 2021

    Natasha, your Chicken Lasagna is to die for. Excellent taste. I do love your recipes. I feel confident in making your recipes, knowing they will turn out good.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      January 25, 2021

      That’s just awesome! Thank you for sharing your wonderful review!

      Reply

  • Scott
    January 25, 2021

    Could you make the bechamel sauce ahead of time and simply reheat when assembling, just to save a few minutes of prep time?

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      January 25, 2021

      Hi Scott, you can make a béchamel up to a day ahead of using it. Keep in the refrigerator. If you lay a sheet of plastic or wax paper directly on the top, there is less chance that skin will form. If it does, whisk vigorously when you reheat the béchamel and the sauce should be as smooth as it was when you made it. Thin out if necessary with milk or stock.

      Reply

      • Scott
        January 27, 2021

        Thank you!

        Reply

  • Rebecca
    January 22, 2021

    Can you use oven ready lasagna noodles and frozen spinach…

    Reply

    • Natasha
      January 22, 2021

      Hi Rebecca, I haven’t tried this with oven-ready lasagna but here is what one of our readers wrote: “I made it with oven-ready lasagne noodles without any modifications and it worked very well! Just make sure to cover every noodle with sauce and try to avoid overlapping them too much.” Also, thawed and well-drained frozen spinach should work.

      Reply

      • Shar
        January 25, 2021

        Perfect! I was just coming to ask this same question. I have a crock pot lasagna recipe and I have oven ready noodles for that. Or I was thinking to dip them in the hot boiling water quickly and remove.

        Reply

  • Judy
    January 21, 2021

    It looks so yummy. I wish I had some right now. It is on my agenda to make within the week.

    Reply

  • Shannon
    January 17, 2021

    I tried this after making the tetrazzini recipe and me and my family absolutely love it. I’ve written it down in my favourite recipes book so that I can make it again.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      January 18, 2021

      I’m so happy to hear that! Thank you for sharing your great review!

      Reply

    • Jenn
      January 24, 2021

      Hello!! This looks amazing. I was wondering if this can be made ahead? Can I assemble this completely and bake the next day?

      Reply

      • Natashas Kitchen
        January 25, 2021

        Hi Jenn, yes, you can assemble it a day ahead and cook the following day, just be sure not to overcook the noodles. It also reheats well.

        Reply

  • Laura Hardin
    January 16, 2021

    I made this amazing lasagna tonight with a meaty lasagna because typically my husband don’t care for chicken. Let’s just say, we have NO LEFTOVERS of the chicken lasagna! Everyone loved it. I’ll send a picture soon.
    Thanks for sharing this amazing recipe
    I put a 1/2 of fresh mozzarella in the sauce as well. Besides that I made it exactly as you did

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      January 16, 2021

      That’s so great! It sounds like you have a new favorite!

      Reply

  • Debbie
    January 14, 2021

    What size Dutch oven do you use to cook your lasagna? I want one like the one in your video. Love your recipes and you!

    Reply

  • Cindy
    January 11, 2021

    Hi Natasha. I wanted to try this recipe tonight and I only have oven ready lasagna noodles (the kind you don’t cook ahead), can I use those and would I need to adjust cook time?
    😊 Cindy

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      January 11, 2021

      Hi Cindy, I haven’t tried this with no-boil noodles to advise but, here is what one of our readers wrote in saying: ” I used no-boil noodles worked just as good as regular boiled noodles” I hope that helps.

      Reply

  • Barb
    January 10, 2021

    I LOVED this recipe. I forgot to add the Parmesan cheese to the cheese sauce. I also put it into 2 smaller baking pans instead of one big one as it is just 2 of us eating it. I froze the other one. When doing that I forgot to double up on the noodles, so we just had 2 layers instead of 3. But it still turned out great. Will definitely make this again.

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      January 11, 2021

      Hello Barb, I’m glad it still worked out great! Thank you for sharing your experience trying out this recipe. I appreciate it!

      Reply

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