If you’re craving lasagna but want a healthier, low-carb alternative, Lasagna Stuffed Chicken is the perfect solution. This delicious recipe eliminates the need for pasta and replaces it with tender chicken breasts stuffed with all the savory flavors of lasagna. Packed with ricotta, mozzarella, and marinara, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that’s also suitable for low-carb and keto diets.
In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about Lasagna Stuffed Chicken—from why this recipe is a healthier option to how to make it, and even how to customize it to suit your tastes. Get ready to enjoy a hearty, flavorful meal that’s just as comforting as traditional lasagna but without all the carbs.
Why You’ll Love Lasagna Stuffed Chicken
There are countless reasons to love Lasagna Stuffed Chicken. Here’s why it’s a great choice for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion:
Healthy Twist on Classic Lasagna
Traditional lasagna is made with layers of pasta, ricotta, mozzarella, and marinara sauce. While it’s delicious, it’s often high in carbs and calories. By using chicken breasts as a base, this recipe skips the pasta and packs in the same great flavors but with fewer carbs, making it a perfect option for those following a low-carb or keto diet.
Easy to Make and Quick to Prepare
Making Lasagna Stuffed Chicken doesn’t require a lot of time in the kitchen. With just 15 minutes of prep time and about 35 minutes of baking, you’ll have a flavorful, hearty meal ready to enjoy. It’s a simple, satisfying dish for busy evenings when you want something delicious without spending hours cooking.
Full of Flavor
Lasagna Stuffed Chicken is loaded with all the rich, savory flavors you love in traditional lasagna—think creamy ricotta cheese, melty mozzarella, and tangy marinara. The chicken itself is juicy and tender, providing a satisfying base for all of these ingredients. It’s comfort food that’s light on carbs but big on taste.
Versatile and Customizable
This recipe is highly versatile. You can adjust the cheese mixture to suit your taste, add extra veggies like spinach or mushrooms, or switch up the sauce. You can also make it ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze it for later use, making it a great option for meal prep.
Family-Friendly
Lasagna Stuffed Chicken is a family-friendly meal that everyone will love. It’s filling, flavorful, and a great way to get your kids to enjoy chicken and vegetables without all the pasta. Plus, it’s easy to scale the recipe up or down depending on the number of servings you need.
Ingredients for Lasagna Stuffed Chicken
Making Lasagna Stuffed Chicken requires just a few simple ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to get started:
Chicken Breasts
The main ingredient in this recipe is chicken breasts. Bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts are ideal because the skin helps retain moisture during baking, keeping the chicken tender and juicy. You can also use boneless, skinless chicken breasts if you prefer a leaner option.
Ricotta Cheese
Ricotta is a classic filling for lasagna and provides a creamy, smooth texture. It’s essential for the stuffing in Lasagna Stuffed Chicken and gives the dish its signature richness. You can use full-fat or part-skim ricotta, depending on your preference.
Mozzarella Cheese
Grated mozzarella adds a melty, gooey layer to the stuffing. It’s the cheese that gives this dish that signature lasagna stretch and flavor. You can use either regular mozzarella or low-fat mozzarella to suit your dietary needs.
Marinara Sauce
Marinara sauce brings all the classic Italian flavors to Lasagna Stuffed Chicken. Choose a low-carb marinara sauce to keep the dish keto-friendly. If you prefer, you can make your own marinara sauce using fresh tomatoes, garlic, and herbs.
Italian Seasoning and Garlic Powder
These simple seasonings infuse the chicken and cheese stuffing with the aromatic flavors of Italian cuisine. Italian seasoning is a blend of herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme, which perfectly complement the other ingredients. Garlic powder adds a savory depth to the dish.
Parsley
Fresh parsley is used to garnish the dish, adding a pop of color and a hint of freshness that contrasts nicely with the richness of the chicken and cheese.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Lasagna Stuffed Chicken
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure that the chicken cooks evenly and the cheese melts perfectly.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Breasts
Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, carefully cut a deep pocket into the side of each chicken breast. Make sure not to cut all the way through the chicken—just create a deep enough pocket to stuff with the filling.
Step 3: Season the Chicken
Drizzle the chicken breasts with olive oil. Season both sides with 1/2 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, and a pinch of salt. Rub the seasoning evenly over the chicken to ensure it’s fully coated.
Step 4: Prepare the Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese, parsley, and the remaining 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Stir everything together until the mixture is well combined. This will be the stuffing for your chicken breasts.
