Jamie Oliver Chicken Lasagne Recipe

Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Lasagne is a delicious twist on the classic Italian dish, featuring tender chicken, creamy béchamel sauce, and layers of lasagne sheets. This recipe is perfect for a family meal, combining the comforting layers of rich sauce and cheesy goodness with succulent chicken. It’s a great alternative to traditional beef lasagne, offering a lighter, yet equally satisfying option.

Why This Recipe is a Must-Try

• Lighter than traditional lasagne: Using chicken instead of beef makes the dish lighter yet still filling.
• Comfort food: The creamy béchamel sauce and layers of pasta make this a comforting, family-friendly meal.
• Full of flavor: The combination of chicken, herbs, and cheese creates a deliciously flavorful dish.
• Make-ahead friendly: You can prepare this lasagne ahead of time, making it perfect for busy days.
• Perfect for leftovers: It tastes even better the next day, making it a great option for meal prep.

What is Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Lasagne Recipe?

Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Lasagne is a flavorful and hearty lasagne made with layers of chicken, a rich tomato-based sauce, creamy béchamel, and lots of cheese, all baked to perfection. It’s a wonderful comfort meal with a delicious chicken twist.

Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Lasagne Recipe Ingredients

For the Chicken Filling:

• 500g chicken breast or thighs (diced)
• 1 onion (chopped)
• 2 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 carrot (grated)
• 2 celery sticks (chopped)
• 1 can (400g) chopped tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 100ml chicken stock

For the Béchamel Sauce:

• 50g butter
• 50g plain flour
• 500ml milk
• A pinch of nutmeg (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

For Assembling the Lasagne:

• 250g dried lasagne sheets
• 100g mozzarella cheese (grated)
• 50g Parmesan cheese (grated)
• Fresh basil leaves (for garnish)

Other Jamie Oliver Recipes

• Jamie Oliver Chicken and Leek Pie Recipe
• Jamie Oliver 5 Ingredients Chicken Pasta

Step-by-Step Instructions to Prepare Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Lasagne Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Filling

1. Cook the chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
2. Sauté the vegetables: In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the chopped onion, garlic, carrot, and celery. Cook for 5 minutes until softened.
3. Add tomatoes and seasoning: Stir in the tomato paste, chopped tomatoes, oregano, and basil. Season with salt and pepper. Pour in the chicken stock and bring to a simmer.
4. Combine the chicken: Return the cooked chicken to the pan and let the mixture simmer for 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Béchamel Sauce

1. Melt the butter: In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Make a roux: Once the butter has melted, stir in the flour to form a roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
3. Add the milk: Gradually whisk in the milk, making sure to eliminate any lumps. Continue to cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens.
4. Season the sauce: Add a pinch of nutmeg (optional) and season with salt and pepper. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 3: Assemble the Lasagne

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. Layer the lasagne: In a large baking dish, spread a thin layer of the chicken filling on the bottom. Add a layer of lasagne sheets, followed by more chicken filling and a layer of béchamel sauce. Repeat the layers, finishing with a layer of béchamel sauce on top.
3. Add cheese: Sprinkle the grated mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top layer.

Step 4: Bake the Lasagne

1. Bake the lasagne: Place the lasagne in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbling.
2. Let it rest: Remove the lasagne from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing.

Step 5: Serve

1. Garnish and serve: Garnish the lasagne with fresh basil leaves and serve with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

What to Serve with Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Lasagne

• Garlic Bread: A warm, crispy garlic bread pairs perfectly with creamy lasagne.
• Green Salad: A light green salad with a lemon vinaigrette helps balance the richness of the lasagne.
• Roasted Vegetables: Serve with roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or broccoli for a complete meal.

Expert Tips for Mastering Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Lasagne

• Use fresh lasagne sheets: If possible, use fresh lasagne sheets for a softer texture and quicker cooking time.
• Make ahead: You can assemble the lasagne ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to a day before baking. This makes it a great option for busy weeknights or meal prep.
• Rest the lasagne: Let the lasagne rest for a few minutes after baking to help the layers set and make slicing easier.
• Add extra veggies: You can add spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini to the chicken filling for added nutrients and flavor.

Variations of Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Lasagne Recipe

• Spicy version: Add a pinch of chili flakes to the chicken filling for a little heat.
• Cheesy lasagne: For extra cheesiness, add ricotta or a mixture of cheeses between the layers.
• Vegetarian version: Replace the chicken with vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, and zucchini, and use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock.
• Herb variation: Fresh basil and parsley can be added to the filling or as a garnish for extra freshness.

How to Store Leftover Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Lasagne Recipe

• Refrigeration: Store any leftover lasagne in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Lasagne can be frozen for up to 2 months. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
• Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for 20-25 minutes, or until warmed through.

Nutrition Value (per serving)

• Calories: 550 kcal
• Protein: 38g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fat: 25g
• Fiber: 5g

Can I make chicken lasagne ahead of time?

Yes, chicken lasagne can be made ahead of time. You can assemble the lasagne and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready to serve, bake it as directed, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the cooking time.

Can I freeze chicken lasagne?

Yes, chicken lasagne can be frozen. Let it cool completely after baking, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. You can freeze it for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven.

What’s the best way to reheat leftover chicken lasagne?

The best way to reheat leftover chicken lasagne is in the oven. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F), cover the lasagne with foil, and bake for 20-25 minutes until warmed through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave.

Can I use rotisserie chicken in chicken lasagne?

Yes, you can use rotisserie chicken in chicken lasagne. Shred the cooked rotisserie chicken and use it as a substitute for cooking raw chicken, making the process quicker and easier.

Final Words

Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Lasagne is a comforting, flavorful dish that offers a tasty twist on traditional beef lasagne. With its layers of creamy béchamel, tender chicken, and gooey cheese, it’s a meal the whole family will love. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this chicken lasagne is sure to satisfy.

More Jamie Oliver Recipes

• Jamie Oliver Aubergine Lasagne

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