Next, I preheat my oven to 375°F (190°C) and get my 9×13 inch baking dish ready. I like to spread a little bit of the chicken and cheese mixture at the bottom of the dish to prevent sticking. Then comes the fun part! I layer four lasagna noodles down, followed by a generous portion of the chicken mixture, some chopped green onions, and a sprinkle of crumbled bacon. I repeat this process, making layers until I’ve used all my ingredients, finishing with noodles topped with the remaining cheese (both cheddar and mozzarella).
After covering the dish with foil, I pop it into the oven for about 25 minutes. This step is crucial as it allows all those flavors to meld without browning too quickly. Once the time is up, I remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. My kitchen smells incredible during that time, and I can hardly wait to dig in!
Once it’s done, I take it out of the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. It’s hard to resist a bowl right away, but letting it rest for about 10 minutes helps it maintain its shape. I love garnishing with extra green onions for a bit of color and freshness before giving everyone their serving!
Pro Tips for Best Results
In my journey of meal prepping for my family and friends, I found that using rotisserie chicken not only saves you time but also adds a depth of flavor to the dish. I’ve tested this recipe with both fresh and leftover chicken, and using rotisserie is my favorite method by far! The spices they use really bring life to the lasagna.
For a little extra flair, I sometimes like to add a dash of hot sauce to the chicken mixture. It gives the dish a subtle kick and complements the ranch dressing beautifully. If you’re like me and enjoy a little heat, definitely give it a try!
Lastly, I always ensure that I have plenty of cheese on top. There’s nothing worse than a lasagna that skims on cheese. Extra cheese means extra gooeyness, and who wouldn’t want that? I usually end up using more cheese than the recipe calls for, and I never hear any complaints!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
While making Crack Chicken Lasagna, I’ve made a few missteps along the way that taught me valuable lessons. One major mistake is overcooking the lasagna noodles. Remember, they need to be al dente because they will continue cooking in the oven. Trust me; you don’t want them to turn mushy and lose their shape! (See the next page below to continue…)