Chicken Cordon Bleu Lasagna: A Delicious Twist on a Classic Favorite
Chicken Cordon Bleu Lasagna combines the rich flavors of chicken, ham, and Swiss cheese with the comforting layers of lasagna noodles, creating a unique and flavorful twist on the traditional Italian dish. This indulgent casserole features a creamy, cheesy sauce that binds everything together, making it the perfect comfort food for any occasion. Whether you’re preparing a family dinner or a special gathering, this recipe is sure to impress.
Ingredients You Will Need:
- 8-oz packet of lasagna noodles
- 1.5 cups of butter
- 1 (8-oz) tub of softened cream cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of pepper powder
- 1/4 teaspoon of ground black pepper
- 1 and 3/4 cups of shredded Swiss cheese
- 1/4 cup of hot milk
- 8 ounces of diced deli ham
- 2 and 3/4 cups of cooked chicken (shredded or diced)
- 1/2 cup of shredded Swiss cheese (for topping)
- 1/3 cup of breadcrumbs
- 1/2 teaspoon of Italian seasoning (adjust to personal taste)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure the casserole bakes evenly and develops a crispy, golden crust on top.
2. Prepare the Lasagna Noodles
In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add a pinch of salt to the water. Once the water is boiling, add the lasagna noodles and cook according to package instructions, usually about 8 minutes or until the noodles are tender but still firm. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Drain the noodles and set them aside.
3. Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce
In a medium saucepan, melt 1.5 cups of butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add the cream cheese and whisk continuously until the cheese starts to melt, which should take about 5 minutes. Season the mixture with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper.
Next, gradually whisk in 1/4 cup of hot milk, stirring until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy. Add 1 and 1/2 cups of shredded Swiss cheese and continue to cook, stirring frequently. Once the cheese has melted and the sauce has thickened, about 5 to 10 minutes, remove the saucepan from the heat. You should now have a rich, creamy cheese sauce ready to go.
4. Assemble the Lasagna Layers
In a 9×9-inch baking dish, start by pouring 3/4 cup of the cheese sauce on the bottom of the dish to create a base layer.
Then, begin layering the lasagna:
- Place a layer of 1/3 of the lasagna noodles on top of the sauce.
- Spread 1/2 of the cooked chicken and 1/2 of the diced ham over the noodles.
- Spoon 1 cup of cheese sauce over the chicken and ham.
Repeat the layering process:
- Add another layer of lasagna noodles.
- Layer the remaining chicken and ham on top.
- Pour another 1 cup of cheese sauce over the chicken and ham.
5. Final Layer and Toppings
For the final layer:
- Add the remaining lasagna noodles.
- Top with the remaining cheese sauce.
- Sprinkle 1/2 cup of shredded Swiss cheese, breadcrumbs, and Italian seasoning over the top. The breadcrumbs will help create a crispy, golden topping as it bakes.
6. Baking
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for about 25 minutes. After this time, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes, or until the top is golden and the crumbs are crispy.
7. Rest Before Serving
Once the lasagna is done, allow it to rest for about 5 to 10 minutes before cutting and serving. This allows the layers to set and makes the lasagna easier to slice.
Enjoy Your Chicken Cordon Bleu Lasagna!
This Chicken Cordon Bleu Lasagna is a fantastic dish that combines all the classic flavors of the beloved Chicken Cordon Bleu with the comforting nature of lasagna. The creamy cheese sauce, tender chicken, savory ham, and the slight crunch from the breadcrumbs all come together to create a hearty, satisfying meal.
Whether you’re feeding a crowd or treating yourself to a delicious meal, this recipe will surely become a favorite. It’s perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or even meal prep for the week. Enjoy the delicious layers of flavor and the rich, cheesy goodness that makes this dish so special.