Chicken Parm Lasagna

An irresistible fusion of two beloved Italian classics—rich layers of marinara-drenched chicken parmesan meet the cheesy, pasta-filled goodness of lasagna. This masterpiece is perfect for satisfying hearty cravings while impressing your guests with a dish that’s both comforting and indulgent.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Parmesan

• 3 chicken breasts, halved and pounded thin
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 large eggs, beaten
• 2 cups Italian-style bread crumbs
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Vegetable oil, for frying

For the Lasagna Layers

• 8 lasagna noodles, cooked al dente
• 2 cups ricotta cheese
• 1 large egg, beaten (for ricotta mixture)
• 24 ounces marinara sauce
• 1½ cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1½ cups Parmesan cheese, shredded
• Fresh basil, for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
2. Set up a breading station with three shallow dishes:
   • Dish 1: Flour
   • Dish 2: Beaten eggs
   • Dish 3: Italian-style bread crumbs
3. Coat each chicken piece in flour, dip it in eggs, and coat with bread crumbs, ensuring an even layer.

Step 2: Fry the Chicken

1. Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Fry the chicken breasts until golden and crispy, approximately 4 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.

Step 3: Mix the Ricotta

1. In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese with the beaten egg. Mix until smooth and set aside.

Step 4: Assemble the Lasagna

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. Spread ⅓ of the marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
3. Layer in the following order:
   • Lasagna noodles (4 pieces for the base)
   • Ricotta mixture (half)
   • Chicken Parmesan (3 pieces)
   • Mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses (1/2 cup of each)
4. Repeat the layers, ending with marinara sauce and remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.

Step 5: Bake

1. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 40-50 minutes.
2. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, allowing the cheese to brown slightly and bubble.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

1. Let the lasagna rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing.
2. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a fragrant and elegant finish.

Pro Tips

• Make Ahead: Prep the chicken and ricotta mixture in advance to save time.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free lasagna noodles and breadcrumbs for dietary flexibility.
• Pairing Suggestion: Serve with a crisp Caesar salad and garlic bread to round out the meal.

This layered dish brings the comforting nostalgia of chicken parm together with the family-friendly delight of lasagna. Whether for a casual dinner or special occasion, it’s sure to become a new favorite! Let me know how it turns out!