Let's create magic in the kitchen with a twist on a classic favorite! Imagine the comforting layers of lasagna, but with tender chicken pieces and fresh broccoli bursts in every bite. Our Chicken Broccoli Lasagna is a delightful combination of creamy, crunchy, and flavorful elements. Whether you're a lasagna lover looking for a new spin or someone eager to mix veggies and protein in one dish, this recipe is your perfect match.
Dive into this dish and let the fusion of flavors take your taste buds on a delightful journey!
Table of Contents
Why This Recipe Works
Balanced Flavors and Nutrition: Traditional lasagnas are delicious, but they can sometimes be heavy with red meat and a lot of cheese. By incorporating chicken and broccoli, you're adding lean protein and a vegetable that is rich in vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants. The chicken gives the dish a hearty feel without being overly dense, and the broccoli provides a burst of color and a slight crunch, balancing out the textures.
Universal Appeal:Let’s face it - who doesn't love a good lasagna? This Chicken Broccoli variant is an excellent way to please both meat-lovers and vegetable enthusiasts at the table. Plus, for those trying to introduce more greens into their or their family’s diet, the creamy layers hide the broccoli just enough to make it a sneaky, yet delicious, way to boost nutrition. With its familiar structure and surprising ingredients, this dish has a wide appeal that makes it a perfect choice for diverse taste buds.
Ingredients
Chicken Breast - It's lean and full of protein. Substitute: Cooked turkey or tofu for a vegetarian option.
Broccoli - It's a great source of vitamins and fiber. Substitute: Cauliflower or spinach.
Lasagna Noodles - They are the base for layering the lasagna. Substitute: Zucchini slices for a low-carb option.
White Sauce (Bechamel) - This creamy sauce binds all ingredients together. Substitute: Alfredo sauce or ricotta mixture.
Cheese - preferably mozzarella or cheddar. It adds the gooey and delicious layer. Substitute: Vegan cheese for dairy-free.
Tips
- For a richer flavor, consider sautéing the chicken and broccoli in garlic and onion before layering.
- Always under-cook the lasagna noodles slightly as they will cook further in the oven.
- If using zucchini as a substitute, make sure to pat them dry to reduce excess moisture.
- For a crispy top, broil the lasagna for the last 3-5 minutes of baking.
- Let the lasagna sit for 10 minutes after baking for easier slicing.
How to Serve
Chicken broccoli lasagna is a hearty and wholesome dish that's perfect for family dinners. Its creamy layers, combined with the subtle crunch of broccoli and tender chicken, create a delightful culinary experience.
- Casual Family Dinner: Serve the lasagna alongside a fresh green salad drizzled with a light vinaigrette. Pair it with a crusty bread to complete the meal.
- Potluck: Slice the lasagna into smaller squares and serve as a potluck dish, making it easy for everyone to take a piece.
- Cozy Date Night: Pair the lasagna with a glass of white wine and some garlic bread. Finish with a light dessert like panna cotta or fruit sorbet.
Similar Recipes
Chicken Broccoli Lasagna
Ingredients
- 2 cups cookedChicken Breast
- 2 cupsBroccoli cut into small florets
- 9-12 Lasagna Noodlessheets
- 3 cupsWhite Sauce Bechamel
- 2 cups Cheese shredded
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions, drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, sauté the shredded chicken and broccoli for about 5 minutes or until lightly browned.
- In a separate saucepan, prepare the white sauce by melting butter, adding flour, and gradually whisking in milk until it forms a smooth and thick consistency.
- In a baking dish, layer the ingredients: Start with a thin layer of white sauce, then noodles, followed by the chicken and broccoli mixture, and top with cheese. Repeat until all ingredients are used up, finishing with a cheese layer on top.
- Bake for 30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- Let it cool for 10 minutes before serving.
Nutrition
Notes
- For a richer flavor, consider sautéing the chicken and broccoli in garlic and onion before layering.
- Always under-cook the lasagna noodles slightly as they will cook further in the oven.
- If using zucchini as a substitute, make sure to pat them dry to reduce excess moisture.
- For a crispy top, broil the lasagna for the last 3-5 minutes of baking.
- Let the lasagna sit for 10 minutes after baking for easier slicing.