Death to Dieters Chicken Lasagna
Description
Prepare to be delighted by this surprisingly decadent dish, which, despite its unassuming name, is a true crowd-pleaser. Originating from the celebrated Best of Bridge collection, this Chicken Lasagna is rich, creamy, and bursting with flavor, making it an ideal choice for gatherings or special occasions. The mix of ingredients may seem odd, but rest assured, this culinary creation will garner rave reviews from your guests, just as it has from many others before. In fact, one friend was so enamored he insisted on taking home leftovers after fixing my computer! When serving, remember that a little goes a long way due to its richness. Pair it with a vibrant Spinach, Strawberry, and Mandarin Salad with Poppyseed Dressing to balance the flavors beautifully.
Ingredients
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 2 | unsalted butter |
| 1 | cup milk |
| 2 | tablespoons lemon juice |
| 3 | teaspoons black pepper |
| 2 | cups fresh mushrooms, sliced |
| 3 | cups onions, chopped |
| 2 | pounds boneless chicken breasts |
| 8 | teaspoons dried basil |
| 2 | teaspoons dried oregano |
| 2 | cups mozzarella cheese, shredded |
| 1 | cup parmesan cheese, grated |
| 1 | bunch fresh asparagus, trimmed |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 642.1 kcal |
| Total Fat | 42.4 g |
| Saturated Fat | 23 g |
| Cholesterol | 158 mg |
| Sodium | 651.3 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 26.3 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.3 g |
| Sugars | 3.5 g |
| Protein | 39.5 g |
Instructions
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Begin by boiling a large pot of water and gently add the lasagna noodles, cooking them according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the noodles and immediately run cold water over them to stop the cooking process; this will prevent them from becoming too soft.
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In a non-stick frying pan, lightly spray some cooking spray and heat it over medium-high heat. Add the boneless chicken breasts, cooking them thoroughly until no longer pink in the center. Once cooked, remove from heat, allowing the chicken to rest for a few minutes before slicing it into thin strips; this can be done either before or after cooking, depending on your preference.
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In the same pan, sauté the sliced mushrooms and chopped onions until they become soft and fragrant, which should take about 5 to 7 minutes. Once done, set these aside to cool slightly.
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a deep 9×13-inch baking dish by spraying it with cooking spray, which will help prevent the lasagna from sticking.
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Prepare the hollandaise sauce according to the package directions, ensuring it is smooth and creamy. Spread a small amount of this sauce evenly across the bottom of your prepared baking dish; just enough to create a thin layer.
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Begin layering the lasagna by placing a layer of the cooked lasagna noodles over the hollandaise sauce. Next, evenly distribute half of the sliced chicken on top of the noodles. Sprinkle this layer generously with half of the dried basil, dried oregano, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Follow the chicken with half of the sautéed mushroom and onion mixture, then drizzle and spread half of the remaining hollandaise sauce over the top. Add another sprinkle of basil and oregano for added flavor.
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For the cheese lovers, sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella and grated parmesan cheese over this layer. Then, take the fresh asparagus and arrange it neatly in a single layer on top of the cheese.
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Repeat the layers, starting with another layer of noodles, followed by the remaining chicken, mushroom and onion mixture, hollandaise sauce, and the rest of the mozzarella and parmesan cheese. This creates a hearty and delicious lasagna.
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Cover the dish loosely with aluminum foil, making sure not to press it against the cheese, as it can stick during cooking. Place the lasagna in the preheated oven and bake for about 45 to 60 minutes, or until the dish is hot and bubbly. Keep an eye on the cheese; if it begins to brown too quickly, tent the lasagna with foil to prevent burning.
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Once fully cooked, remove the lasagna from the oven and allow it to rest for at least 15 minutes before cutting into it. This resting time helps the layers set and makes serving easier.
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To serve, cut the lasagna into small squares, as it is quite rich, and pair it with a vibrant salad, like the Spinach, Strawberry, and Mandarin Salad with Poppyseed Dressing, which adds a refreshing tartness that beautifully complements the dish’s richness.
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Note: While you may be tempted to freeze leftovers, I have never tried this method. Given the presence of asparagus and the creamy hollandaise sauce, I suspect freezing may not yield the best results. Always check the package directions of your hollandaise sauce at the store, as ingredient measurements and yields can vary by brand.
Final Thoughts
Embrace the decadence of this Chicken Lasagna, which, despite its name, is sure to impress everyone who tries it. With its layers of savory goodness and rich flavors, it’s a dish that will not soon be forgotten—just be prepared for your guests to ask for seconds!
