Green Chile Chicken Lasagna

Introduction

This Green Chile Chicken Lasagna puts a flavorful and comforting twist on the classic. You get all the cheesy, layered satisfaction combined with the mild heat and tang of green chiles and creamy cotija cheese. It’s a delicious way to bring Southwestern flair to your dinner table.

Prep & Cook Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 tablespoon flour
• 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
• 1//2 cup grape tomatoes ( , quartered)
• 2 tablespoon white onion ( , finely minced)
• 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 3/4 cup green chiles ( , diced)
• 2 cups chicken ( , cooked and shredded or cubed*)
• 15 ounces ricotta cheese ( , moisture drained)
• 2 eggs ( , lightly beaten)
• 1 cup cheddar cheese ( , shredded)
• 9 lasagna strips ( , prepared*)
• 1 cup cotija cheese ( , crumbled)
• 2 tablespoons scallions ( , sliced, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute until bubbly. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth until smooth. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and stir in the quartered grape tomatoes, minced white onion, sea salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and diced green chiles. This is your sauce.
3. In a medium bowl, combine the shredded chicken with the prepared sauce from step 2.
4. In a separate bowl, mix the drained ricotta cheese, lightly beaten eggs, and shredded cheddar cheese until well combined.
5. To assemble the lasagna, spread a thin layer of the chicken mixture on the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
6. Place 3 prepared lasagna strips over the chicken mixture. Spread half of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, then top with half of the remaining chicken mixture. Sprinkle with one-third of the crumbled cotija cheese.
7. Repeat the layers: 3 lasagna strips, the remaining ricotta mixture, and the remaining chicken mixture. Sprinkle with another third of the cotija cheese.
8. Top with the final 3 lasagna strips and sprinkle the remaining cotija cheese evenly over the top.
9. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes.
10. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted and the edges are bubbly.
11. Let the lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. Garnish with sliced scallions and serve.

Variations

• Deconstruct it: Create a lasagna bake by breaking the prepared lasagna strips into pieces and layering them randomly with the mixtures in the dish.
• Individual Portions: Assemble the lasagna in individual oven-safe dishes or deep muffin tins for perfect single servings and easier portion control.
• Charred Twist: For a deeper flavor, briefly char your prepared lasagna strips under the broiler before assembling, or use the broiler at the very end to get a crispier, golden top.
• Creamier Layer: Mix the ricotta cheese filling with a hand mixer for a minute to create a fluffier, creamier texture in your layers.

Tips for Success

• Draining the ricotta cheese in a fine-mesh strainer for 10-15 minutes prevents a watery lasagna.
• Letting the baked lasagna rest for at least 10 minutes is crucial; it allows the layers to set, making it much easier to cut clean slices.
• If using no-boil lasagna noodles, ensure your sauce and assembly are done quickly so the noodles have enough moisture to cook through.
• Taste your green chiles first; if they are very mild, you can increase the amount slightly for more heat.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave, or cover the baking dish with foil and reheat in a 350°F oven for 20-25 minutes until heated through.

FAQ

Can I use no-boil lasagna noodles?

Yes, you can use them. Ensure your sauce is liquidy and assemble the lasagna just before baking so the noodles absorb moisture properly.

What does “prepared*” mean for the lasagna strips?

It means the lasagna noodles should be cooked according to package directions for traditional lasagna (typically al dente) before assembling. You can also use the no-boil variety (see tip above).

What does “cooked and shredded or cubed*” mean for the chicken?

This means you need to use pre-cooked chicken. You can use leftover roasted or grilled chicken, a store-bought rotisserie chicken, or poach and shred chicken breasts specifically for this recipe.

Can I use a different cheese instead of cotija?

Cotija is a dry, crumbly, salty cheese. For a similar texture, you could use feta, though the flavor will be different. For a milder flavor, you could substitute with more shredded cheddar or a Mexican cheese blend.

Can I make this lasagna ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble it completely, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to add 5-10 minutes to the covered baking time if starting from cold.

Is the garlic powder correct, or should I use fresh garlic?

The recipe is written with garlic powder, which integrates smoothly into the sauce. You can substitute with 2-3 cloves of fresh minced garlic, sautéing them with the onion for a more potent flavor.