Hearty Jamie Oliver Chicken Lasagna Recipe

Scrumptious Jamie Oliver Chicken Lasagna Recipe for Dinner Joy

Jamie Oliver chicken lasagna bursts with mouthwatering Mediterranean charm.

Succulent layers of tender chicken intertwine with velvety sauce and delicate pasta sheets.

This culinary masterpiece transforms ordinary ingredients into a spectacular dinner sensation.

Fragrant herbs and rich cheeses create a symphony of flavors that dance across your palate.

Each carefully crafted bite promises comfort and excitement in equal measure.

Professional and home cooks alike celebrate this simple yet sophisticated dish.

Grab your apron and get ready to wow everyone at the dinner table.

Quick Recipe Overview

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Calories: 480 kcal

Servings: 5

Everything Needed for Chicken Lasagna

For Base Ingredients:
  • Lasagna Noodles: Choose fresh or high-quality dried noodles with smooth texture.
  • Olive Oil: Select extra virgin for richer flavor profile.
  • Butter: Opt for unsalted European-style butter for smoother consistency.
For Protein:
  • Chicken: Select boneless skinless breasts with minimal fat for easy shredding.
For Dairy Components:
  • Ricotta Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese: Choose full-fat versions for creamier texture.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Select freshly grated for more intense flavor.
  • Milk: Whole milk recommended for richer sauce.
For Seasoning Blend:
  • Salt, Black Pepper, Nutmeg: Use freshly ground for enhanced aromatic profile.
For Vegetable Accent:
  • Onions, Garlic: Pick firm, plump specimens without soft spots.
  • Spinach: Select crisp, vibrant green leaves without wilting.
For Binding Agents:
  • Flour: Use all-purpose for smooth sauce consistency.
  • Egg: Choose fresh, room temperature egg for better integration.

Equipment for Jamie Oliver Chicken Lasagna

  • Large Saucepan: Perfect for creating creamy béchamel sauce and sautéing ingredients.
  • 9×13 Casserole Dish: Ideal for layering and baking lasagna.
  • Medium Bowl: Great for mixing ricotta cheese mixture.
  • Whisk: Essential for smooth sauce preparation and blending.
  • Cheese Grater: Helps shred mozzarella and parmesan cheese.
  • Cutting Board: Useful for chopping onions, garlic, and spinach.
  • Sharp Knife: Needed for precise ingredient preparation.
  • Colander: Helps drain and rinse lasagna noodles.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient quantities.
  • Aluminum Foil: Covers lasagna during initial baking.
  • Oven Mitts: Protects hands when handling hot dishes.

Step-by-Step Chicken Lasagna Directions

Step-by-Step Chicken Lasagna Directions
  • Warm Up The Kitchen

Fire up your oven to a toasty 375˚F and get ready for a culinary adventure. Boil lasagna noodles in salty water until they’re soft and playful, then give them a cool bath to stop the cooking.

  • Craft Magical White Sauce

Sizzle onions in a pan with olive oil until they turn translucent and dreamy. Whisper in butter and flour, stirring constantly until the mixture turns a gorgeous golden color. Slowly pour milk while whisking like a pro, letting the sauce transform into a silky smooth dream.

  • Build Flavor Wonderland

Toss in garlic and spinach, creating a vibrant green landscape in your sauce. Season with salt, pepper, and a hint of nutmeg to wake up all the taste buds. Mix ricotta with a cracked egg, more garlic, and Italian herbs until everything becomes a creamy harmony.

  • Create Delicious Layers

Start by spreading a thin sauce blanket in your baking dish. Layer noodles like a delicate pasta quilt, then generously spread ricotta mixture. Sprinkle shredded chicken across the surface, creating a protein-packed playground. Repeat these layers, building a delectable tower of flavor.

  • Cheese Crown And Bake

Shower the top with a blizzard of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Slide into the oven, covered in foil, for 45 magical minutes. Remove the cover for a final 2-3 minutes to let the cheese turn golden and bubbly. Let your masterpiece rest and settle for 10-15 minutes before serving this comfort food symphony.

Customize Chicken Lasagna Your Way

Customize Chicken Lasagna Your Way
  • Master Meal Prepping: Prep noodles and chicken ahead of time, storing separately in refrigerator for up to 3 days to streamline cooking process.
  • Customize Your Flavor Profile: Replace spinach with kale or Swiss chard for different nutritional benefits and unique taste variations.
  • Smart Cheese Swaps: Experiment with fontina, gruyère, or gouda instead of traditional mozzarella to create unexpected flavor depths in your lasagna.
  • Dietary Adaptation Techniques: Convert recipe to gluten-free by using gluten-free lasagna noodles and replacing wheat flour with cornstarch in béchamel sauce, ensuring everyone can enjoy this delicious dish.

