Chicken Lasagna

Fiji Chicken Lasagna Recipe - Delicious and Creamy

Region / culture: Fiji | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour | Servings: 6-8

Introduction

Chicken Lasagna is a delicious and comforting dish that combines tender chicken, savory mushrooms, and a creamy cheese sauce layered between lasagna noodles. This hearty meal is perfect for family dinners or special occasions.

History

Lasagna is a traditional Italian dish that dates back to ancient Rome. The modern version of lasagna, with layers of pasta, cheese, and sauce, originated in Naples, Italy. Chicken Lasagna is a variation of this classic dish that adds chicken and mushrooms for a unique and flavorful twist.

Ingredients

8 to 10 lasagna noodles, cooked
2 cups cooked diced chicken
2 tbsp butter or margarine
1 medium onion, chopped
0.33 lb (150 g) mushrooms, sliced
1 can (16 oz (454 g)) canned tomatoes
0.5 tsp basil
0.5 tsp oregano
0.33 tsp each salt and pepper
3 tbsp butter or margarine
3 tbsp all-purpose flour
1 can (10 oz (283 g)) chicken broth
0.5 cup half-and-half
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
0.5 cup ricotta cheese
parmesan cheese

How to prepare

Melt butter in a skillet. Saute onions until they become transparent. Add mushrooms, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for a few minutes.
Blend tomatoes in a blender or food processor. Add them to the mushrooms. Simmer while preparing the cream sauce, adding more tomatoes if necessary. Stir in chicken.

Cream Sauce

Melt butter in a saucepan. Stir in flour and cook for 2 to 3 minutes.
Add broth and stir until thickened. Stir in half & half over low heat.

Lasagna Layering

Spoon a small amount of cream sauce into a baking pan. Place 3 cooked noodles in the pan. Add 0.33 of the meat mixture and 0.33 of the cream sauce. Sprinkle each layer with cheese.
Repeat with the remaining noodles and sauces. Sprinkle the top with Parmesan cheese.

Variations

Substitute ground turkey or beef for the chicken.
Add spinach or zucchini to the vegetable mixture.
Use different types of cheese, such as mozzarella or provolone.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the noodles al dente, as they will continue to cook in the oven.

- Use a rotisserie chicken for a quick and easy way to add cooked chicken to the dish.

- Feel free to customize the recipe with your favorite vegetables or cheeses.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Chicken Lasagna with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to cook the onions and mushrooms until they are soft and caramelized for maximum flavor.

- Allow the lasagna to rest for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use butter instead of margarine for a richer flavor.

- Substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth for a vegetarian version of the dish.

Make Ahead Tips

Chicken Lasagna can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated until ready to bake. Simply cover with foil and bake as directed.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish Chicken Lasagna with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Chicken Lasagna with a crisp white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover Chicken Lasagna can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Chicken Lasagna contains approximately 400 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Chicken Lasagna contains approximately 35 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Chicken Lasagna contains approximately 20 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Chicken Lasagna contains approximately 25 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Chicken Lasagna is a good source of calcium, vitamin A, and iron.

Alergens

Chicken Lasagna contains dairy (cheese, half-and-half) and wheat (noodles).

Summary

Chicken Lasagna is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also a good source of vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Chicken Lasagna is a delicious and satisfying dish that is perfect for family dinners or special occasions. With layers of tender chicken, savory mushrooms, and a creamy cheese sauce, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the thrill of stumbling upon this recipe for Chicken Lasagna. It was a cold winter day, and I was rummaging through the dusty old attic of my great-grandmother's house. As I sifted through old boxes and forgotten treasures, I came across a tattered cookbook that had been passed down through the generations. The pages were yellowed with age, and the recipes were written in elegant cursive script.

I sat down on the floor, surrounded by the musty smell of old books and memories, and began to flip through the pages. There were recipes for all sorts of dishes, from hearty stews to delicate pastries. But one recipe caught my eye - Chicken Lasagna. It was written in my great-grandmother's handwriting, with notes scribbled in the margins.

I had never heard of Chicken Lasagna before, but the ingredients sounded delicious - layers of tender chicken, creamy cheese, and rich tomato sauce, all nestled between sheets of lasagna noodles. I could almost taste it as I read through the recipe, imagining the savory flavors melding together in a mouthwatering symphony.

Excited by my discovery, I hurried down from the attic and into the kitchen. I gathered the ingredients - chicken breasts, mozzarella cheese, tomato sauce, and lasagna noodles - and set to work following the directions laid out in the cookbook. I chopped the chicken into bite-sized pieces and sautéed them in a fragrant mixture of onions, garlic, and herbs. The kitchen filled with the aroma of cooking chicken, and I could feel my mouth watering in anticipation.

As the chicken simmered, I boiled the lasagna noodles until they were al dente, then began assembling the layers of the dish. I spread a thin layer of tomato sauce on the bottom of a baking dish, then added a layer of noodles, followed by a generous sprinkling of cheese and a ladleful of the chicken mixture. I repeated the process until the dish was full, then topped it off with a final layer of noodles and a generous helping of cheese.

I slid the dish into the oven and watched through the window as the cheese melted and bubbled, turning golden brown. The smell that wafted out of the oven was intoxicating - a heady mix of cheese, tomato, and spices that made my stomach growl with hunger.

Finally, the timer dinged, and I eagerly pulled the Chicken Lasagna out of the oven. The cheese was bubbly and golden, the noodles tender and layered with savory chicken and rich tomato sauce. I couldn't wait to dig in.

I scooped out a generous portion onto a plate and took my first bite. The flavors exploded in my mouth - the tender chicken, the gooey cheese, the tangy tomato sauce. It was a perfect balance of textures and tastes, a dish that was comforting and satisfying in every way.

As I savored each bite, I thought about the generations of women who had come before me, each one adding their own twist to this timeless recipe. I could picture my great-grandmother, standing in her own kitchen, stirring a pot of bubbling sauce and layering noodles with care. I felt a connection to her and to all the women who had lovingly prepared this dish over the years.

And as I finished my meal, I made a promise to myself to pass down this recipe to my own grandchildren, so that they too could experience the joy of discovering a new dish and the satisfaction of creating something delicious from scratch.

So, if you ever find yourself in need of a comforting and hearty meal, look no further than my great-grandmother's recipe for Chicken Lasagna. It's a dish that has stood the test of time and is sure to bring a smile to your face and warmth to your belly. Enjoy!