Mary Berry Chicken Lasagne

Mary Berry's Chicken, Mushroom, and Spinach Lasagne is a delightful twist on the classic lasagne that is sure to become a family favourite. This recipe combines tender chicken thighs, earthy mushrooms, and fresh spinach with a rich tomato sauce and creamy crème fraîche, all layered between sheets of fresh lasagne pasta and topped with grated Cheddar cheese. It's a comforting and satisfying dish perfect for any day of the week.

Ingredients for Mary Berry's Chicken Lasagne

• For the chicken, mushroom, and spinach mixture:
  • Olive oil: 2 tbsp
  • Chicken thighs (skinless and boneless), diced: 500g
  • Red chilli, deseeded and finely chopped: ½
  • Garlic cloves, crushed: 2 large
  • Button mushrooms, sliced: 200g
  • Baby spinach: 200g
  • Cornflour: 2 tsp
  • Crème fraîche: 200g
• For the tomato and herb sauce:
  • Chopped flat-leaf parsley: 1 tbsp
  • Chopped tomatoes (tin): 400g
  • Sun-dried tomato paste: 2 tbsp
  • Chopped thyme leaves: 1 tbsp
• Additional ingredients:
  • Fresh lasagne sheets: 6
  • Grated Cheddar cheese: 150g

Preparation Instructions

1. Begin by preheating your oven and preparing your ovenproof dish as this dish will be baked to golden perfection.
2. The chicken, mushroom, and spinach mixture is started by sautéing the chicken until golden, followed by the addition of chilli, garlic, and mushrooms. Spinach is added last until wilted. This mixture is then thickened with a cornflour mixture and enriched with crème fraîche.
3. The tomato and herb sauce is a simple but flavorful combination of chopped tomatoes, sun-dried tomato paste, and herbs, mixed well to blend the flavors.
4. Assembling the lasagne involves soaking the lasagne sheets until soft, then layering the chicken mixture, tomato sauce, and lasagne sheets in the dish, topped with grated Cheddar.
5. The lasagne is baked until golden and bubbly, ready to be served with a side of salad or green vegetables for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating

Mary Berry's Chicken Lasagne can be made and assembled ahead of time, making it a great option for busy schedules. It also freezes well, either uncooked or cooked, allowing for easy preparation ahead of time. For reheating, ensure it's thoroughly heated through in the oven or microwave.

Nutritional Information

This dish is rich in protein from the chicken and contains a good amount of vegetables, making it a nutritious option. The crème fraîche and cheese add a decadent creamy texture but also increase the fat content, so it's best enjoyed as part of a balanced diet.

FAQ about Mary Berry's Chicken Lasagne

• Can I substitute the crème fraîche? Yes, you can use heavy cream or a mixture of cream cheese and milk as a substitute.
• Is it possible to make this lasagne gluten-free? Yes, by using gluten-free lasagne sheets.
• Can I prepare this lasagne in advance? Absolutely, you can assemble the lasagne up to 6 hours ahead and either refrigerate or freeze until ready to bake.

Mary Berry's Chicken, Mushroom, and Spinach Lasagne is a must-try for those looking to enjoy a comforting meal that's both delicious and satisfying. Its combination of flavors and textures, along with the ease of preparation, makes it an excellent choice for family dinners or special occasions​​​​​​.