Description

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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)

Instructions

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.

1. 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.

1. 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.

1. 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.

1. Make a roux: Once the butter has melted, stir in the flour to form a roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.

1. Add the milk: Gradually whisk in the milk, making sure to eliminate any lumps. Continue to cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens.

1. 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).

1. 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.

1. 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.

1. 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.