Mary Berry Chicken Lasagne Recipe

Mary Berry Chicken Lasagne is a comforting twist on the traditional lasagne, replacing beef with tender chicken and a creamy white sauce. Inspired by the calm, practical cooking style of Mary Berry, this version feels lighter yet still rich and satisfying. The flavours are gentle, savoury, and well balanced, making it ideal for family dinners, make-ahead meals, or relaxed weekend cooking. While it takes a little time to assemble, each step is simple and familiar.

What Is Mary Berry Chicken Lasagne?

Mary Berry Chicken Lasagne is a layered pasta bake made with cooked chicken, a creamy sauce, lasagne sheets, and cheese. Instead of a tomato-heavy base, it relies on a smooth white sauce that keeps the dish mild, comforting, and suitable for all ages.

Why This Recipe Is Worth Trying

• Comfort-focused flavour – Creamy and mild without being bland.
• Family-friendly dish – Appeals to both adults and children.
• Great make-ahead meal – Tastes even better after resting.
• Balanced richness – Filling without feeling too heavy.
• Reliable oven bake – Holds its shape well when sliced.

Essential Ingredients to Make Mary Berry Chicken Lasagne

• Cooked chicken breast – 500 g, shredded or chopped
• Lasagne sheets – 9–12 sheets
• Unsalted butter – 50 g
• Plain flour – 50 g
• Milk – 750 ml
• Onion – 1 medium, finely chopped
• Garlic – 1 clove, finely chopped
• Mushrooms – 200 g, sliced
• Cheddar cheese – 150 g, grated
• Parmesan cheese – 50 g, grated
• Salt – to taste
• Black pepper – to taste
• Nutmeg – a small pinch (optional)

Handy Kitchen Tools for Best Results

• Large saucepan – For preparing the white sauce smoothly.
• Frying pan – To soften vegetables evenly.
• Whisk – Helps keep the sauce lump-free.
• Baking dish – Holds layers firmly while baking.
• Cheese grater – Ensures even melting.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Mary Berry Chicken Lasagne

• Prepare the sauce base – Melt butter in a pan, stir in flour, and cook briefly.
• Add milk gradually – Whisk in milk a little at a time until smooth and thickened.
• Season the sauce – Add salt, pepper, and nutmeg, then set aside.
• Cook the vegetables – Sauté onion, garlic, and mushrooms until soft.
• Combine with chicken – Stir cooked chicken into the vegetables.
• Layer the lasagne – Start with sauce, then pasta sheets, chicken mixture, and cheese.
• Repeat layers – Finish with sauce and a generous cheese topping.
• Bake until golden – Cook at 180°C (160°C fan) for 40–45 minutes until bubbling.
• Rest before serving – Leave for 10 minutes to help it set.

What I Got Wrong (And How I Fixed It)

• Sauce too thick – Fixed by adding a splash of warm milk.
• Dry top layer – Solved by fully covering pasta with sauce.
• Cutting too soon – Made messy slices, corrected by resting time.

Healthier Version of Mary Berry Chicken Lasagne

• Lower-fat milk – Use semi-skimmed milk for a lighter sauce.
• Reduced cheese – Cut total cheese by 30% without losing flavour.
• Extra vegetables – Add spinach or courgette to balance richness.

Ingredient Substitutions for Mary Berry Chicken Lasagne

• Chicken alternative – Use leftover roast chicken at 500 g.
• Cheese swap – Use Gruyère instead of Cheddar for a milder finish.
• Milk option – Unsweetened oat milk works for the sauce.

Pairing Ideas: What to Serve With Mary Berry Chicken Lasagne

• Fresh contrast – A crisp green salad with lemon dressing.
• Simple side – Steamed broccoli or green beans.
• Bread option – Garlic bread for soaking up sauce.
• Light finish – Fresh fruit or a simple yogurt dessert.

Expert Tips to Make Perfect Mary Berry Chicken Lasagne

• Warm the milk – Helps the sauce thicken smoothly.
• Season in stages – Builds balanced flavour throughout.
• Cover pasta fully – Prevents dry or hard edges.
• Do not overfill – Even layers bake more evenly.
• Bake uncovered – Creates a golden, bubbling top.
• Rest before slicing – Improves structure and presentation.

Creative Ways to Customize Mary Berry Chicken Lasagne

• Herb addition – Add thyme or parsley for freshness.
• Mushroom-free version – Replace with leeks or courgettes.
• Extra creaminess – Stir a little crème fraîche into the sauce.
• Cheese crust – Finish with breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan.

Storing Mary Berry Chicken Lasagne the Right Way

• Refrigeration – Store covered for up to 3 days.
• Freezer-friendly – Freeze cooked portions for up to 1 month.
• Thaw slowly – Defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Reheat Mary Berry Chicken Lasagne (If Needed)

Reheat in the oven at 170°C covered with foil until heated through, or microwave individual portions, stirring gently halfway if possible.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

• Calories: ~520 kcal
• Carbohydrates: ~38 g
• Fat: ~28 g
• Protein: ~32 g
• Sugar: ~8 g

FAQs

Why did my chicken lasagne turn out watery?

Chicken lasagne becomes watery if the sauce is too thin or the chicken releases excess moisture. Make sure the white sauce is thick before layering and allow cooked chicken to cool slightly so steam does not add extra liquid.

Do I need to pre-cook lasagne sheets for chicken lasagne?

No, standard dried lasagne sheets do not need pre-cooking as long as they are fully covered with sauce. The moisture from the sauce cooks the pasta evenly in the oven.

How do I stop the top of chicken lasagne from drying out?

Ensure the final pasta layer is completely covered with sauce before adding cheese. Exposed pasta dries out and hardens during baking.

Should chicken lasagne rest before serving?

Yes, resting the lasagne for about 10 minutes after baking helps it set. This makes slicing easier and prevents the layers from collapsing.

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Wrapping It Up

Mary Berry Chicken Lasagne is a steady, reassuring dish that brings warmth to the table without fuss. The creamy layers, tender chicken, and gentle seasoning make it ideal for sharing and leftovers alike. It’s the kind of recipe that earns a regular place in family meal planning—and for good reason.