Spiced Southwest Chicken Lasagna Delight
Experience a delectable twist on traditional lasagna with this Spiced Southwest Chicken Lasagna Delight. Bursting with bold flavors from green chili peppers, jalapeños, and a combination of cheeses, this dish harmoniously blends classic Italian and Southwestern ingredients. Perfect for family gatherings or meal prep, each layer of tender noodles, savory chicken, and zesty sauces creates an unforgettable experience that will leave everyone asking for seconds. Serve this hearty dish to elevate your dinner table and impress your guests with a unique and satisfying meal.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
19
Ingredients
Ingredients
Lasagna noodles
16 ounces (Cook according to package instructions, then drain.)
Eggs
2 (Beaten)
Cottage cheese
24 ounces (Small curd, set aside.)
Chopped parsley
to taste (Optional, for garnish.)
Green chili peppers
4 ounces (Chopped, from a can.)
Jalapeno pepper
to taste (Chopped, added for heat.)
Garlic cloves
2 (Minced)
Chopped onion
1 cup (Sautéed in oil.)
Red bell pepper
1/2 (Chopped)
Green bell pepper
1/2 (Chopped)
Tomato sauce
30 ounces (Two 15-ounce cans.)
Enchilada sauce
10 ounces (One can.)
Chili powder
2 tablespoons (For seasoning.)
Cumin
1 teaspoon (For flavor.)
Black pepper
1/2 teaspoon (To taste.)
Cooked chicken breasts
4-6 (Cut into bite-sized pieces.)
Shredded sharp cheddar cheese
8 ounces (For layering.)
Shredded mozzarella cheese or Monterey Jack cheese
8 ounces (For layering.)
Thinly sliced bell peppers
as desired (For garnish.)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a large pot, cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3
In a mixing bowl, combine the beaten eggs with the cottage cheese, parsley, and black pepper. Mix until smooth and set aside.
4
In a large skillet, add a splash of oil or margarine over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onions, red and green peppers, and minced garlic until they become tender.
5
Add the tomato sauce, enchilada sauce, chili powder, cumin, black pepper, green chilis, and jalapeños to the skillet. Stir well to combine.
6
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer uncovered for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
7
Once the flavors meld, add in the cooked chicken pieces and continue to simmer on low for another 15-20 minutes. Remove from heat and let sit.
8
Lightly grease a 13 x 9-inch baking dish.
9
To assemble the lasagna, begin by spreading a thin layer of the chicken mixture at the bottom of the baking dish.
10
Place 4-5 lasagna noodles over the sauce. Spread half of the cottage cheese mixture over the noodles, followed by half of the chicken mixture, and a layer of shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses.
11
Repeat the layers by placing more noodles, the remaining cottage cheese mixture, the rest of the chicken mixture, and more cheese.
12
On the top layer, place the last noodles, then coat with remaining chicken sauce and the rest of the cheeses.
13
Garnish the top with thinly sliced bell peppers, if desired.
14
Cover with foil and bake for about 50 minutes, until heated through and bubbly. Remove the foil in the last 10 minutes for a golden top.
15
Allow the lasagna to cool for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spiced Southwest Chicken Lasagna Delight?
It is a unique fusion dish that combines the structure of a classic Italian lasagna with bold Southwestern ingredients like enchilada sauce, green chilis, and cumin.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before baking the lasagna.
How long does the lasagna need to bake?
The lasagna should be baked for approximately 50 minutes, removing the foil during the last 10 minutes.
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Yes, using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken cut into bite-sized pieces is an excellent time-saving substitute for chicken breasts.
What type of cheese is best for layering?
The recipe recommends using a combination of shredded sharp cheddar cheese and either mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese.
Is this lasagna spicy?
It has a zesty kick due to the jalapeños, green chilis, and chili powder, but you can adjust these amounts to suit your heat preference.
Do I need to cook the lasagna noodles first?
Yes, the noodles should be boiled according to the package instructions until al dente before you begin layering.
What size baking dish should I use?
A standard 13 x 9-inch baking dish is the ideal size for this recipe.
Why do I need to add eggs to the cottage cheese?
The beaten eggs act as a binder, helping the cottage cheese layer set so it doesn't run when the lasagna is sliced.
How long should the chicken simmer in the sauce?
Once the chicken is added to the sauce, it should simmer on low heat for 15 to 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Can I substitute cottage cheese with ricotta?
Yes, you can substitute ricotta cheese for the cottage cheese if you prefer a more traditional Italian texture.
What is the best way to garnish this dish?
You can garnish the top with thinly sliced bell peppers and a sprinkle of chopped parsley for a fresh finish.
Should I cover the lasagna while it bakes?
Yes, cover the dish with foil for the first 40 minutes to keep it moist, then remove the foil for the final 10 minutes to brown the cheese.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely. This dish is great for meal prep and can be assembled ahead of time and kept in the refrigerator until you are ready to bake.
How long should I let the lasagna cool before serving?
Allow the lasagna to rest for 10-15 minutes after taking it out of the oven to ensure it holds its shape when sliced.
Can I omit the jalapeños?
Yes, if you prefer a milder flavor, you can leave out the jalapeños without affecting the structural integrity of the recipe.
What kind of enchilada sauce is recommended?
Any standard 10-ounce can of red enchilada sauce works perfectly for this recipe.
How many layers are in this lasagna?
The recipe calls for repeating the layers twice, resulting in approximately three layers of noodles and sauce.
What vegetables are sautéed for the sauce?
The base of the sauce includes chopped onions, red bell peppers, green bell peppers, and minced garlic.
Is this dish suitable for freezing?
Yes, this lasagna freezes very well. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing.
How much chicken is required?
You will need 4 to 6 cooked chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces.
Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Yes, cooked ground turkey or ground chicken can be used as an alternative protein source.
What spices give it the Southwest flavor?
The combination of chili powder, cumin, and the canned green chilis provides the signature Southwest taste.
How much tomato sauce is needed?
The recipe requires 30 ounces of tomato sauce, which is typically two 15-ounce cans.
Can I add black beans or corn?
Yes, adding a cup of black beans or corn to the chicken mixture would enhance the Southwestern theme.
How should I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
What is the best way to reheat it?
Reheat individual slices in the microwave or place the dish back in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
Is the cottage cheese small curd or large curd?
The recipe specifies 24 ounces of small curd cottage cheese.
How many noodles should I use per layer?
You should aim to place 4 to 5 lasagna noodles in each layer to cover the 13x9 dish.
What can I serve as a side dish?
It pairs well with a crisp green salad, Mexican-style street corn, or a side of garlic bread.