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
Scale
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.
