Chicken Cordon Bleu Lasagna
This recipe is a creative twist on the classic Chicken Cordon Bleu, combining the flavors of chicken, ham, cheese, and a creamy sauce in a lasagna format. It’s a comforting, indulgent dish that’s perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients:
For the Lasagna:
- 12 lasagna noodles (uncooked, or cooked if using traditional noodles)
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works great)
- 1 1/2 cups cooked ham, diced
- 4 cups shredded Swiss cheese (or Gruyère for a more traditional flavor)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
For the Creamy Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups heavy cream (or whole milk for a lighter version)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional, for a little smoky flavor)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions:
1. Cook the Lasagna Noodles:
- Cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside. If you’re using no-boil noodles, just ensure they are ready to be assembled.
2. Prepare the Creamy Sauce:
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Once the butter is melted, whisk in the flour to create a roux, cooking it for about 1-2 minutes until it’s golden.
- Slowly add the heavy cream while whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer, allowing it to thicken.
- Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, Dijon mustard, paprika (if using), salt, and pepper.
- Once the sauce is thickened (about 5 minutes), remove from heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese until smooth and well combined.
3. Assemble the Lasagna:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of the creamy sauce on the bottom.
- Layer lasagna noodles on top of the sauce (you may need to overlap them slightly).
- Add a layer of the shredded chicken, followed by the diced ham, then sprinkle with a generous amount of Swiss cheese.
- Pour some of the creamy sauce over the layers.
- Repeat the layers: noodles, chicken, ham, Swiss cheese, and sauce until all ingredients are used, ending with a top layer of noodles and sauce.
- Finish with a generous layer of mozzarella cheese on top.
4. Bake the Lasagna:
- Cover the lasagna with foil (to prevent the cheese from burning) and bake for about 30 minutes.
- After 30 minutes, remove the foil and continue to bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese on top is golden and bubbly.
5. Serve:
- Let the lasagna rest for about 10 minutes before cutting into it. This will help it set and make it easier to serve.
- Garnish with chopped parsley or thyme if desired, and enjoy this creamy, cheesy, and flavorful Chicken Cordon Bleu Lasagna!
This dish combines all the delicious elements of Chicken Cordon Bleu in the comforting layers of lasagna. It’s a rich and satisfying meal that will be a hit with anyone who loves cheesy, creamy casseroles!