This creamy White Chicken Skillet Lasagna is quick to make and packed with flavor. Layers of tender chicken, cheesy goodness, and smooth sauce come together in one pot!
I love how easy this dish is—no need to boil noodles! Just cook everything in the skillet, and you have a warm meal ready to enjoy. Perfect for busy nights! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Olive Oil: This adds healthy fat and flavor for sautéing. If you don’t have olive oil, you can substitute it with butter or even avocado oil for a different taste.
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are my go-to. You can use rotisserie chicken for a quicker meal or swap in cooked turkey or sausage for a different protein.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is key for flavor. If you don’t have fresh, you could use about 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder. Fresh is always better, though!
No-Boil Lasagna Noodles: These noodles make prep super easy. If you can’t find them, regular lasagna noodles will work—just cook them according to package instructions first.
Heavy Cream: It gives the dish a rich and creamy texture. You could substitute half-and-half or coconut cream for a lighter option, but keep in mind it’ll change the flavor slightly.
How Do I Cook Perfect Chicken in a Skillet?
Cooking the chicken properly is crucial for flavor. Here’s how to do it well:
- Start with a hot skillet—medium-high heat is best. This helps brown the chicken, adding flavor.
- Cut the chicken into even-sized pieces so they cook uniformly.
- Season with salt and pepper before adding to the pan. This ramps up the flavor.
- Cook until golden and fully cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove and set aside, allowing the chicken’s juices to keep it moist.
White Chicken Skillet Lasagna
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Skillet Lasagna:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 8 oz (about 3 cups) no-boil lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- Fresh basil, chopped, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish takes approximately 25 minutes to prepare and cook. It’s a fast and easy meal that only requires one skillet for easy clean-up while delivering rich flavors in every bite!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Chicken:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet. Cook for about 6–8 minutes until they are browned and fully cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken and set it aside on a plate.
2. Sauté the Garlic:
Lower the heat to medium and add the minced garlic to the same skillet. Sauté it for about 1 minute until it becomes fragrant but be careful not to burn it!
3. Make the Sauce:
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, scraping the bottom of the skillet to loosen any browned bits. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer; it will create a tasty sauce for the lasagna.
4. Add the Lasagna Noodles:
Now, add the broken lasagna noodles to the skillet, ensuring they are mostly submerged in the sauce. Stir in the dried Italian seasoning and the optional red pepper flakes for a little kick if you like some heat.
5. Cook the Noodles:
Cover the skillet and let the noodles cook in the simmering sauce for about 10–12 minutes. Stir occasionally until the noodles are tender and most of the liquid is absorbed—this is where the magic happens!
6. Combine Everything:
Once the noodles are cooked, gently fold in the ricotta cheese and the previously cooked chicken pieces until nicely combined.
7. Add Cheese:
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the noodle and chicken mixture.
8. Broil for Perfection:
Place the skillet under the broiler for about 3–5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown. Just keep an eye on it—things can go from beautiful to burnt in no time!
9. Garnish and Serve:
After removing it from the oven, garnish your delicious skillet lasagna with fresh chopped basil and some extra Parmesan cheese for that extra touch of flavor.
10. Enjoy!
Serve it warm and dig into your creamy, comforting White Chicken Skillet Lasagna. It’s perfect for cozy family dinners or quick weeknight meals!
Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie or cooked chicken is perfect for this dish. Just shred or chop it and add it when you fold in the ricotta cheese.
Can I Substitute the Cream for a Healthier Option?
Yes, you can use half-and-half or a combination of milk and Greek yogurt to reduce calories while keeping it creamy. Just keep in mind that the texture and richness will be slightly different.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it in the microwave or on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to ensure it’s heated evenly.
Can I Freeze This Dish?
Yes, you can freeze this skillet lasagna! Make sure it cools completely before transferring it to an airtight freezer-safe container. It will keep well in the freezer for about 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake at 350°F until warmed through.
