French Onion Chicken Lasagna Rolls Ups Recipe

If you have been searching for a comforting, elegant twist on traditional lasagna, the French Onion Chicken Lasagna Rolls Ups Recipe brings together the rich, caramelized flavors of French onion soup and tender chicken in a uniquely delightful way. This dish is all about tender, cheesy layers rolled up with perfectly cooked noodles, bursting with spinach, creamy ricotta, and that unmistakable caramelized onion sweetness. It’s an extraordinary crowd-pleaser that feels gourmet but comes together with surprisingly simple ingredients and straightforward steps that will make any weeknight dinner feel special.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each component in this French Onion Chicken Lasagna Rolls Ups Recipe plays a crucial role, creating layers of deep flavor, creamy textures, and fresh vibrance. These ingredients are easy to find but work harmoniously to build a dish that’s both hearty and elegant.

• Unsalted butter (4 tbsp total): Essential for sautéing onions and starting the creamy béchamel sauce, imparting a rich depth to both.
• Sweet onions (3, thinly sliced): When slowly caramelized, they provide the signature sweet and savory base that’s irresistible.
• Salt and pepper (pinch each): Simple seasonings to enhance every layer without overpowering.
• Baby spinach (16 ounces): Adds a fresh, slightly earthy note and beautiful green color to the rolls.
• Garlic cloves (3, minced): Brings aromatic warmth that complements the onions and chicken perfectly.
• Cooked, shredded chicken (2 cups): Adds protein and a tender, juicy texture that’s important for balance.
• Ricotta cheese (12 ounces): Creates a creamy, mild layer that keeps each roll moist and luscious.
• Parmesan cheese (⅓ cup, freshly grated): Gives a sharp, salty kick and helps bind the ricotta mixture.
• Egg (1, lightly beaten): Acts as a natural binder for the ricotta filling, ensuring it holds together nicely.
• Traditional lasagna noodles (8, cooked): The sturdy but tender base for each roll to neatly hold all the fillings.
• Gruyere cheese (8 ounces, freshly grated): Melts beautifully on top, with a nutty flavor that amplifies the dish’s richness.
• Flour (2 tablespoons): Thickens the béchamel sauce to a silky, irresistible consistency.
• Milk (1 ½ to 2 cups): The creamy base for the béchamel, adjusted to get the perfect texture.
• Dried thyme (½ teaspoon): Infuses an herbal note that ties the béchamel and onions together seamlessly.
• Freshly grated nutmeg (½ teaspoon): Adds warm, subtle depth to the béchamel sauce.
• Fresh thyme and/or chives: Bright, fresh herbs for garnish that add a pop of color and lift the earthy flavors.

How to Make French Onion Chicken Lasagna Rolls Ups Recipe

Step 1: Caramelize the Onions

Begin by melting 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced sweet onions along with a pinch of salt and pepper. Let them cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until they become golden brown and deeply caramelized. This process develops the rich, sweet foundation that defines the flavors in your French Onion Chicken Lasagna Rolls Ups Recipe. Patience here ensures a vibrant, flavorful base.

Step 2: Prepare the Spinach and Chicken Filling

In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and baby spinach, sautéing until the spinach wilts down completely. Then stir in the cooked, shredded chicken and mix everything well to combine. This savory filling brings in a fresh, mild bite that balances the richness of the caramelized onions and cheeses.

Step 3: Mix the Ricotta Layer

In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, freshly grated parmesan, lightly beaten egg, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This creamy mixture provides a luscious texture and a subtle tang that complements the chicken and onions beautifully. The egg helps keep the filling together when rolled inside the noodles.

Step 4: Roll Up the Lasagna Noodles

Cook the lasagna noodles until al dente according to package instructions, then drain and cool slightly. Spread a thin layer of the ricotta mixture onto each noodle, followed by a generous spoonful of the spinach and chicken filling, and top with caramelized onions. Carefully roll each noodle into a neat cylinder, ready for layering in your baking dish.

Step 5: Make the Thyme Béchamel Sauce

In a saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute to remove the raw taste. Gradually add 1 ½ to 2 cups of milk while whisking constantly until the sauce thickens to a smooth, pourable consistency. Stir in the dried thyme, grated nutmeg, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This creamy béchamel adds a lovely herbaceous richness that ties all the layers together flawlessly.

Step 6: Assemble and Bake

Spread a little béchamel sauce on the bottom of your baking dish. Arrange the noodles seam side down, then pour the remaining béchamel sauce over the top. Sprinkle evenly with freshly grated Gruyere cheese. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 25-30 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown, signaling that your French Onion Chicken Lasagna Rolls Ups Recipe is ready to enjoy.

How to Serve French Onion Chicken Lasagna Rolls Ups Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like thyme sprigs or chopped chives add an inviting burst of color and a fragrant note that beautifully complements the warm, cheesy rolls. A little extra sprinkle of parmesan or cracked black pepper while serving can also elevate the presentation and flavor.

Side Dishes

Pair this recipe with a crisp green salad tossed in a light lemon vinaigrette or roasted seasonal vegetables to introduce contrast and brightness. A crusty baguette or garlic bread also works wonders to sop up the luscious béchamel and melted cheese leftover on the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the rolls individually on plates with a drizzle of extra béchamel sauce on top or cut into smaller bite-sized pieces for a crowd-friendly appetizer. Layering the rolls in a pretty baking dish straight to the table creates a welcoming family-style feast vibe that everyone will appreciate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your French Onion Chicken Lasagna Rolls Ups Recipe stores wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors even deepen after resting, making it a perfect plan-ahead dinner to enjoy later.

Freezing

Freeze the unbaked rolls arranged in the baking dish, covered tightly with plastic wrap and foil, for up to 3 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as usual. This lets you freeze a comforting homemade meal for busy days ahead.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through and bubbly. Avoid microwaving if possible to maintain the delicate textures and prevent the béchamel from separating.

FAQs

Can I use other types of cheese besides Gruyere?

Absolutely! While Gruyere adds a lovely nuttiness and melts beautifully, you can substitute with mozzarella for a milder melt or fontina for a similar creamy, rich texture. Just choose a cheese that melts well to keep the rolls deliciously gooey.

Is it necessary to pre-cook the lasagna noodles?

For this recipe, pre-cooking the noodles ensures they roll up easily without cracking and get fully tender when baked. Using no-boil noodles might work if you add extra sauce, but traditional cooked noodles yield the best texture here.

Can I make the caramelized onions in advance?

Yes, caramelized onions can be made a day or two ahead and stored refrigerated. Just reheat gently before assembling your rolls. This step saves time and helps the flavors develop even further.

What can I use if I don’t have fresh spinach?

Frozen spinach works well too—just be sure to thaw it fully and squeeze out all excess moisture before mixing it with the chicken. This prevents the filling from becoming watery.

Is this recipe suitable for freezing after baking?

While it is possible, freezing baked rolls can sometimes affect texture, especially the béchamel sauce. For best results, freeze before baking and cook fresh; however, if you freeze after baking, reheat thoroughly and gently to restore the creaminess.

Final Thoughts

I cannot recommend enough trying the French Onion Chicken Lasagna Rolls Ups Recipe if you want to serve a dish that’s cozy, elegant, and bursting with flavor. It’s a fantastic way to take everyday ingredients and transform them into a beautifully layered—and truly unforgettable—meal that everyone will adore. Once you have these rolls in your recipe repertoire, they will become an instant favorite, perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself on a quiet night in.

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