Mary Berry Chicken Lasagna Recipe – Creamy, Comforting & Family-Favorite

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

  1. Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
  2. Add onions and cook until soft, about 5 minutes.
  3. Stir in garlic and carrot; cook another 2 minutes.
  4. Add the chicken and cook until lightly browned.
  5. Pour in passata, tomato paste, chicken stock, oregano, and basil.
  6. Simmer for 15 minutes until thickened. Season well.

Step 2: Prepare the Béchamel Sauce

  1. Melt butter in a saucepan, then whisk in flour to form a roux.
  2. Gradually pour in warm milk while whisking constantly.
  3. Simmer until smooth and thickened, about 5 minutes.
  4. Add nutmeg and Parmesan. Season to taste.

Step 3: Assemble the Lasagna

  1. Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
  2. Spread a thin layer of chicken sauce at the bottom of a baking dish.
  3. Layer with lasagna sheets, then béchamel.
  4. Repeat the layers, finishing with béchamel on top.
  5. Sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan.

Step 4: Bake

  1. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
  2. Remove foil and bake another 10–15 minutes until golden and bubbling.
  3. 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.

chicken lasagna

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 Chicken Lasagna Recipe – Creamy, Comforting & Family-Favorite

Course: MainCuisine: Italian
Servings

6

servings
Prep time

20

minutes
Cooking time

45

minutes
Calories

550

kcal

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 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.