Chicken Cordon Bleu Lasagna

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

This Chicken Cordon Bleu Lasagna transforms the classic French dish into a comforting pasta bake that’s perfect for family dinners or special occasions. The creamy Swiss cheese sauce, tender chicken, and savory ham create layers of incredible flavor between traditional lasagna noodles. It’s an impressive dish that’s surprisingly simple to prepare, making it perfect for both weeknight meals and entertaining guests. The crispy breadcrumb topping provides that signature crunch you expect from Chicken Cordon Bleu, while the pasta base makes it a satisfying, complete meal that feeds a crowd.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

  • ½ cup butter
  • 8 ounces lasagna noodles
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 ½ cups shredded Swiss cheese
  • 1 ¾ cups warm milk
  • 2 ½ cups cooked chicken, chopped
  • 8 ounces deli ham, chopped
  • ½ cup shredded Swiss cheese
  • ½ cup bread crumbs
  • 1 pinch Italian seasoning, or to taste

How to Make Chicken Cordon Bleu Lasagna:

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Prepare the oven and baking dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the lasagna noodles according to package directions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  3. Make the cheese sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the softened cream cheese and stir until smooth. Gradually whisk in the warm milk until well combined and smooth.
  4. Season the sauce: Add salt, onion powder, and black pepper to the sauce. Stir in 1½ cups of shredded Swiss cheese until melted and smooth. Remove from heat.
  5. Assemble the lasagna:
    • Spread a thin layer of cheese sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
    • Arrange a layer of lasagna noodles over the sauce.
    • Top with half of the chopped chicken and half of the chopped ham.
    • Pour one-third of the remaining cheese sauce over the meat.
    • Add another layer of noodles, followed by the remaining chicken and ham.
    • Pour another third of the cheese sauce over this layer.
    • Finish with a final layer of noodles and the remaining cheese sauce.
  6. Add the topping: Sprinkle the additional ½ cup of Swiss cheese evenly over the top. Mix the breadcrumbs with Italian seasoning and sprinkle over the cheese.
  7. Bake: Cover with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling.
  8. Rest before serving: Let the lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes before cutting to allow it to set.

Helpful Tips:

  • Time-saving option: Use rotisserie chicken for the cooked chicken requirement to save time and add extra flavor.
  • Make ahead: Assemble the lasagna up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate. When ready to bake, add an extra 10-15 minutes to the covered baking time.
  • Cheese selection: While Swiss cheese is traditional for Chicken Cordon Bleu, you can substitute Gruyère for a stronger flavor or combine with mozzarella for extra stretchiness.
  • No-boil noodles: You can use no-boil lasagna noodles to save time. Just make the sauce slightly thinner by adding an extra ¼ cup of milk.
  • Breadcrumb enhancement: For extra crunch and flavor, mix 1 tablespoon of melted butter with the breadcrumbs before topping the lasagna.

Details:

  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Servings: 8
  • Calories: Approximately 420 calories per serving

Notes:

  • Make sure to chop the chicken and ham into bite-sized pieces for the best eating experience.
  • For a lighter version, you can use reduced-fat cream cheese and 2% milk.
  • The lasagna freezes well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • For extra flavor, add 1-2 cloves of minced garlic when melting the butter for the sauce.
  • This dish pairs beautifully with a simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: Can I use different pasta instead of lasagna noodles? A: Yes! You can turn this into a casserole using penne, rotini, or egg noodles. Simply cook the pasta until al dente, then mix with the sauce and add-ins before topping with cheese and breadcrumbs.

Q: How do I know when the lasagna is done? A: The lasagna is done when the cheese is melted, the edges are bubbling, and the top is golden brown. A knife inserted in the center should meet little resistance.

Q: Can I make this dish vegetarian? A: While traditional Chicken Cordon Bleu contains chicken and ham, you could create a vegetarian version using meat substitutes or layers of sautéed mushrooms and spinach instead.

Q: What can I substitute for Swiss cheese? A: Gruyère is the best substitute, but provolone or a mild white cheddar would also work well.

Q: Is it necessary to cover the lasagna while baking? A: Covering for the first part of baking prevents the top from burning while ensuring the middle cooks thoroughly. The uncovered final baking creates that delicious golden top.

Storage Instructions:

  • Refrigerator: Store leftover Chicken Cordon Bleu Lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
  • Freezer: For longer storage, cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, or place portions in freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months.
  • Reheating: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 2-3 minutes or until heated through. For larger portions, cover with foil and reheat in a 350°F oven for 20-25 minutes until warm throughout.

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Conclusion:

This Chicken Cordon Bleu Lasagna brings together the best of both worlds – the sophisticated flavors of Chicken Cordon Bleu and the hearty comfort of homemade lasagna. The creamy Swiss cheese sauce perfectly complements the chicken and ham, while the breadcrumb topping adds that essential crispy element that makes Chicken Cordon Bleu so beloved. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or special occasion, this fusion dish is sure to impress and satisfy. It’s a delicious way to reinvent classic flavors while creating a meal that everyone will love. Give this recipe a try the next time you’re craving something special yet comforting!

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