Mary Berry’s Chicken Lasagna is a layered pasta dish featuring succulent chicken pieces cooked in a tomato-based sauce, creamy béchamel, and layers of lasagna sheets, all baked to golden perfection with melted cheese on top.
Author:Ekani Ella
Prep Time:20
Cook Time:45
Total Time:1 hour 5 minutes
Yield:6
Category:Main Course
Method:Baking
Cuisine:Italian
Ingredients
For the Chicken Sauce:
Chicken Breast (500g, diced or shredded) – Lean protein for the sauce.
Olive Oil (2 tbsp) – For sautéing.
Onion (1 large, finely chopped) – Adds sweetness and depth.
Garlic (2 cloves, minced) – Essential for rich flavor.
Carrot (1 grated) – Adds a subtle sweetness.
Tomato Passata (400ml) – This forms the base of the sauce.
Tomato Paste (2 tbsp) – Intensifies the tomato flavor.
Chicken Stock (250ml) – This adds depth to the sauce.
Dried Oregano (1 tsp) – For a herby aroma.
Dried Basil (1 tsp) – Enhances the Italian flavors.
Salt and Black Pepper (to taste) – For seasoning.
For the Béchamel Sauce:
Butter (50g) – Creates a rich base.
Flour (50g, plain) – Helps thicken the sauce.
Milk (500ml, warm) – This makes the sauce creamy.
Nutmeg (¼ tsp, optional) – Adds warmth.
Parmesan Cheese (50g, grated) – For extra flavor.
Salt and Pepper (to taste) – Balances the flavors.
For Assembly:
Lasagna Sheets (10-12, no-boil or pre-cooked) – Form the layers.
Mozzarella Cheese (150g, grated) – Melts beautifully on top.
Parmesan Cheese (50g, grated, for topping) – This adds a golden crust.
Optional Additions:
Spinach (1 cup, chopped) – Adds nutrients and flavor.
Mushrooms (100g, sliced) – Gives a hearty texture.
Chili Flakes (½ tsp) – For a slight heat.
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Chicken Sauce
Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add onions and cook for 5 minutes until soft.
Stir in garlic and grated carrot, cooking for another 2 minutes.
Add the chicken and cook until browned.
Pour in the passata, tomato paste, chicken stock, oregano, and basil. Stir well and let it simmer for 15 minutes until thickened.
Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Step 2: Prepare the Béchamel Sauce
In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and whisk continuously for 1 minute to form a roux.
Slowly pour in warm milk, whisking constantly until smooth.
Cook for 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until thickened.
Add nutmeg (if using) and Parmesan cheese, then season with salt and pepper. Remove from heat.
Step 3: Assemble the Lasagna
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of the chicken sauce at the bottom.
Add a layer of lasagna sheets, followed by a layer of béchamel sauce.
Repeat the layers, ending with béchamel sauce on top.
Sprinkle with grated mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
Step 4: Bake the Lasagna
Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
Remove foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes until golden and bubbling.
Let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.