Chicken Cordon Bleu Lasagna

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:

1. Melt butter: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
2. Sauté garlic: Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
3. Make a roux: Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture turns slightly golden.
4. Add milk and broth: Gradually whisk in the milk and chicken broth. Continue whisking to avoid lumps.
5. Season the sauce: Add Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, paprika, and nutmeg. Simmer the sauce for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently until thickened.
6. Remove from heat: Once thickened, remove the sauce from the heat and set aside.

2. Assemble the Lasagna:

1. Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Prepare the lasagna pan: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
3. 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).
4. Layer the chicken: Spread a third of the shredded chicken evenly over the noodles.
5. Add the ham: Scatter a third of the ham on top of the chicken.
6. Cheese layer: Sprinkle a mixture of Swiss cheese and mozzarella cheese over the chicken and ham.
7. Repeat layers: Add another layer of noodles, chicken, ham, and cheese. Repeat until you’ve completed three layers.
8. Top with sauce and Parmesan: Pour the remaining sauce over the top layer and sprinkle generously with Parmesan cheese.

3. Bake:

1. Cover and bake: Cover the lasagna with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
2. 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:

1. Let it rest: Remove the lasagna from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes to set before slicing.
2. Garnish: Sprinkle chopped parsley on top for a pop of color.
3. 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!