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French Onion Chicken Lasagna Rolls Ups Recipe

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4.4 from 77 reviews

Experience the comforting fusion of French onion soup flavors and classic Italian lasagna in these delicious French Onion Chicken Lasagna Roll Ups. Featuring caramelized sweet onions, tender shredded chicken, fresh spinach, creamy ricotta, and a fragrant thyme-infused béchamel sauce, this dish offers a rich, savory twist on a traditional lasagna. Perfect for a cozy dinner, these roll ups combine layers of cheese, chicken, and flavorful sauce rolled inside tender lasagna noodles, baked to golden perfection and garnished with fresh herbs.

  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Caramelized Onions

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 sweet onions, thinly sliced
  • Pinch of salt and pepper

Spinach and Chicken

  • 16 ounces baby spinach
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken

Ricotta Layer

  • 12 ounces ricotta cheese
  • ⅓ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 egg, lightly beaten
  • Pinch of salt and pepper

Lasagna Noodles & Cheese

  • 8 traditional lasagna noodles, cooked
  • 8 ounces Gruyere cheese, freshly grated

Thyme Béchamel

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons flour
  • to 2 cups milk
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme
  • ½ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
  • Pinch of salt and pepper

Garnish

  • Fresh thyme and/or chives for garnish

Instructions

  1. Caramelize the Onions: In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced sweet onions, season with a pinch of salt and pepper, and cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until the onions are soft, golden, and deeply caramelized, about 30-40 minutes. Set aside.
  2. Cook the Spinach and Garlic: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté briefly until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the baby spinach and cook until just wilted. Remove from heat, drain excess moisture, and mix with the shredded cooked chicken in a bowl.
  3. Prepare the Ricotta Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, freshly grated Parmesan, beaten egg, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix thoroughly until smooth and set aside.
  4. Cook Lasagna Noodles: Boil lasagna noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and lay flat on a clean kitchen towel to avoid sticking.
  5. Make the Thyme Béchamel Sauce: In a saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Whisk in 2 tablespoons flour and cook for about 1-2 minutes until it forms a smooth roux. Gradually whisk in 1½ to 2 cups milk, continuing to whisk to avoid lumps. Add dried thyme, freshly grated nutmeg, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency. Remove from heat.
  6. Assemble the Roll Ups: Lay each lasagna noodle flat. Spread a thin layer of ricotta mixture over the noodle, then add a portion of caramelized onions and the spinach-chicken mixture. Roll up each noodle tightly. Arrange the rolls seam side down in a baking dish.
  7. Add Cheese and Béchamel: Pour the thyme béchamel sauce evenly over the arranged roll ups. Sprinkle the freshly grated Gruyere cheese generously on top to cover.
  8. Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the lasagna roll ups for about 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
  9. Garnish and Serve: Allow the dish to cool slightly, then garnish with fresh thyme and/or chopped chives before serving warm.

Notes

  • To save time, use store-bought caramelized onions or prepare them in advance.
  • Leftover cooked chicken works perfectly for this recipe.
  • Make sure to drain cooked spinach well to avoid excess moisture in the filling.
  • Gruyere cheese can be substituted with mozzarella or fontina for a different cheese profile.
  • For a richer béchamel, you can substitute part of the milk with cream.
  • Lasagna noodles can also be replaced with no-boil noodles; adjust the assembly accordingly.
  • This dish can be prepared ahead and refrigerated; bake just before serving.
  • Author: Madelynn
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: French-Italian Fusion