How to Serve Chicken Lasagna Warm

  • Pair with Fresh Salad: Complement the rich, creamy lasagna with a crisp green salad featuring mixed lettuce, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette dressing to balance the hearty main dish.
  • Create Mediterranean Sides: Serve alongside roasted Mediterranean vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant drizzled with olive oil and herbs to enhance the Italian-inspired flavor profile.
  • Enhance with Wine Pairing: Select a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese that cuts through the lasagna's richness and elevates the overall dining experience with its complementary taste notes.
  • Add Garlic Bread Accompaniment: Prepare warm, crusty garlic bread with herbs to soak up the delicious sauce and provide a perfect textural contrast to the creamy lasagna layers.

Planning and Storing Chicken Lasagna

  • Preserve Freshness: Store leftover lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The layers will maintain their delicious flavor and texture when properly sealed.
  • Freeze for Future Meals: Wrap individual portions or the entire lasagna tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 3 months. This meal prep trick saves time and provides quick comfort food on busy days.
  • Reheat with Care: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Warm in the oven at 350˚F covered with foil for 20-25 minutes. Adding a splash of water prevents drying out and keeps the lasagna moist and appetizing.
  • Smart Portioning: Cut lasagna into individual servings before freezing. Use freezer-safe containers or wrap each piece separately. This method allows easy single-serving meals and prevents waste while maintaining optimal taste and quality.
Print
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Hearty Jamie Oliver Chicken Lasagna Recipe

Hearty Jamie Oliver Chicken Lasagna Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 12 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Jamie Oliver’s chicken lasagna combines creamy sauce, tender chicken, and layered pasta for a comforting Italian-inspired dish. Cheese-draped noodles and aromatic herbs create a satisfying meal you’ll crave repeatedly.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs (907 g) chicken breast or 4 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
  • 15 oz (425 g) ricotta
  • 3 cups (340 g) mozzarella cheese, divided
  • ¼ cup (25 g) parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 9 lasagna noodles, cooked al dente
  • 5 oz (142 g) fresh spinach, coarsely chopped
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • ¼ cup (15 g) parsley
  • 2 ½ cups (600 ml) chicken broth
  • 1 ½ cups (360 ml) half and half, (or equal parts of heavy cream and milk)
  • ⅓ cup (40 g) all-purpose flour
  • 4 tbsps (56 g) unsalted butter
  • 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil
  • 2 tsps salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and cook lasagna noodles in salted water until tender, then drain and set aside.
  2. Sauce Foundation: In a large saucepan, sauté onions in olive oil until translucent, then create a roux by adding butter and flour, whisking until golden and smooth.
  3. Béchamel Creation: Gradually pour milk into the roux, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens. Incorporate minced garlic and chopped spinach, blending thoroughly.
  4. Cheese Mixture: In a separate bowl, combine ricotta, egg, garlic, and Italian seasoning until well mixed.
  5. Layering Process: Spread a thin sauce layer in a 9×13 inch baking dish, then systematically layer noodles, ricotta mixture, and shredded chicken. Repeat the layering process, ensuring even distribution.
  6. Topping and Baking: Cover the final layer with remaining béchamel sauce, generously sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top. Wrap with aluminum foil and bake for 40-45 minutes.
  7. Final Touch: Remove foil for the last 2-3 minutes to achieve a golden, bubbly cheese crust. Let the lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow proper setting.

Notes

  • Optimize Noodle Preparation: Rinse lasagna noodles in cold water immediately after cooking to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking, ensuring perfect texture.
  • Master Roux Technique: Whisk flour and butter continuously to create a smooth, lump-free base for the béchamel sauce, which is crucial for a creamy, silky sauce.
  • Layer with Precision: Spread thin, even layers to guarantee consistent flavor and texture in every bite, preventing dry or overly saturated sections.
  • Rest for Perfect Slicing: Letting the lasagna sit for 10-15 minutes after baking allows the layers to set, making cutting and serving much easier and more visually appealing.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 480
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 880 mg
  • Fat: 28 g
  • Saturated Fat: 16 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 36 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 120 mg
Sophia Rivera

Sophia Rivera

Recipe Developer & Kitchen Tips Specialist

Expertise

  • Baking and Pastry Arts
  • Seasonal and Local Ingredient Utilization
  • Dessert Menu Planning
  • Culinary Event Coordination

Education

Austin Community College

  • Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Baking and Pastry Arts
  • Focus: Techniques in baking, pastry creation, and dessert presentation.

San Antonio Culinary Institute

  • Program: Diploma in Farm-to-Table Culinary Practices
  • Focus: Emphasis on utilizing locally sourced ingredients and understanding seasonal flavors.

Sophia’s passion for baking began in her family kitchen, where she spent hours experimenting with new recipes. With a background in baking and pastry arts, she loves making desserts that are as visually stunning as they are delicious. 

Sophia is all about using seasonal, locally sourced ingredients to create treats that everyone will enjoy. When she’s not creating mouth-watering desserts, you can find her gardening, making new recipes, or enjoying a relaxing afternoon with her family.

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