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Introduction
Modern cooking meets traditional comfort food in this delightful crockpot white chicken lasagna. This recipe combines the creamy richness of ricotta and heavy cream with tender chicken and gooey mozzarella cheese, offering a hassle-free solution for busy families. It’s easy to prepare, allowing you to spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying dinner with your loved ones. Once you try this dish, it will undoubtedly become a staple in your weekly meal rotation.
Ingredients
600g boneless, skinless chicken breasts
500ml chicken broth
300g ricotta cheese
250ml heavy cream
250g mozzarella cheese, shredded
100g Parmesan cheese, grated
250g no-boil lasagna noodles
100g spinach leaves
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 onion, finely chopped
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
Salt and pepper to taste
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 6 hours
Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes
Yield: 8 servings
Directions
1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, sautéing until fragrant and translucent.
2. Place chicken breasts in the bottom of a crockpot. Pour in chicken broth and the sautéed onion and garlic mixture.
3. Season with dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender and easy to shred.
4. Remove chicken from the crockpot and shred using two forks. Return shredded chicken to the pot.
5. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese and heavy cream. Stir until smooth.
6. In the crockpot, layer noodles, shredded chicken mixture, spinach, ricotta mixture, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. Repeat layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of cheese on top.
7. Cover and cook on low for 2-3 hours, or until noodles are tender and cheese is bubbly.
8. Let the lasagna sit for about 15 minutes before serving to allow it to set.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1:
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, sautéing until fragrant and translucent.
Step 2:
Place chicken breasts in the bottom of a crockpot. Pour in chicken broth along with the sautéed onion and garlic mixture.
Step 3:
Season the mixture with dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender and easy to shred.
Step 4:
Remove the chicken from the crockpot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot.
Step 5:
In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese and heavy cream. Stir until smooth and well blended.
Step 6:
In the crockpot, layer the no-boil lasagna noodles, shredded chicken mixture, spinach leaves, ricotta mixture, mozzarella cheese, and grated Parmesan cheese. Repeat layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of cheese on top.
Step 7:
Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 2-3 hours, or until the noodles are tender and the cheese is bubbly and melted.
Step 8:
Let the lasagna sit for about 15 minutes before serving to allow it to set properly.
Notes
Note 1:
Ensure that the chicken is fully cooked before shredding; it should be tender and easily pulled apart.
Note 2:
Using no-boil lasagna noodles simplifies the process, as they will absorb moisture from the sauce during cooking.
Note 3:
Feel free to add more vegetables, such as mushrooms or bell peppers, for extra flavor and nutrition.
Note 4:
Store any leftover lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.
Storage Instructions
Refrigeration
Allow the lasagna to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing
This white chicken lasagna can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. To freeze, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing it in a freezer-safe container.
Reheating
To reheat refrigerated lasagna, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake covered for about 25-30 minutes. If frozen, it’s best to thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Serving Suggestions
For a complete meal, serve the lasagna with a side salad of mixed greens dressed with lemon vinaigrette. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette also pairs beautifully, allowing you to soak up the creamy sauce. Consider adding a light dessert, such as a fruit salad or tiramisu, to round out the dining experience.
Nutritional Information
Per serving (based on 8 servings):
– Calories: Approximately 460
– Protein: 32g
– Fat: 30g
– Carbohydrates: 23g
– Fiber: 2g
– Sugar: 2g
– Sodium: 860mg
Note: Nutritional values may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
Ingredient Substitutions
– Chicken: Use turkey breast or rotisserie chicken for a quicker option.
– Cheese: For a lighter version, substitute ricotta with cottage cheese, and use low-fat mozzarella and Parmesan.
– Broth: Vegetable broth can be used for a lighter flavor or for a vegetarian version.
– Heavy cream: Swap with half-and-half or a non-dairy milk alternative for a lower fat option.
– Spinach: Kale or Swiss chard can be used in place of spinach.
– Seasonings: Fresh herbs can replace dried oregano and basil for a more vibrant flavor; use about three times the amount as dried herbs are more concentrated.
Cook Techniques
Sautéing
Sautéing the onion and garlic in olive oil enhances their flavors and adds depth to the dish. Cook them until they are fragrant and translucent before adding them to the crockpot.
Shredding Chicken
After cooking the chicken in the broth, remove it from the crockpot and use two forks to shred it. This ensures the chicken integrates well with the other ingredients.
Layering
When assembling the lasagna in the crockpot, layer the ingredients systematically. Start with noodles, then add the chicken mixture, spinach, ricotta mixture, and cheeses, repeating until all ingredients are used.
Slow Cooking
Cook the assembled lasagna on low heat. This allows the noodles to soften and the flavors to meld together, resulting in a creamy and delightful dish.
Resting
Let the lasagna sit for about 15 minutes after cooking. This resting period helps it set, making it easier to serve and enhancing the overall texture.
FAQ
Can I use regular lasagna noodles instead of no-boil noodles?
Yes, but you will need to pre-cook them according to package instructions before layering.
Can I substitute the chicken for another protein?
Absolutely! You can use shredded rotisserie chicken, turkey, or even a mix of vegetables for a vegetarian option.
What if I don’t have heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half or a combination of milk and butter as a substitute, though the texture may be slightly different.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven.
Can I freeze this lasagna?
Yes, you can freeze the lasagna before it cooks. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. When ready to serve, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and cook as directed.
Conclusion
The crockpot white chicken lasagna is a delicious and convenient meal that brings a modern twist to a beloved classic. With its combination of tender chicken, creamy cheeses, and rich flavors, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. The ease of preparation makes it an ideal choice for busy weeknights, allowing you to enjoy a hearty and satisfying dinner without the fuss.
Vegetable Lovers Lasagna
Incorporate layers of seasonal vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms for a colorful and nutritious twist.
Mexican-Inspired Lasagna
Add layers of Tex-Mex flavors by incorporating black beans, corn, salsa, and seasoned chicken, topped with Mexican cheese blend.
Pesto Chicken Lasagna
Enhance the flavor profile by mixing pesto into the ricotta mixture, adding a fresh herbaceous note to the dish.
Alfredo Broccoli Lasagna
Replace the white sauce with a creamy Alfredo sauce and add steamed broccoli for a rich and comforting meal.
Buffalo Chicken Lasagna
Spice things up by mixing shredded chicken with buffalo sauce, adding a kick that pairs perfectly with creamy cheese and ranch dressing drizzles.
