Chicken Lasagna: A Classic Pakistani Recipe

Chicken Lasagna is a classic Pakistani dish that combines the rich and hearty flavors of Italian cuisine with a desi twist. This cheesy, creamy and delicious comfort food is perfect for a cozy night in or a special occasion. In this article, we will provide a step-by-step guide to making this dish at home, along with a list of ingredients and helpful tips.

Ingredients:

> 12-15 lasagna noodles

> 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken

> 2 cups tomato sauce

> 2 cups white sauce

> 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese

> 1 cup grated cheddar cheese

> 1 onion, finely chopped

> 2 garlic cloves, minced

> 1 teaspoon dried oregano

> 1 teaspoon dried basil

> Salt and black pepper to taste

> 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the White Sauce:

> 2 cups milk

> 2 tablespoons butter

> 2 tablespoons flour

> Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions:

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F.

Step 2: Cook the lasagna noodles in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Step 3: To make the white sauce, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the flour and blend thoroughly. Slowly add the milk while stirring continuously to prevent lumps from forming. The sauce needs to cook for a few minutes to thicken.  Add salt and black pepper to taste. Set aside.

Step 4: In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and minced garlic and sauté until soft and translucent. Add the shredded chicken and tomato sauce, and stir well. Add the dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 5-10 minutes.

Step 5: In a baking dish, spread a layer of white sauce at the bottom. Add a layer of lasagna noodles on top, followed by a layer of the chicken and tomato sauce mixture. Grate some mozzarella and cheddar cheese and sprinkle it on top. Till all the ingredients have been utilised, keep stacking.

Step 6: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is golden brown and bubbly.

Step 7: Before serving, let the lasagna cool for a while.  Garnish with fresh parsley or basil leaves if desired.

Helpful Tips:

1. Cook the lasagna noodles al dente to prevent them from becoming too soft and mushy when baked.

2. Use a good quality tomato sauce for maximum flavor. You can also make your own tomato sauce at home by sautéing chopped onions and garlic in olive oil, adding canned tomatoes and simmering for 20-30 minutes.

3. Use a combination of mozzarella and cheddar cheese for the perfect blend of flavors and textures.

4. You can prepare the chicken and tomato sauce mixture a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Assemble the lasagna just before baking.

5. For up to three days, leftovers can be kept in the fridge in an airtight container.