If you ever find yourself wondering what to do with leftover cooked chicken, this Leftover Chicken Lasagna Rolls Recipe is an absolute game-changer. It takes simple, familiar ingredients and transforms them into a comforting, cheesy dish that’s bursting with Italian flavors. These lasagna rolls are as visually pleasing as they are delicious, making them perfect for a family dinner or impressing friends. Plus, they’re a smart and creative way to breathe new life into your chicken leftovers, proving that leftover meals can be just as exciting as fresh ones.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is all about using straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients that pack a flavorful punch. Each component plays a key role in balancing texture, creaminess, and that irresistible cheesy goodness.
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded: The star protein, tender and ready to soak up the cheesy filling.
- 1 cup ricotta cheese: Adds a creamy, luscious texture that makes every bite melt in your mouth.
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Half goes in the filling, the rest on top for that bubbly, golden finish.
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan: For a sharp, nutty flavor that complements the mozzarella beautifully.
- 1 large egg: Acts as a binder to hold the filling together perfectly.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses a deep, savory warmth that elevates the whole dish.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend of herbs that brings an authentic Italian vibe.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper: Adds just the right amount of mild heat and depth.
- 8 cooked lasagna noodles: Ready to roll and hold your flavorful filling gently inside.
- 2 cups marinara sauce: The rich, tangy base that ties the whole dish together.
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped: For a pop of color and fresh, herbaceous brightness on top.
How to Make Leftover Chicken Lasagna Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, ricotta cheese, 1 cup mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix everything thoroughly until you get a creamy, cheesy, and seasoned filling ready to be spooned into the noodles. This filling is where the magic starts, blending all those flavors into one harmonious mixture.
Step 2: Cook and Cool the Lasagna Noodles
Cook your lasagna noodles according to the package instructions until they’re perfectly al dente. This ensures they stay firm enough to roll without breaking but soft enough to bite through easily. Once cooked, carefully drain and lay the noodles flat on a clean surface or a baking sheet to cool and dry. This step is crucial so the noodles don’t stick to each other when you roll them.
Step 3: Roll the Noodles
Take each noodle and spoon about 1/4 cup of the chicken and cheese filling along one edge. Then, roll it up gently but firmly so the filling stays inside. Place each roll seam-side down in a lightly greased 9×13 baking dish. The seam down helps prevent the rolls from unraveling during baking, keeping everything nice and neat.
Step 4: Add Sauce and Cheese
Pour the marinara sauce evenly over the lasagna rolls, making sure each roll gets coated. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella over the top to create that irresistible golden, bubbly cheese crust once baked. This layer adds a delicious finishing touch that ties together the savory flavors.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes to let the cheese on top turn beautifully golden and bubbly. The warmth melds the filling and sauce wonderfully, making the rolls simply irresistible.
Step 6: Rest and Garnish
Let the rolls rest for about 5 minutes after baking to let everything set and the flavors meld even more. Just before serving, sprinkle the fresh chopped parsley on top for a lovely color contrast and a hint of fresh herbal brightness.
How to Serve Leftover Chicken Lasagna Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley is classic and adds a nice burst of color and light herbal notes. For an even more decadent touch, consider adding a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a few shavings of Parmesan right before serving. These little garnishes can instantly lift the dish’s presentation and flavor profile.
Side Dishes
Leftover Chicken Lasagna Rolls Recipe pairs beautifully with simple, fresh sides. A crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette balances the richness of the cheese, while roasted or steamed vegetables like broccoli or asparagus add color and nutrition. Garlic bread or warm focaccia also makes an ideal companion for soaking up any leftover marinara sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a more elegant look, serve your lasagna rolls on individual plates with a delicate drizzle of sauce artfully placed around. You could also bake them in individual ramekins for personal portions or even turn the rolls into a layered casserole by stacking them in a dish with alternating layers of sauce and cheese. Whatever you choose, the result is sure to delight.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This recipe stores beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Place leftover rolls in an airtight container or cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap. When ready to eat, simply reheat in the oven to revive the melty, comforting texture of the cheese and warm the chicken filling through.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy this dish later, you can freeze it before or after baking. For frozen and unbaked rolls, cover tightly with foil and plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake as directed. If freezing after baking, wrap portions carefully and thaw before reheating gently in the oven or microwave.
Reheating
The best method to reheat leftover chicken lasagna rolls is in the oven. Preheat to 350°F (175°C), cover the rolls with foil to keep them moist, and heat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through and cheese is bubbly again. For a quicker option, the microwave works fine but can sometimes dry out the edges, so cover loosely with a damp paper towel.
FAQs
Can I use fresh chicken instead of leftover chicken?
Absolutely! If you don’t have leftover chicken on hand, cooked fresh chicken breast or thighs work perfectly. Just shred the chicken before mixing it into the filling to maintain that tender texture.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, simply swap out the regular lasagna noodles for gluten-free ones. Just be sure to cook the gluten-free noodles exactly according to their package instructions since they can differ in texture and cooking times.
What if I don’t have ricotta cheese?
If ricotta isn’t available, you can substitute it with cottage cheese or even cream cheese for a slightly different but still creamy filling. Just blend cottage cheese smoothly if using it to avoid lumps in your filling.
Can I prepare these rolls ahead of time before baking?
Yes, these rolls are excellent for preparing ahead. Assemble the rolls and refrigerate them covered for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes it an ideal meal to prep the day before or in the morning for a hassle-free dinner.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes to the filling or stir a bit of hot sauce into the marinara before pouring it over the rolls. This simple tweak adds warmth without overwhelming the balance of flavors.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something so heartwarming and satisfying about a dish like the Leftover Chicken Lasagna Rolls Recipe. It’s not only a clever way to reinvent simple leftovers but also a joyful meal that brings people together around the table. Once you try it, this recipe will quickly become one of your favorites for those nights when you want comfort food without fuss. So grab your leftover chicken and get rolling—deliciousness awaits!
Print
Leftover Chicken Lasagna Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Leftover Chicken Dinner features tender shredded chicken mixed with creamy ricotta and mozzarella cheeses, Italian herbs, and wrapped in cooked lasagna noodles. Baked in marinara sauce until bubbly and golden, these chicken roll-ups offer a comforting and delicious way to transform leftover chicken into a satisfying family meal.
Ingredients
Filling
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded (divided: 1 cup for filling, 1/2 cup for topping)
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
Other Ingredients
- 8 cooked lasagna noodles
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Mix the filling: In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, ricotta cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir until all ingredients are fully blended and the mixture is evenly combined.
- Prepare lasagna noodles: Cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain and lay them flat on a surface to cool and prevent sticking.
- Roll the noodles: Spoon approximately 1/4 cup of the chicken and cheese filling onto each cooked noodle. Carefully roll each noodle up, starting from one end, and place the rolls seam-side down in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish to keep them intact during baking.
- Add sauce and cheese topping: Evenly pour the 2 cups of marinara sauce over the arranged chicken roll-ups in the baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the top to create a cheesy crust.
- Bake covered and uncovered: Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted, golden, and bubbly.
- Rest and garnish: Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish the baked chicken roll-ups with freshly chopped parsley for a bright, fresh finish.
Notes
- Ensure the lasagna noodles are not overcooked to avoid tearing when rolling.
- Leftover cooked chicken is ideal, but rotisserie chicken works perfectly.
- If marinara sauce is too thick, thin with a bit of water or broth for easier pouring.
- For a lower fat option, use part-skim mozzarella and reduced-fat ricotta cheeses.
- These roll-ups can be prepared ahead of time and baked just before serving.
- Serve with a side salad or steamed vegetables to complete the meal.
