Mary Berry’s Chicken and Spinach Lasagne swaps the usual beef and tomato-based sauce for a creamy chicken and spinach filling. The layers of lasagne sheets, rich béchamel, and shredded chicken create a delicious combination that’s comforting without being too heavy. The addition of spinach gives the dish a fresh, nutritious boost, making it an ideal recipe for a balanced meal.
For the Filling:
For the Béchamel Sauce:
For the Lasagne Layers:
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and lightly grease a large baking dish.
Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and cook for another minute. Then, stir in the fresh spinach and cook until wilted (or if using frozen spinach, cook until heated through). Season with salt and pepper, and stir in the shredded chicken and chicken stock. Let it simmer for a few minutes to combine the flavors. Set aside.
In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to create a roux. Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens. Once thickened, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg if desired. Remove from heat.
Spread a thin layer of the béchamel sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Place a layer of lasagne sheets over the sauce. Next, spread a portion of the chicken and spinach mixture evenly over the lasagne sheets, followed by a layer of béchamel sauce. Repeat the layers, ending with a final layer of lasagne sheets and a generous topping of béchamel sauce.
Sprinkle the grated mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the lasagne. This will create a golden, bubbly finish when baked.
Place the lasagne in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and the lasagne is bubbling around the edges. If needed, you can place the dish under the grill for the last 2-3 minutes to get a crispy, golden cheese topping.
Once baked, allow the lasagne to cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve hot with a fresh green salad or garlic bread on the side for a complete meal.