This Chicken Cordon Bleu Lasagna is a decadent fusion of two comfort food classics. Tender layers of chicken, ham, and gooey cheese combine with a creamy béchamel sauce to create a savory lasagna that takes inspiration from the traditional French Chicken Cordon Bleu. This dish is perfect for a hearty family dinner or any occasion where you want to impress with something unique, flavorful, and utterly satisfying.
Ingredients:
- Lasagna Layers:
- 9 lasagna noodles (cooked and drained)
- 2 cups cooked chicken breasts (shredded)
- 1 ½ cups cooked ham (diced)
- 3 cups mozzarella cheese (shredded)
- 1 cup Swiss cheese (shredded)
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
- Béchamel Sauce:
- 4 tbsp butter
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups milk
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ tsp Dijon mustard (optional for added flavor)
- Topping:
- 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Béchamel Sauce:
- In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly to create a roux.
- Gradually add milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue to cook until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and Dijon mustard (if using). Remove from heat and set aside.
- Assemble the Lasagna:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Spread a thin layer of béchamel sauce at the bottom of the dish. Place 3 cooked lasagna noodles over the sauce.
- Layer with ⅓ of the shredded chicken, ⅓ of the ham, and a generous portion of béchamel sauce. Sprinkle with mozzarella, Swiss, and Parmesan cheese.
- Repeat the layers (noodles, chicken, ham, sauce, and cheese) twice, ending with the final layer of béchamel sauce and cheese on top.
- Prepare the Breadcrumb Topping:
- In a small bowl, mix the Panko breadcrumbs with melted butter until evenly coated.
- Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the top layer of the lasagna.
- Bake:
- Cover the lasagna with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Serve:
- Let the lasagna rest for about 10 minutes before slicing and serving. Garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh touch.
Enjoy the perfect balance of flavors from this cheesy, creamy, and savory Chicken Cordon Bleu Lasagna!