Chicken Cordon Bleu lasagna

Here’s a delicious twist on a classic: Chicken Cordon Bleu Lasagna! This dish combines the rich flavors of chicken, ham, and Swiss cheese in a creamy, cheesy lasagna. Perfect for dinner parties or a family meal.

Ingredients:

For the Lasagna:

• 12 lasagna noodles
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
• 1½ cups diced ham
• 3 cups Swiss cheese, shredded
• 1½ cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1½ cups Parmesan cheese, grated (divided)

For the Sauce:

• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 3 cups whole milk
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp lemon juice (optional, for a tangy flavor)

Instructions:

Step 1: Cook the Lasagna Noodles

1. Cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions. Drain, rinse with cold water, and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Cream Sauce

1. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for about 1-2 minutes to make a roux.
2. Gradually whisk in the milk and chicken broth until smooth. Continue whisking until the sauce thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
3. Stir in the Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, lemon juice (if using), and season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Remove from heat and stir in 1 cup of Parmesan cheese until melted and incorporated into the sauce.

Step 3: Assemble the Lasagna

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
3. Spread a thin layer of the cream sauce on the bottom of the dish.
4. Lay 4 lasagna noodles over the sauce, followed by a layer of shredded chicken and ham.
5. Sprinkle a layer of Swiss cheese and mozzarella over the meat.
6. Pour more cream sauce over the cheese, then add another layer of noodles.
7. Repeat the layers: noodles, chicken, ham, Swiss cheese, mozzarella, and sauce. Finish with a final layer of noodles, sauce, and top with the remaining Parmesan cheese.

Step 4: Bake the Lasagna

1. Cover the lasagna with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
2. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
3. Let the lasagna cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Tips:

• You can use provolone or Gruyère in place of Swiss cheese for different flavors.
• For extra richness, sprinkle panko breadcrumbs on top during the last 10 minutes of baking.

This Chicken Cordon Bleu Lasagna is a decadent and creamy twist on two classic dishes, combining the best of both worlds!