Chicken lasagne is a dish that brings warmth and comfort to any table. This ultimate version is a perfect blend of tender chicken, rich tomato sauce, and a silky white béchamel. The layered flavours create a hearty meal that appeals to both young and old. Firstly, the chicken is cooked to perfection, adding a succulent taste that elevates the dish. Then, a robust tomato sauce with herbs infuses each bite with an Italian twist. Meanwhile, the creamy white sauce brings a luxurious texture that harmonises beautifully with the other layers.
This lasagne is designed with simplicity in mind. It is easy to prepare yet delivers a complex mix of flavours. The use of fresh herbs, a touch of garlic, and a blend of cheeses makes it both aromatic and delicious. Every layer is carefully assembled to ensure that the flavours meld together during baking. This dish is ideal for family dinners or special occasions. Moreover, it offers a wonderful opportunity to bring everyone together over a comforting meal. With its golden, bubbling top and perfectly cooked interior, this chicken lasagne promises to be a standout addition to your culinary repertoire.
Preparation Time
- Ingredient Prep: 15 minutes
- Cooking the Chicken & Tomato Sauce: 15 minutes
- Making the White Sauce: 10 minutes
- Assembling the Lasagne: 10 minutes
- Baking Time: 35–40 minutes
Total time is approximately 85 minutes from start to finish.
Ingredients for Chicken Lasagne
For the Chicken & Tomato Sauce:
- 500 g chicken breast, diced or shredded
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 400 g chopped tomatoes (canned)
- 200 g tomato passata
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
For the White Sauce (Béchamel):
- 50 g butter
- 50 g plain flour
- 500 ml milk
- A pinch of nutmeg
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Assembly:
- 9-12 lasagne sheets (oven-ready or pre-cooked as required)
- 200 g mozzarella cheese, grated
- 100 g parmesan cheese, grated
Directions to Make Chicken Lasagne
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (fan 160°C).
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic. Sauté until softened.
- Add the chicken pieces. Cook until they are golden and nearly cooked through.
- Stir in the chopped tomatoes, tomato passata, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- In a separate pan, melt the butter. Add the flour and stir to form a roux.
- Gradually whisk in the milk. Continue stirring until the sauce thickens. Season with nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
- In a large baking dish, layer lasagne sheets, chicken tomato sauce, white sauce, and cheeses.
- Repeat the layers, finishing with a generous topping of mozzarella and parmesan.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35–40 minutes until the top is golden and bubbling.
How to Prepare Chicken Lasagne
Begin by preparing your ingredients. Dice the chicken breast and finely chop the onion and garlic. Next, heat olive oil in a pan. Sauté the onions and garlic until soft, then add the chicken. Cook until the chicken is lightly browned. Pour in the chopped tomatoes and tomato passata. Stir in the dried herbs and season well. Let the sauce simmer on a low heat to blend the flavours.
For the white sauce, start with melting the butter in a separate pan. Once melted, add the plain flour to create a roux. Gradually whisk in the milk until the mixture thickens. Add a pinch of nutmeg and season with salt and pepper. Now, prepare your lasagne dish. Lay a single layer of lasagne sheets at the bottom. Spoon over some chicken tomato sauce, drizzle with white sauce, and sprinkle a layer of grated cheese. Continue layering until all ingredients are used. Ensure the top layer is well covered with cheese for a crisp finish.
Servings
This recipe yields 6–8 servings depending on portion size.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Ultimate Chicken Lasagne
What makes this chicken lasagne ‘ultimate’?
This lasagne is packed with tender chicken, rich tomato sauce, creamy béchamel, and layers of pasta, making it a flavourful, hearty meal perfect for the whole family.
How long does it take to prepare and cook?
Preparation usually takes 20-30 minutes, and baking takes around 40-50 minutes, depending on the recipe.
Can I use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken?
Yes! Using pre-cooked shredded chicken can save time. Just mix it into the sauce and proceed with layering.
Can I make this lasagne ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the lasagne in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to add 10-15 minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.
Can I freeze chicken lasagne?
Yes, lasagne freezes well. Wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Defrost in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Do I need to cook the lasagne sheets before assembling?
Most store-bought lasagne sheets are oven-ready and don’t need pre-cooking. However, if using fresh or traditional dried lasagne sheets, cook them slightly before layering.
Can I make this lasagne with a white sauce instead of tomato sauce?
Yes, for a richer, creamier version, you can use béchamel sauce instead of tomato sauce or layer both for extra flavour.
Can I add vegetables to this lasagne?
Absolutely! Spinach, mushrooms, courgettes, bell peppers, or carrots are great additions for extra nutrients.
What type of cheese works best?
A mix of mozzarella for stretch, parmesan for flavour, and cheddar for richness works best. You can also use ricotta for a creamier texture.
How do I stop my lasagne from being too runny?
Ensure the sauce is thick enough before assembling and let the lasagne rest for 10 minutes after baking to firm up before slicing.
Can I make a gluten-free version?
Yes, simply use gluten-free lasagne sheets and thicken the sauce with cornstarch instead of flour.
How should I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
This ultimate chicken lasagne is a delightful, hearty dish that will soon become a family favourite. The combination of tender chicken, robust tomato sauce, and a luxuriously creamy white sauce creates a layered masterpiece. Each bite delivers a wonderful mix of textures and flavours that are sure to satisfy. The process is straightforward, making it an ideal recipe for busy weeknights and relaxed weekends alike. Preparing this lasagne brings a sense of accomplishment, as it fills your kitchen with inviting aromas and warms your heart with every serving.
The versatility of this dish allows you to experiment with different herbs, cheeses, or even vegetables, ensuring it can be adapted to suit your taste. Whether served at a family dinner or a special occasion, this chicken lasagne is sure to impress. The golden, bubbling cheese on top provides a delightful crunch, perfectly complementing the soft, flavourful layers beneath. Embrace the simplicity of this classic recipe and treat your loved ones to a meal that is as comforting as it is delicious. Try this best chicken lasagne today and enjoy a truly satisfying culinary experience.
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