This White Chicken Skillet Lasagna is a cozy and creamy dish packed with tender chicken, melted cheese, and fresh spinach. Everything cooks together in one pan—easy cleanup!
Honestly, who doesn’t love a tasty lasagna made in a skillet? It’s like a satisfying hug in a bowl. I usually serve it with some garlic bread for a perfect meal combo!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal here. For a lighter option, you could swap in shredded rotisserie chicken or even cooked turkey. Both work wonderfully for flavor and ease!
Milk or Half-and-Half: Whole milk makes the sauce creamy, but you can substitute low-fat milk or unsweetened almond milk if you prefer a lighter version. Just keep in mind it might not be as rich.
Cheese: Mozzarella and Parmesan are classic choices. If you’re keeping it dairy-free, look for plant-based cheese alternatives that melt well. Personally, I love a mix of cheeses for complexity!
Lasagna Noodles: No-boil noodles are a great time-saver. You can opt for whole wheat or gluten-free varieties if needed. Just ensure they’re suitable for your dietary requirements.
Spinach: Fresh spinach adds a nice touch of color and nutrition. If you don’t have it, frozen spinach works, but make sure to squeeze out excess moisture before adding it to the skillet.
How Do I Make a Creamy Sauce Without Lump?
A smooth sauce is key for this dish! Start by melting the butter and cooking the garlic and onion on medium heat. Slowly sprinkle flour and keep stirring for 1-2 minutes to eliminate lumps. When adding milk and chicken broth, do it gradually. Whisk constantly to achieve a creamy texture.
- Use a whisk: It helps break up any lumps while combining the ingredients.
- Heat control: Keep the heat at medium to avoid boiling, which can cause lumps.
- Be patient: Allow the sauce to thicken rather than adding everything at once. This ensures it turns out velvety!
These simple tips will ensure your lasagna has that creamy, dreamy sauce that everyone loves!
How to Make White Chicken Skillet Lasagna
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken and Sauce:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cups whole milk or half-and-half
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
For the Cheese and Noodles:
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 8-10 no-boil lasagna noodles, broken into smaller pieces
For Flavor:
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes approximately 35-40 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll spend about 10 minutes preparing the ingredients and cooking the chicken, then around 20-25 minutes simmering everything together. The good news? It’s all done in one skillet for easy cleanup!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Chicken:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large ovenproof skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat. While the oil heats up, season the chicken pieces generously with salt and pepper. Place the chicken in the skillet and cook until it’s browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
2. Making the Creamy Sauce:
In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add the butter, letting it melt. Once melted, add the minced garlic and chopped onion, sautéing until they are softened and fragrant—this should take about 2-3 minutes. Next, sprinkle the flour over the mixture and stir constantly for 1-2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste.
3. Whisking in the Liquids:
Gradually whisk in the milk and chicken broth, ensuring there are no lumps. Continue whisking as the sauce thickens, around 3-5 minutes. Then, add the Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes (if you’re using them), and season with salt and pepper to your liking.
4. Combining All Ingredients:
Now, add the cooked chicken back into the skillet along with the broken lasagna noodles, half of the mozzarella, half of the Parmesan, and the chopped spinach and basil. Gently stir to combine all the ingredients, making sure the noodles are fully submerged in the sauce.
5. Simmering:
Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet with a lid, and let it simmer gently until the noodles are tender—this should take about 15-20 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure everything cooks evenly.
6. Adding the Cheese Topping:
Once the noodles are done, it’s time to add the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top of the lasagna in the skillet. Spread it evenly so every bite has cheesy goodness!
7. Broiling for a Golden Finish:
Carefully place the skillet under the broiler for 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown on top. Keep a close eye on it to avoid burning—nobody wants that!
8. Garnishing and Serving:
Once it’s out of the oven, sprinkle some fresh basil over the top for a pop of color and flavor. Serve hot and enjoy your creamy, cheesy white chicken skillet lasagna!
This recipe is not only comforting and delicious but also super convenient, making it perfect for busy weeknight dinners. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it’s best to thaw it first for even cooking. Thaw the chicken in the fridge overnight or submerge it in a sealed plastic bag in cold water for a quicker option before cutting and cooking.
What Can I Substitute for Spinach?
If you don’t have fresh spinach, frozen spinach works well too! Just make sure to thaw it and squeeze out any excess moisture before adding it to the skillet to avoid excess liquid in your dish.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Leftover white chicken skillet lasagna can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in the microwave or on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to warm through evenly.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce and cook the chicken in advance. Just store them separately in the fridge and assemble everything on the day you plan to serve it for the best results!