Jamie Oliver Chicken Lasagne Recipe

Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Lasagne is a creamy, comforting twist on the classic beef version. Made with tender chicken, vegetables, rich white sauce, and soft lasagne sheets, this dish is hearty yet lighter than traditional lasagne. It serves 6 people and takes around 1 hour and 10 minutes from start to finish. This recipe delivers a wholesome, family-friendly meal that’s perfect for weeknights or gatherings.

What Makes This Recipe Worth Making

• Lighter alternative to classic lasagne
  Chicken keeps the dish flavourful but less heavy than beef-based versions.
• Creamy, rich, and comforting
  The white sauce adds silkiness and beautifully brings all the layers together.
• Includes hidden vegetables
  Great for boosting nutrition without sacrificing taste.
• Perfect for batch-cooking
  Freezes and reheats well, making it ideal for meal prep.
• Crowd-pleasing flavours
  Mild seasoning and creamy texture make it appealing to both kids and adults.

What Is Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Lasagne?

Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Lasagne is a layered baked pasta dish made with minced or shredded chicken, vegetables, tomato sauce, lasagne sheets, and a creamy béchamel sauce. It’s baked until bubbling, golden, and full of flavour.

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Jamie Oliver Chicken Lasagne Ingredients List

For the Chicken Filling

• 500g chicken mince or shredded cooked chicken
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 carrot, grated
• 1 courgette, grated
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 400g chopped tomatoes
• 1 tbsp tomato purée
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the White Sauce (Béchamel)

• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp flour
• 500 ml milk
• ½ tsp nutmeg
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For Assembly

• 9–12 lasagne sheets
• 150g grated mozzarella or cheddar
• 50g parmesan, grated
• Fresh basil (optional)

How to Prepare Jamie Oliver Chicken Lasagne – Simple Steps

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Filling

Heat olive oil in a pan, then sauté onions and garlic until soft. Add chicken and cook until no longer pink. Stir in grated vegetables for moisture and nutrition.

Step 2: Add Tomatoes and Seasoning

Pour in chopped tomatoes, tomato purée, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10–15 minutes until thickened and flavourful.

Step 3: Make the White Sauce

Melt butter in a saucepan, whisk in flour, and cook for 1 minute. Gradually add milk, whisking continuously until smooth and thick. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg.

Step 4: Preheat the Oven

Heat your oven to 180°C (350°F). A moderate temperature helps the lasagne bake evenly.

Step 5: Assemble the Lasagne

Add a thin layer of white sauce to the bottom of your baking dish. Layer lasagne sheets, chicken mixture, and more white sauce. Repeat until the dish is full.

Step 6: Add Cheese on Top

Finish the top layer with a generous amount of mozzarella and parmesan for a golden crust.

Step 7: Bake Until Golden

Bake for 35–40 minutes or until bubbling and golden, with soft lasagne sheets throughout.

Step 8: Rest Before Serving

Allow the lasagne to rest for 10 minutes so it sets and slices cleanly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Jamie Oliver Chicken Lasagne

• Using dry lasagne sheets without enough sauce
  Dry sheets need moisture to soften properly. Make sure each layer has enough white sauce.
• Skipping the resting time
  Cutting too soon causes layers to fall apart. Resting helps everything set.
• Not cooking the chicken thoroughly before layering
  Chicken must be fully cooked for safety and flavour.
• Overloading vegetables
  Too many watery vegetables can make the lasagne runny.
• Baking at too high a heat
  High heat burns the top before the centre cooks.

Delicious Ways to Serve Jamie Oliver Chicken Lasagne

• With garlic bread – Perfect contrast
  Adds crunch and complements the creamy layers.
• With green salad – Light and refreshing
  Balances the rich flavours beautifully.
• With roasted vegetables – Extra nutrition
  Pairs well with roasted broccoli, peppers, or courgettes.
• With steamed greens – Simple and healthy
  Spinach or green beans add freshness.
• With homemade tomato salsa
  Brightens the flavours with acidity.

Expert Tips for Better Flavour and Texture

• Use a mix of cheeses
  Mozzarella for stretch, cheddar for flavour, and parmesan for sharpness.
• Add basil to the filling
  Brings Italian freshness to every layer.
• Slightly undercook the white sauce
  It thickens more in the oven.
• Use chicken stock in the filling
  Deepens flavour and adds moisture.
• Grate vegetables finely
  Helps them blend into the sauce without overpowering the texture.

How to Add More Flavour to Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Lasagne

• Add roasted garlic to the béchamel
  Gives a sweet, mellow depth.
• Add smoked paprika
  Brings warmth and richness to the filling.
• Use sundried tomatoes
  Intensifies flavour and adds sweetness.
• Add chilli flakes
  Introduces a gentle heat.
• Top with fresh herbs
  Basil or parsley brightens the final dish.

How to Adjust This Recipe for Kids

• Keep seasoning mild
  Avoid strong herbs or spicy additions.
• Use smaller pieces of chicken
  Finely minced chicken makes the lasagne easier to chew.
• Add extra cheese
  Creaminess makes the dish more appealing to kids.
• Skip courgette if disliked
  Replace with an extra carrot instead.
• Serve with soft sides
  Mashed potatoes or soft bread work well.

Best Way to Store Leftovers

• Cool fully before storing
  Prevents moisture buildup that softens the layers.
• Use airtight containers
  Keeps the lasagne fresh for several days.
• Refrigerate for 3–4 days
  The flavours meld beautifully over time.
• Freeze in portions
  Freezes well for up to 2–3 months.
• Label and date containers
  Helps track freshness.

Best Ways to Reheat Leftovers

• Oven: 180°C for 15 minutes
  Restores the texture and crisp top.
• Microwave: Short intervals + cover
  Keeps moisture while reheating evenly.
• Air fryer: 3–4 minutes
  Adds crispness to the top layer.
• Add a splash of milk if dry
  Helps revive the béchamel.
• Reheat only the needed portion
  Prevents drying out the whole dish.

Nutritional Value (Per Serving)

• Calories: ~420
• Protein: ~28g
• Carbohydrates: ~35g
• Fat: ~18g
• Fiber: ~3g
• Sugars: ~6g

FAQs

Can I use cooked chicken instead of raw chicken for chicken lasagne?

Yes, cooked chicken works perfectly. Shred or finely chop it, then add it directly to the sauce. Reduce the simmering time since the chicken is already cooked.

Why is my chicken lasagne watery?

Chicken lasagne becomes watery if the sauce is too thin or if the vegetables release excess moisture. Simmer the sauce until thickened, and sauté the vegetables well before assembling the layers.

Do lasagne sheets need to be pre-cooked before layering?

Most store-bought sheets do not require pre-cooking. Add enough white sauce to each layer so the sheets soften properly while baking.

Can chicken lasagne be frozen successfully?

Yes, chicken lasagne freezes very well. Freeze before or after baking, then reheat in the oven until hot and bubbling. It keeps its flavour and texture beautifully.

Final Words

Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Lasagne is creamy, comforting, and full of rich flavour. It’s an easy family favourite that brings warmth to any table, with wholesome ingredients and simple steps that guarantee delicious results every time.

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