This Chicken Lasagna with Noodles offers a delicious and comforting alternative to the classic beef lasagna. Made with tender shredded chicken, layers of flavorful cheese, vegetables, and aromatic herbs, this dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a special gathering. With the combination of cottage cheese, mozzarella, and the richness of tomatoes and spices, it’s a hearty meal that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients:
- 7 chicken legs, cooked and shredded
- 2 eggs
- 2 tomatoes, sliced
- Cheese of your choice, shredded (cheddar, Parmesan, or a blend)
- Butter for greasing
- Lasagna noodles, prepared following the instructions on the package.
- Cottage cheese (approx. 200-300 g)
- 1 onion, chopped
- Salt to taste
- Ground coriander to taste
- Paprika to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- Mozzarella cheese, shredded (approx. 200 g)
- A bunch of parsley and dill, chopped
- Vegetable oil for sautéing
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken and Vegetables:
- Cook the Chicken:
- If your chicken legs aren’t cooked yet, boil or roast them until fully cooked. Once cooled, shred the meat, discarding the skin and bones. Set aside.
- Sauté the Onion and Garlic:
- In a pan, heat a drizzle of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until softened and fragrant, about 4-5 minutes.
2. Prepare the Cottage Cheese Mixture:
- Combine the Cheese and Eggs:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese with 2 beaten eggs. Season with salt, black pepper, ground coriander, and paprika to taste.
- Stir in the sautéed onions and garlic, along with the chopped parsley and dill.
3. Assemble the Lasagna:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Coat a large baking dish with butter.
- Layer the Lasagna:
- First Layer: Start by placing a layer of cooked lasagna noodles on the bottom of the baking dish.
- Second Layer: Spread a portion of the shredded chicken evenly over the noodles. Season the chicken with a little salt and pepper if needed.
- Third Layer: Add a layer of sliced tomatoes and sprinkle some shredded cheese over the top.
- Fourth Layer: Spoon a portion of the cottage cheese mixture over the tomato and chicken layer.
- Repeat: Repeat the layering process (noodles, chicken, tomatoes, cheese, cottage cheese) until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of noodles on top.
4. Top with Mozzarella and Bake:
- Add Mozzarella:
- Generously sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the top layer of noodles for that gooey, melted cheese finish.
- Bake the Lasagna:
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for about 25-30 minutes. Take off the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbling.
5. Serve:
- Once baked, allow the lasagna to cool slightly before slicing and serving. Garnish with extra parsley or dill if desired.
Conclusion:
This Chicken Lasagna with Noodles is a fantastic twist on the classic lasagna, offering layers of tender chicken, creamy cottage cheese, fresh tomatoes, and gooey mozzarella. It’s hearty, flavorful, and perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying leftovers. Serve it with a fresh green salad or garlic bread for a complete and satisfying meal!