Savory Chicken Lasagna: A Comfort Food Classic with a Flavorful Twist

Author: Aaron Brown

If you’re looking for a hearty, cheesy, and flavor-packed meal that’s perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or even special occasions, this Savory Chicken Lasagna is the one. It’s a fun twist on the traditional beef lasagna, bringing in ground chicken, rich tomato sauce, layers of gooey cheese, and perfectly seasoned noodles. Plus, if you’re feeling adventurous, you can throw in some diced Andouille chicken sausage for that extra smoky kick!

Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving a warm, comforting dish, this chicken lasagna is guaranteed to impress. And don’t worry if you’re not a ricotta fan—I’ve got the perfect substitute using sour cream and cream cheese to keep it just as creamy and delicious.

So, let’s get to it!

Why You’ll Love This Savory Chicken Lasagna

Still on the fence? Let me break it down for you:

Packed with Flavor – The blend of ground chicken, rich tomato sauce, and a touch of cinnamon creates a deep, savory taste that sets this lasagna apart.

Incredibly Cheesy – With layers of mozzarella, Parmesan, and a creamy ricotta substitute, every bite is loaded with melty goodness.

Easy to Customize – Want to make it spicy? Toss in red pepper flakes. Need more protein? Add Andouille chicken sausage. Love extra veggies? Throw in spinach or mushrooms.

Perfect for Meal Prep – This lasagna tastes even better the next day, making it an excellent make-ahead meal.

Great for Gatherings – Whether it’s a family dinner, holiday meal, or potluck, this dish is always a hit.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you need to bring this masterpiece to life:

For the Meat Sauce:

• 1 tbsp light olive oil
• 1 cup finely chopped onion
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 lb ground chicken
• (Optional) 1 cup diced Andouille chicken sausage (for extra smoky flavor)
• 2 (15 oz) cans tomato sauce
• 15 oz chicken stock (use an empty tomato sauce can to measure)
• 12 oz tomato paste
• 2 tsp Italian seasoning
• ⅛ tsp ground cinnamon (trust me, it adds depth!)
• ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for some heat)
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper

For the Cheese Mixture:

• 16 oz 4% fat cottage cheese (or ricotta cheese substitute below)
• 32 oz mozzarella cheese, freshly shredded
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Ricotta Cheese Substitute (If Needed):

If you don’t have ricotta, mix these two together for an easy, creamy alternative:

• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup cream cheese, softened

For the Pasta:

• 9-11 uncooked lasagna noodles (depends on dish size; have extras in case of breakage)

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Savory Chicken Lasagna

Prepare the Meat Sauce

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add onion and garlic, sauté for 2-3 minutes until soft.
3. Stir in ground chicken (and Andouille chicken sausage, if using). Cook for 3-4 minutes, breaking it up as it browns.
4. Pour in tomato sauce, chicken stock, tomato paste, and season with Italian seasoning, cinnamon, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Cook the Lasagna Noodles

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Cook lasagna noodles until al dente, following package instructions.
3. Drain and rinse with cold water to prevent sticking.

Assemble the Lasagna

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Spread ½ cup of meat sauce evenly on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
3. Layer 3 lasagna noodles over the sauce.
4. Spread half of the ricotta (or sour cream + cream cheese mixture) evenly over the noodles.
5. Add ⅓ of the meat sauce on top.
6. Sprinkle ⅓ of the mozzarella cheese and ½ of the Parmesan cheese over the sauce.
7. Repeat the layering process.
8. Finish with a top layer of 3 noodles, the remaining meat sauce, and the last ⅓ of the shredded mozzarella.

Bake the Lasagna

1. Cover the baking dish with foil (sprayed with nonstick spray) to prevent the cheese from sticking.
2. Bake for 1 hour covered.
3. Remove the foil and bake for 10 – 15 more minutes for a golden, cheesy top.
4. Let it rest for 15-20 minutes before slicing.

Expert Tips & Tricks

For extra flavor, cook the meat with a splash of Worcestershire sauce.
Use fresh mozzarella for the best melt and stretch.
Make it ahead – Lasagna tastes even better the next day!

15 Tasty Variations

1. Spicy Kick – Add more red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños.
2. Extra Cheesy – Mix in cheddar or provolone.
3. Creamy Alfredo – Swap red sauce for alfredo sauce.
4. Mushroom Lover’s – Add sautéed mushrooms.
5. Spinach Lasagna – Add chopped spinach between layers.
6. Low-Carb Option – Use zucchini slices instead of noodles.
7. BBQ Chicken – Use BBQ sauce instead of tomato sauce.
8. Taco Lasagna – Season chicken with taco seasoning.
9. Buffalo Chicken – Mix in Buffalo sauce for heat.
10. Italian Sausage Swap – Replace chicken with Italian sausage.
11. Seafood Lasagna – Use shrimp and crab instead of chicken.
12. Meat Lovers – Add pepperoni or bacon.
13. Pesto Chicken – Add pesto between layers.
14. Gluten-Free – Use gluten-free noodles.
15. Vegetarian – Swap chicken for roasted eggplant or zucchini.

What to Serve with Savory Chicken Lasagna

1. Garlic Bread
2. Caesar Salad
3. Roasted Brussels Sprouts
4. Sautéed Spinach
5. Antipasto Platter
6. Caprese Salad
7. Steamed Broccoli
8. Stuffed Mushrooms
9. Roasted Asparagus
10. Minestrone Soup
11. Grilled Zucchini
12. Parmesan Green Beans
13. Creamy Mashed Potatoes
14. Focaccia Bread
15. Tiramisu for Dessert

Storage Tips

• Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Wrap slices individually and freeze for up to 3 months.

How Much Should I Make for Family Gatherings?

• For 8 – 10 people: 1 batch (9×13 dish)
• For 16-20 people: Double the recipe

How Far in Advance Can I Make It?

• Up to 2 days ahead (uncooked) – Store in the fridge.
• Up to 3 months ahead (frozen) – Thaw before baking.

Savory Chicken Lasagna: A Comfort Food Classic with a Flavorful Twist

No ratings yet

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients

  

• For the Meat Sauce:
• 1 tbsp light olive oil
• 1 cup finely chopped onion
• 3 garlic cloves minced
• 2 lb ground chicken
• Optional 1 cup diced Andouille chicken sausage
• 2 15 oz cans tomato sauce
• 15 oz chicken stock use tomato sauce can to measure
• 12 oz tomato paste
• 2 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/8 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes optional
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• For the Cheese Mixture:
• 16 oz cottage cheese or ricotta cheese substitute
• 32 oz mozzarella cheese freshly shredded
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Ricotta Cheese Substitute if needed:
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup cream cheese softened
• For the Pasta:
• 9 –11 uncooked lasagna noodles

Instructions

 

• In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil. Add onion and garlic, sauté 2–3 minutes. Stir in ground chicken and sausage (if using). Cook 3–4 minutes until browned. Add tomato sauce, stock, paste, and seasonings. Simmer for 15–20 minutes.
• Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook lasagna noodles until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water.
• Set oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
• Spread 1/2 cup meat sauce in the bottom of the dish.
• Layer 3 noodles, half the ricotta (or substitute), 1/3 meat sauce, 1/3 mozzarella, and 1/2 Parmesan.
• Repeat layers.
• Top with final noodles, remaining meat sauce, and mozzarella.
• Cover with foil sprayed with nonstick spray. Bake for 1 hour. Uncover and bake an additional 10 minutes. Let rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing.

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!