This Chicken Cordon Bleu Lasagna is a delightful fusion of classic Chicken Cordon Bleu flavors and comforting lasagna layers. Featuring tender lasagna noodles, succulent rotisserie chicken, savory ham, and a creamy Swiss cheese sauce, this dish is both rich and satisfying. Perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion, it’s sure to impress with its hearty layers and delicious flavors.
Ingredients
- Lasagna:
- 1 (8 ounce) package lasagna noodles (about 9 noodles)
- 1/2 cup butter (1 stick)
- 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 cups shredded Swiss cheese, divided
- 1 3/4 cups warm milk
- 2 1/2 cups rotisserie chicken, diced
- 8 ounces deli ham, chopped
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs
- 1 pinch Italian seasoning, or to taste
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the lasagna noodles until al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Make the Cheese Sauce:
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the softened cream cheese and stir until it begins to melt and incorporate, about 5 minutes. It might look lumpy initially, but this is normal. Season with salt, onion powder, and black pepper.
- Gradually whisk in the warm milk, adding it slowly to ensure a smooth sauce. Stir in 1 1/2 cups of the shredded Swiss cheese.
- Continue to whisk the sauce until the cheese has fully melted and the mixture has thickened, about 5-10 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Assemble the Lasagna:
- Spread a thin layer of the cheese sauce on the bottom of a 9×9-inch baking dish.
- Arrange a layer of lasagna noodles (about 3 noodles) over the sauce. Tear them to fit the pan if necessary.
- Spread half of the diced chicken and half of the chopped ham over the noodles. Pour 1 cup of the cheese sauce over the chicken and ham.
- Repeat with another layer of noodles, the remaining chicken, the remaining ham, and another cup of cheese sauce.
- Finish with a final layer of noodles, the remaining sauce, the remaining 1/2 cup of Swiss cheese, and a sprinkling of bread crumbs. Add a pinch of Italian seasoning over the top.
- Bake the Lasagna:
- Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the bread crumbs are golden brown.
- Let the casserole stand for 10 minutes before serving to allow the layers to set.
Tips
- Noodles: Be sure to cook the lasagna noodles until they are just firm to the bite, as they will continue to cook in the oven.
- Sauce: Whisk the milk into the cream cheese mixture slowly to avoid lumps and ensure a smooth sauce.
- Layers: Tearing the noodles to fit the pan will help create even layers and prevent uneven cooking.
- Cheese: Using high-quality Swiss cheese will enhance the flavor of the sauce.
- Resting Time: Allowing the lasagna to rest before serving helps it set and makes it easier to cut into neat slices.
This Chicken Cordon Bleu Lasagna combines the best of both worlds, offering a creamy, cheesy, and meaty dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Serve with a fresh green salad and a glass of white wine for a complete meal!
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