Chicken Cordon Bleu Lasagna is an exciting twist on the classic French dish, “Chicken Cordon Bleu.” In this lasagna version, layers of tender chicken, ham, Swiss cheese, and a creamy sauce come together to create a hearty, indulgent meal. It’s perfect for dinner parties or a comforting family meal.
Ingredients:
For the Lasagna:
- 12 lasagna noodles (cooked according to package directions)
- 3 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced)
- 1 cup ham (sliced or diced)
- 2 cups shredded Swiss cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
For the Sauce:
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Sauce:
- Melt butter: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
- Sauté garlic: Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Make a roux: Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture turns slightly golden.
- Add milk and broth: Gradually whisk in the milk and chicken broth. Continue whisking to avoid lumps.
- Season the sauce: Add Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, paprika, and nutmeg. Simmer the sauce for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently until thickened.
- Remove from heat: Once thickened, remove the sauce from the heat and set aside.
2. Assemble the Lasagna:
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the lasagna pan: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
- Layer the noodles: Spread a small amount of the sauce on the bottom of the baking dish, then add a layer of cooked lasagna noodles (about 4 noodles).
- Layer the chicken: Spread a third of the shredded chicken evenly over the noodles.
- Add the ham: Scatter a third of the ham on top of the chicken.
- Cheese layer: Sprinkle a mixture of Swiss cheese and mozzarella cheese over the chicken and ham.
- Repeat layers: Add another layer of noodles, chicken, ham, and cheese. Repeat until you’ve completed three layers.
- Top with sauce and Parmesan: Pour the remaining sauce over the top layer and sprinkle generously with Parmesan cheese.
3. Bake:
- Cover and bake: Cover the lasagna with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake again: Uncover and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
4. Rest and Serve:
- Let it rest: Remove the lasagna from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes to set before slicing.
- Garnish: Sprinkle chopped parsley on top for a pop of color.
- Serve: Slice and serve warm with a side salad or garlic bread.
Tips for Success:
- Use rotisserie chicken: To save time, use store-bought rotisserie chicken, which is already cooked and shredded.
- Pre-cook the lasagna noodles: For best results, cook the lasagna noodles until al dente and lay them flat on a clean kitchen towel to prevent sticking.
- Add extra flavor: If you like, you can add some sautéed mushrooms or spinach for an extra layer of flavor and texture.
Chicken Cordon Bleu Lasagna is a comforting, cheesy, and flavorful dish that combines the best of both worlds – the flavors of Chicken Cordon Bleu and the comfort of lasagna. It’s rich and decadent, making it the perfect dinner for a special occasion or a cozy family meal. The layers of chicken, ham, Swiss cheese, and creamy sauce create a satisfying dish that will leave everyone asking for seconds!