Easy White Chicken Lasagna Recipe to Try Tonight
If you’re craving a warm and comforting meal that feels both rich and fresh, this White Chicken Lasagna is your new best friend. Made with tender chicken, smoky turkey bacon, creamy plant-based cheese, and enhanced by a natural gelling agent, this lasagna layers flavors and textures you’ll want to savor. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a weekend treat, this dish comes together with ease and fills your home with amazing aroma and delight.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comfort with a twist: The creamy, white sauce replaces traditional tomato for a luscious, mild flavor perfect for every palate.
- Smoky addition: Smoked turkey bacon adds a savory depth without overpowering the tender chicken.
- Plant-powered cheese: Using plant-based cheese keeps the dish luscious and gooey, perfect for melting and stretching.
- Quick prep: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe doable any night of the week.
- Versatility: Easily adaptable to family favorites or dietary preferences without losing flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This White Chicken Lasagna calls for simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully to create a robust and satisfying flavor profile. Each ingredient plays a role in balancing creaminess, smokiness, and texture for the perfect bite.
- Cooked white chicken: Provides tender, juicy protein as the lasagna’s foundation.
- Smoked turkey bacon: Adds a smoky, savory touch that enhances every mouthful.
- Plant-based cheese: Melts wonderfully and adds creamy richness.
- Lasagna noodles: Layered for a classic texture and sturdy bite.
- Garlic and onions: Aromatics that bring warmth and depth to the sauce.
- Vegetarian Worcestershire sauce: Boosts umami and savory notes naturally.
- Chicken broth: Adds moisture and gentle flavor to the white sauce.
- Heavy cream (plant-based): Creates a silky, smooth sauce that holds everything together.
- Natural gelling agent: Used to ensure the sauce stays creamy and thick without separation.
- Fresh herbs: Like parsley and thyme for brightness and freshness.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the flavors.
Variations for White Chicken Lasagna
This recipe is wonderfully flexible, letting you tailor your White Chicken Lasagna to suit taste preferences or what you have on hand. Feel free to experiment with these creative tweaks!
- Vegetable boost: Add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for a nutrient-rich layer.
- Spice it up: Stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes or smoked paprika for gentle heat and smoky warmth.
- Herb swap: Try basil or oregano instead of parsley and thyme for Italian-inspired notes.
- Gluten-free: Use gluten-free lasagna noodles to keep the dish accessible for all.
- Extra creamy: Stir in some plant-based ricotta in the layers for an even richer texture.
How to Make White Chicken Lasagna
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by cooking the smoked turkey bacon until crisp, then chop it into bite-sized pieces. Shred the cooked chicken and finely chop onions and garlic. Measure out your plant-based cheese and have your herbs ready to go.
Step 2: Make the Creamy White Sauce
In a saucepan over medium heat, sauté the onions and garlic until translucent. Add the chicken broth, plant-based heavy cream, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Sprinkle in the natural gelling agent while stirring constantly to thicken the sauce smoothly. Let it simmer until creamy and velvety.
Step 3: Assemble the Lasagna Layers
Spread a thin layer of the white sauce on the bottom of your baking dish. Lay down the cooked noodles, then add shredded chicken, smoky turkey bacon, some of the plant-based cheese, and a spoonful of sauce. Repeat these layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a generous sprinkle of plant-based cheese and fresh herbs on top.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Cover your dish with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes to get a golden, bubbly top. Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow the layers to set beautifully.
Pro Tips for Making White Chicken Lasagna
- Use day-old noodles: They’re easier to layer and hold up better to the creamy sauce.
- Don’t over-sauce: Too much liquid can make your lasagna soggy; keep the sauce thick but pourable.
- Fresh herbs matter: Adding herbs at the end enhances brightness and freshness.
- Rest before slicing: Let the lasagna sit after baking for clean slices and better flavor melding.
- Crust lovers, broil carefully: A few minutes under the broiler will add perfect browning but watch closely.
How to Serve White Chicken Lasagna
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or basil to add a burst of color and herbaceous notes. A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil can enhance richness without overpowering the delicate flavors.
Side Dishes
Serve alongside a crisp green salad with tangy lemon dressing or roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli for a balanced and satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming dinner, serve individual portions in small cast iron skillets or ramekins. Layer the lasagna in transparent glass dishes to showcase the beautiful white layers and melted cheese.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep lasagna leftovers covered tightly in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days to enjoy a quick and comforting meal anytime.
Freezing
Wrap individual slices with foil and place in a freezer-safe container to freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 20 minutes or microwave on medium power, covered, for 2-3 minutes until warmed through and bubbly.
FAQs
Can I use regular chicken instead of smoked turkey bacon?
Absolutely! You can substitute smoked turkey bacon with regular grilled chicken slices or even turkey sausage for a similar savory punch.
Is this White Chicken Lasagna dairy-free?
Yes, thanks to the plant-based cheese and cream alternatives, this dish is creamy and indulgent without dairy.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
For a vegetarian option, replace the smoked turkey bacon and chicken with hearty vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini, and feel free to add lentils or chickpeas for protein.
What type of noodles work best?
Traditional lasagna noodles are ideal, but no-boil noodles or gluten-free options also work well to suit your preferences.
How can I make the sauce thicker?
Slow cooking the sauce with the natural gelling agent while stirring ensures a creamy texture that clings perfectly to the layers without being runny.
Final Thoughts
This White Chicken Lasagna is a true crowd-pleaser, packed with creamy flavors and smoky accents that delight every time. Perfect for family dinners or impressing guests, it’s a dish you’ll want to keep coming back to. Grab your ingredients and give it a try tonight comfort food just got a whole lot more exciting!
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White Chicken Lasagna
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This White Chicken Lasagna is a warm and comforting dish featuring tender cooked white chicken, smoky turkey bacon, and creamy plant-based cheese layers all enveloped in a luscious white sauce made with plant-based heavy cream and natural gelling agent. Perfect for busy weeknights or weekend treats, it offers a delicious twist on traditional lasagna with fresh herbs and savory depth, easy to prepare and adaptable to various dietary preferences.
Ingredients
Protein & Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked white chicken, shredded
- 6 slices smoked turkey bacon, cooked crisp and chopped
- 2 cups plant-based cheese, shredded
- 9 lasagna noodles (regular or gluten-free), cooked
Aromatics & Herbs
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves, chopped
Sauce Ingredients
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup plant-based heavy cream
- 2 teaspoons vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Cook smoked turkey bacon until crisp then chop into bite-sized pieces. Shred the cooked white chicken and finely chop onions and garlic. Measure out plant-based cheese and have fresh herbs ready.
- Make the Creamy White Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, sauté onions and garlic until translucent. Add chicken broth, plant-based heavy cream, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), salt, and pepper. Sprinkle in the natural gelling agent while stirring constantly to thicken. Simmer until sauce is creamy and velvety.
- Assemble the Lasagna Layers: Spread a thin layer of white sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Layer cooked noodles, shredded chicken, smoked turkey bacon, plant-based cheese, and spoonfuls of sauce. Repeat layers, finishing with plant-based cheese and fresh herbs on top.
- Bake to Perfection: Cover dish with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10 minutes until golden and bubbly. Let rest 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use day-old noodles for easier layering and better texture.
- Keep sauce thick but pourable to avoid sogginess.
- Add fresh herbs last to enhance brightness and flavor.
- Let lasagna rest after baking for cleaner slices and flavor melding.
- Broil carefully a few minutes for a perfectly browned top, watching closely.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 560mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: White Chicken Lasagna, plant-based cheese, smoked turkey bacon, creamy white sauce, gluten-free lasagna, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, comforting dinner