Step 5: Stuff the Chicken
Stuff each chicken breast with the cheese mixture, being careful not to overstuff. The chicken breasts should be tightly packed, but the filling should not spill out. Secure the opening with toothpicks, if necessary, to hold the filling inside.
Step 6: Add Marinara Sauce
Place the stuffed chicken breasts in a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spoon marinara sauce evenly over the chicken breasts. Use a good quality marinara sauce to ensure the best flavor. Make sure the sauce covers the chicken breasts but doesn’t drown them in excess liquid.
Step 7: Bake the Chicken
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese over the top of the chicken breasts. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Remove the chicken from the oven and allow it to rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with additional fresh parsley, if desired. Serve the Lasagna Stuffed Chicken with your favorite low-carb side dishes, such as zoodles (zucchini noodles) or a simple green salad.
Tips for Perfect Lasagna Stuffed Chicken
To ensure your Lasagna Stuffed Chicken turns out perfectly every time, here are a few tips:
Use Bone-In, Skin-On Chicken
For the juiciest results, use bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts. The skin helps keep the chicken moist, while the bones add flavor during cooking. If you prefer boneless, skinless chicken, you can use that, but the dish may be slightly less juicy.
Don’t Overstuff the Chicken
While it’s tempting to stuff the chicken breasts with as much filling as possible, avoid overstuffing them. Too much filling can cause it to spill out during cooking. Make sure the filling fits comfortably inside the pocket without spilling.
Use High-Quality Marinara Sauce
Since marinara is one of the key ingredients, it’s important to use a good quality sauce. Look for low-carb or homemade marinara sauce for the best flavor. The sauce should complement the cheesy filling and not overpower it.
Check for Doneness with a Meat Thermometer
To ensure your chicken is fully cooked, use a meat thermometer. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This will ensure the meat is safe to eat while still being tender and juicy.
What to Serve with Lasagna Stuffed Chicken
While Lasagna Stuffed Chicken is hearty enough on its own, it pairs well with a variety of low-carb and keto-friendly sides. Here are some ideas for what to serve alongside your stuffed chicken:
Zoodles (Zucchini Noodles)
Zoodles are a great low-carb alternative to traditional pasta. You can sauté them in a little olive oil and garlic for a flavorful, light side dish that complements the richness of the chicken.
Roasted Vegetables
Roasted vegetables, such as broccoli, cauliflower, or Brussels sprouts, are a perfect accompaniment to Lasagna Stuffed Chicken. They’re low in carbs and provide a nice crunch and flavor that pairs well with the cheesy filling.
Green Salad
A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing is a refreshing side dish to balance out the richness of the chicken. You can add ingredients like cucumber, tomatoes, and avocado for extra flavor and texture.
Garlic Bread (Low-Carb Version)
If you’re craving garlic bread, make a low-carb version using almond flour or cauliflower-based bread. This will satisfy your bread craving without the carbs, making it a great addition to your meal.
Lasagna Stuffed Chicken Recipe
Ingredients:
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3 bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts (about 6 ounces each)
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning, divided
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1 teaspoon salt, divided
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1 cup ricotta cheese
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1 1/2 cups grated mozzarella cheese, divided
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2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
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1/2 cup marinara sauce (low-carb or homemade)
Instructions:
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Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
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Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, carefully cut a deep pocket into the side of each chicken breast.
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Drizzle the chicken breasts with olive oil and season with 1/2 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
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In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta, 1/2 cup of mozzarella, parsley, and the remaining 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Stir until well combined.
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Stuff each chicken breast with the ricotta mixture, making sure not to overstuff. Secure with toothpicks if necessary.
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Place the stuffed chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish. Spoon marinara sauce evenly over the chicken.
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Bake for 30 minutes, then sprinkle with the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella. Return to the oven for another 5 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
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Serve immediately, garnished with extra parsley if desired.
Notes:
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For a leaner option, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts, but the dish may be less juicy.
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Feel free to add extra veggies, such as spinach or mushrooms, to the ricotta filling for additional flavor.
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Use a low-carb marinara sauce to keep this dish keto-friendly.
Nutritional Facts (Per Serving – 1 Chicken Breast):
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Calories: 374 kcal
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Protein: 50g
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Fat: 18g
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Saturated Fat: 7g
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Carbohydrates: 5g
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Fiber: 1g
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Sugar: 3g
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Cholesterol: 119mg
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Sodium: 987mg
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Potassium: 430mg
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Calcium: 250mg
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Iron: 2mg
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Net Carbs: 4g
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Method: Baked
Cuisine: Italian
Servings: 3
Calories per Serving: 374 kcal
Yield: 3 chicken breasts
