There’s something so cozy about a bubbling lasagna coming out of the oven — that golden top, the creamy layers, and the aroma of herbs and cheese filling the kitchen.
When I first tried Mary Berry’s Chicken Lasagna, I knew it would become a family staple. It’s everything you love about classic lasagna but lighter, thanks to the tender chicken and a perfectly balanced béchamel. It’s the kind of meal you can prep ahead, freeze for later, or serve proudly at a dinner table full of friends.
It’s comfort food done right — with a little British charm and Italian soul.
What Is Mary Berry’s Chicken Lasagna?
Mary Berry’s Chicken Lasagna is a creamy, layered pasta dish made with cooked chicken in a rich tomato sauce, a velvety béchamel, and plenty of melted cheese. Each bite brings the comforting warmth of home cooking — soft pasta, savory chicken, and creamy sauce, baked until perfectly golden.
It’s a fantastic twist on traditional beef lasagna, lighter yet equally satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Delicious twist on a classic – Chicken brings a fresh, lighter flavor.
- Creamy & cheesy – Thanks to the smooth béchamel and melting mozzarella.
- Perfect for make-ahead meals – Assemble and refrigerate overnight or freeze.
- Family-friendly – Everyone loves this comfort food.
- Customizable – Add spinach, mushrooms, or pesto for a flavorful variation.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Sauce
- 500g chicken breast (diced or shredded)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 carrot, grated
- 400ml tomato passata
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 250ml chicken stock
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Béchamel Sauce
- 50g butter
- 50g plain flour
- 500ml warm milk
- ¼ tsp nutmeg (optional)
- 50g grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For Assembly
- 10–12 lasagna sheets (no-boil or pre-cooked)
- 150g grated mozzarella
- 50g grated Parmesan (for topping)
Optional Add-Ins
- 1 cup chopped spinach
- 100g sliced mushrooms
- ½ tsp chili flakes
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Chicken Sauce
- Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
- Add onions and cook until soft, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in garlic and carrot; cook another 2 minutes.
- Add the chicken and cook until lightly browned.
- Pour in passata, tomato paste, chicken stock, oregano, and basil.
- Simmer for 15 minutes until thickened. Season well.
Step 2: Prepare the Béchamel Sauce
- Melt butter in a saucepan, then whisk in flour to form a roux.
- Gradually pour in warm milk while whisking constantly.
- Simmer until smooth and thickened, about 5 minutes.
- Add nutmeg and Parmesan. Season to taste.
Step 3: Assemble the Lasagna
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Spread a thin layer of chicken sauce at the bottom of a baking dish.
- Layer with lasagna sheets, then béchamel.
- Repeat the layers, finishing with béchamel on top.
- Sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan.
Step 4: Bake
- Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake another 10–15 minutes until golden and bubbling.
- Let it rest 5–10 minutes before slicing.
What to Serve With Chicken Lasagna
- Garlic Bread – Buttery and crisp, perfect for scooping sauce.
- Green Salad – Fresh and crunchy balance.
- Roasted Veggies – Adds color and nutrients.
- Bruschetta or Caprese Salad – Classic Italian companions.
- White Wine or Sparkling Water – Complements the creaminess.

Expert Tips
- Don’t over-sauce the layers — balance is key.
- Let your lasagna rest before cutting for clean slices.
- Add a spoonful of pesto to your béchamel for a herby surprise.
- Use rotisserie chicken for a quick shortcut.
- A sprinkle of breadcrumbs on top adds lovely crunch.
Easy Variations
- Spinach & Mushroom Lasagna: Add sautéed spinach and mushrooms between layers.
- Spicy Chicken Lasagna: Stir chili flakes or jalapeños into the sauce.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free lasagna sheets.
- Dairy-Free: Swap milk and cheese for plant-based alternatives.
- Creamy Pesto Version: Mix pesto directly into the béchamel sauce.
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerate: Up to 3 days in a sealed container.
- Freeze: Up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge.
- Reheat: Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 15 minutes or microwave with a splash of water.
Nutrition (per serving)
- Calories: 550
- Protein: 42g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fat: 22g
- Fiber: 5g
FAQ
Can I make chicken lasagna ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble it the night before, refrigerate, and bake the next day.
Can I use rotisserie chicken for lasagna?
Definitely — it saves time and adds flavor. Shred it before mixing into the sauce.
Can I freeze cooked chicken lasagna?
Yes. Let it cool completely, then freeze for up to 3 months.
What’s the best cheese mix for lasagna?
A combination of mozzarella, Parmesan, and ricotta gives the best creamy melt and flavor.
How do I stop lasagna from being soggy?
Use less sauce per layer and let it rest 10 minutes before serving so the layers set.
Final Thoughts
Mary Berry’s Chicken Lasagna is everything a home-cooked meal should be — warm, hearty, and made with love. Every forkful is comfort on a plate, from the creamy béchamel to the herby tomato sauce. Whether it’s a Sunday family dinner or a cozy weeknight meal, this lasagna brings people together.
Once you’ve made it once, it’ll become your go-to lasagna recipe forever.
Other Recipes You May Like:
- Mary Berry Lasagne Express
- Mary Berry Midweek Chicken Mozzarella and Tomato Bake
- Mary Berry Chicken, Spinach and Tomato Lasagne
Mary Berry Chicken Lasagna Recipe – Creamy, Comforting & Family-Favorite
Course: MainCuisine: Italian6
servings20
minutes45
minutes550
kcalIngredients
For the Chicken Sauce:
500g chicken breast, diced or shredded
2 tbsp olive oil
1 large onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 carrot, grated
400ml tomato passata
2 tbsp tomato paste
250ml chicken stock
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Béchamel Sauce:
50g butter
50g plain flour
500ml warm milk
¼ tsp nutmeg (optional)
50g grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and black pepper, to taste
For Assembly:
10–12 lasagna sheets (no-boil or pre-cooked)
150g grated mozzarella cheese
50g grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)
Optional Add-Ins:
1 cup chopped spinach
100g sliced mushrooms
½ tsp chili flakes
Directions
- Step 1: Make the Chicken Sauce
- Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
- Add onions and cook until soft, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in garlic and grated carrot; cook for another 2 minutes.
- Add the chicken and cook until lightly browned.
- Pour in tomato passata, paste, stock, oregano, and basil.
- Simmer for 15 minutes until thickened, then season to taste.
- Step 2: Prepare the Béchamel Sauce
- In another pan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in flour to form a roux; cook for 1 minute.
- Gradually add warm milk while whisking constantly.
- Simmer until smooth and thickened (about 5 minutes).
- Stir in nutmeg and Parmesan, then season with salt and pepper.
- Step 3: Assemble the Lasagna
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Spread a thin layer of chicken sauce on the base of a baking dish.
- Add lasagna sheets, then béchamel sauce.
- Repeat the layers, ending with béchamel on top.
- Sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Step 4: Bake
- Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake for another 10–15 minutes until golden and bubbling.
- Rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing and serving.
