I’m bringing the flavors of Johnny Carino’s famous green chile chicken lasagna to your kitchen! ✨ This twist on classic lasagna combines tender chicken, roasted green chiles, and creamy cheese for a dish that’s both comforting and exciting.
The secret to this recipe is layering bold flavors with tender pasta. You’ll start by cooking chicken with roasted green chiles and spices, then layer it with lasagna noodles, rich cheese sauce, and melted mozzarella.
As it bakes, the cheese will melt together, creating a golden, bubbly top layer that gives way to creamy, spicy goodness inside. Serve with garlic bread for a complete meal that’ll transport you to your favorite Italian-American restaurant.
Let’s get started on this delicious green chile chicken lasagna!
Ingredients for green chile chicken lasagna johnny carino’s
Here’s everything you need to make Johnny Carino’s famous green chile chicken lasagna at home.
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken Breast 🍗 | 1 ½ lb | Boneless, skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces |
| Roasted Green Chiles 🌶️ | 2 cups | Chopped, roasted and peeled |
| Lasagna Noodles 🍝 | 8 whole | Cooked al dente, drained |
| Ricotta Cheese 🧀 | 1 ½ cups | Whole milk for best flavor |
| Mozzarella Cheese 🧀 | 2 cups | Shredded, low-moisture |
| Parmesan Cheese 🧀 | 1 cup | Freshly grated, aged |
| Garlic Cloves 🧄 | 4 cloves | Minced, fresh |
| Olive Oil 🫒 | 2 tbsp | Extra-virgin, for sautéing |
| Salt 🧂 | 1 tsp | Kosher, to taste |
| Black Pepper 🌶️ | ½ tsp | Freshly ground, to taste |
| Italian Seasoning 🌿 | 1 tsp | Dried, mixed herbs |
| Heavy Cream 🥛 | 1 cup | For cheese sauce, optional |
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For the best roasted green chiles, check specialty markets or use canned green chiles as a substitute. Look for high-quality ricotta and mozzarella cheese at Italian markets or well-stocked supermarkets. Freshly grate your Parmesan for the best flavor. You can also use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken to save time on preparation.
If you can't find roasted green chiles, substitute with a mix of green bell pepper and poblano pepper. For a lighter version, use reduced-fat ricotta and mozzarella. To make it spicier, add diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the chicken mixture. You can also prepare the lasagna ahead and refrigerate it overnight before baking.
Store leftover lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. Freeze individual portions for up to 3 months—thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Green Chile Chicken Lasagna
Let’s create Johnny Carino’s signature Green Chile Chicken Lasagna together, layer by layer.
👨🍳 Step 1: Prepare the Chicken and Green Chile Mixture
Start by heating 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1.5 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add 4 cloves minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Then add 2 cups chopped roasted green chiles and stir to combine. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, season with 1 tsp salt, 0.5 tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp Italian seasoning, and mix well. Set this chicken and green chile mixture aside to use in the lasagna layers.
👨🍳 Step 2: Prepare the Ricotta Cheese Mixture
In a medium bowl, combine 1.5 cups ricotta cheese, 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy. This ricotta mixture will add a rich, creamy layer to your lasagna.
Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning if needed. You can also add some chopped fresh herbs if you like, though Johnny Carino’s recipe keeps it simple. Set this mixture aside, ready to be layered in the lasagna.
🥘 Step 3: Assemble the Lasagna
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Cook 8 whole lasagna noodles al dente, then drain and set aside. In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of the chicken and green chile mixture on the bottom. Arrange 4 lasagna noodles on top of this layer.
Next, spread half of the ricotta cheese mixture over the noodles, followed by half of the 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layers: add the remaining chicken and green chile mixture, followed by the remaining 4 lasagna noodles, the remaining ricotta mixture, and finally the remaining mozzarella cheese.
🔥 Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. If you want an extra-creamy top, you can pour 1 cup heavy cream over the lasagna during the last 10 minutes of baking.
Keep an eye on the lasagna during the uncovered baking time. You want it to be bubbly,urothly golden, not burnt.
Let the lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. This resting time allows the flavors to meld together and the cheese to set, making it easier to serve perfect portions.
🍽️ Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Slice the lasagna into generous portions and serve hot. The green chile chicken lasagna should be rich, creamy, and full of flavor, with a nice balance of textures from the noodles, chicken, and cheese. Garnish with fresh cilantro or scallions if desired, and serve with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Enjoy the compliments from your family and friends as they savor this delicious, Johnny Carino’s-inspired dish!
Johnny Carino’s Green Chile Chicken Lasagna is a mouth-watering twist on the classic Italian dish, infused with the bold flavors of green chile peppers. This innovative recipe combines the creaminess of lasagna with the spicy kick of green chile, making it a perfect fusion dish for adventurous foodies 🍝.
Key Ingredients 🔥
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup roasted green chile peppers, diced
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 cup lasagna noodles
- 1 cup enchilada sauce
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
To make this dish, start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions, then set them aside. In a large skillet, sauté the chicken with roasted green chile peppers until the chicken is cooked through. In a separate bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, and a pinch of salt and pepper. In a 9×13-inch baking dish, create a layer of enchilada sauce, followed by lasagna noodles, the chicken and green chile mixture, and a layer of ricotta cheese mixture. Top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Repeat this layering process until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of cheese on top.
Tips for the Perfect Lasagna 💡 To ensure your lasagna is perfectly cooked, cover it with aluminum foil during the initial baking phase to prevent the cheese from burning. Remove the foil for the last 15-20 minutes to allow the top layer to brown. Let the lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. This will help the cheese set and make it easier to serve.
Tips & Tricks for Perfect Green Chile Chicken Lasagna
These expert tips will help you create Johnny Carino’s signature Green Chile Chicken Lasagna with restaurant-quality results at home.
Roasted Green Chile Preparation: For the best flavor, use high-quality roasted green chiles. If you’re roasting your own, char them until blackened, then peel off the skin. This step adds depth to the dish. You can also use canned green chiles as a substitute when fresh aren’t available.
Layering Strategy: In Step 3, when assembling the lasagna, make sure to spread the chicken and green chile mixture evenly. This ensures every bite has a good balance of chicken, cheese, and green chile flavor. Don’t overmix the layers to keep the textures distinct.
Cheese Quality Matters: Use freshly shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese for the best melting results. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect texture. For an extra-creamy top, pouring 1 cup heavy cream over the lasagna during the last 10 minutes of baking works wonders.
Resting is Crucial: After baking, let the lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This allows the cheese to set and the flavors to meld together, making it easier to serve perfect portions. 🔥
Nutrition Facts
420kcal
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Trained in classic French technique but raised on slow-cooked ribs and spicy rubs, she blends culinary skill with smoke and soul.
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