Zesty Taco-Style Chicken Lasagna
This Zesty Taco-Style Chicken Lasagna is a flavorful fusion dish that combines the zest of taco filling with the comforting layers of traditional lasagna. Bursting with the freshness of green chilies, tangy salsa, and tender cubed chicken, this dish is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. It's loaded with creamy refried beans, rich sour cream, and a blend of gooey colby-monterey jack cheese. Perfect for family gatherings or cozy dinners, this lasagna is an exciting twist on classic flavors. Prepare it ahead for an easy make-ahead meal that everyone will love!
8
Servings
435
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Diced tomatoes with mild green chilies
2 (Cans (14.5 ounces each), undrained)
Thick & chunky salsa
1/2 (Cup)
Cooked chicken, cubed
3 (Cups)
Refried beans
1 (Can (16 ounces))
Sour cream
1/2 (Cup)
Uncooked lasagna noodles
12
Shredded colby-monterey jack cheese
3 (Cups)
Chopped green onion
1/2 (Cup)
Sliced ripe olives
1/4 (Cup (optional))
Chopped fresh cilantro
1/4 (Cup)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Lightly spray a 13x9 inch glass baking dish and a 15x12 inch sheet of foil with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
3
In a large mixing bowl, combine the undrained diced tomatoes, thick & chunky salsa, and the cubed cooked chicken. Set aside.
4
In a separate medium bowl, mix the refried beans and sour cream until well combined and creamy.
5
Spread approximately 1 1/4 cups of the chicken mixture evenly across the bottom of the baking dish. Place 4 uncooked lasagna noodles over the chicken mixture. If they do not fit, break the noodles as needed.
6
Layer half of the refried bean mixture on top of the noodles, followed by 1 1/2 cups of the chicken mixture. Sprinkle with 1 cup of shredded cheese and top with half of the chopped green onions and sliced olives (if using).
7
Add another layer with 4 more noodles, repeating the previous steps with the remaining bean mixture, chicken mixture, cheese, green onions, and olives.
8
Finish with the last 4 noodles on top. Spread any remaining chicken mixture and top with the remaining cheese, green onions, and olives. Ensure the top noodles are fully covered with sauce to prevent drying out.
9
Cover the dish tightly with the foil and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight to let the flavors meld.
10
When ready to bake, remove the dish from the refrigerator and place it in the preheated oven. Bake covered for 50 minutes.
11
After that, uncover the lasagna and bake for an additional 18 to 22 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden.
12
Allow the lasagna to cool for about 10 minutes before slicing. Top each portion with fresh cilantro and serve with optional garnishes of sour cream, chopped tomatoes, and shredded lettuce.
Nutrition Information
20g
Fat
45g
Carbs
22.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Taco-Style Chicken Lasagna?
It is a fusion dish that combines taco ingredients like salsa and green chilies with the layered structure of a traditional lasagna.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe makes 8 servings.
Do I need to boil the lasagna noodles beforehand?
No, you use uncooked lasagna noodles; they soften while the dish is refrigerated and then baked.
How long should the lasagna be refrigerated before baking?
It should be refrigerated for at least 8 hours or overnight to allow flavors to meld and noodles to soften.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
What kind of cheese is recommended?
The recipe calls for 3 cups of shredded colby-monterey jack cheese.
Should I drain the diced tomatoes?
No, use the diced tomatoes undrained as the liquid helps cook the noodles.
How much chicken is needed?
You will need 3 cups of cooked, cubed chicken.
Can I leave out the olives?
Yes, the sliced ripe olives are an optional ingredient.
What size baking dish should I use?
A 13x9 inch glass baking dish is recommended.
How do I prepare the baking dish?
Lightly spray the baking dish and the foil cover with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
What do I mix with the refried beans?
Mix the refried beans with 1/2 cup of sour cream until the mixture is creamy.
What should I do if the noodles don't fit the dish?
You can break the uncooked lasagna noodles as needed to make them fit the layers.
How long does the lasagna bake covered?
Bake the lasagna covered with foil for 50 minutes.
How long does it bake uncovered?
After the initial bake, uncover and bake for an additional 18 to 22 minutes.
How do I know when the lasagna is done?
The lasagna is done when the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden.
How long should it rest after baking?
Allow the lasagna to cool for about 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
What are the suggested garnishes?
Garnish with fresh cilantro, and optionally serve with sour cream, chopped tomatoes, and shredded lettuce.
How many calories are in a serving?
There are approximately 435 calories per serving.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving contains 22.5g of protein.
How much fat is in this dish?
There are 20g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
Each serving contains 45g of carbohydrates.
How many noodles are used in total?
The recipe uses 12 uncooked lasagna noodles.
Is there cilantro in the recipe?
Yes, 1/4 cup of chopped fresh cilantro is used for topping.
What type of salsa should I use?
The recipe specifies 1/2 cup of thick & chunky salsa.
What kind of tomatoes are required?
Use two 14.5-ounce cans of diced tomatoes with mild green chilies.
Are there onions in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe includes 1/2 cup of chopped green onions.
Why must the top noodles be covered with sauce?
Covering the top noodles with sauce or chicken mixture prevents them from drying out or becoming hard during baking.
What categories does this recipe fall into?
It is categorized as comfort food, tex-mex, a casserole, and a make-ahead family dinner.
Is this a good meal for a crowd?
Yes, its description states it is a flavorful crowd-pleaser perfect for family gatherings.