Welcome to a culinary adventure where comfort food meets sophisticated flavor: the **Chicken Cordon Bleu Lasagna**. Imagine the rich, savory taste of classic chicken cordon bleu, transformed into a hearty, cheesy, and incredibly creamy lasagna. This dish isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience that brings together tender chicken, salty ham, a luxurious cheese blend, and a luscious cream sauce, all layered between perfectly cooked pasta. It’s a truly amazing creation that promises to become a new family favorite.
For enthusiasts of both lasagna and chicken cordon bleu, this recipe offers the best of both worlds. The inspiration for this extraordinary dish came from a dear friend, Bonnie, whose family raved about this innovative combination. After a relentless (yet friendly!) pursuit, the recipe was finally shared, and it has since earned a permanent spot in my recipe rotation. Its unique flavor profile and comforting appeal make it an undeniable standout among countless lasagna variations.
Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Chicken Cordon Bleu Lasagna
This cheesy, creamy delight is more than just good; it’s absolutely fantastic. I’ve personally made it multiple times in recent weeks, and it simply doesn’t get old. It easily ranks among my top all-time favorite lasagnas, a testament to its irresistible charm. It masterfully captures the essence of a traditional chicken cordon bleu – the golden-brown chicken, the savory ham, and the blend of Swiss and mozzarella cheeses – and layers it into a satisfying pasta bake. The rich, velvety sauce ties all these elements together, creating a symphony of flavors and textures in every bite.
One of the brilliant aspects of this **chicken and ham lasagna** is its versatility, especially when it comes to ingredients. If you ever find yourself with leftover ham from a holiday dinner or a weekend roast, this lasagna should be your go-to recipe for repurposing it. The flavors meld beautifully, ensuring that no delicious ham goes to waste. No leftovers? No problem! High-quality chopped deli ham works wonderfully. Just be sure to select a brand you trust for its flavor. For those conscious about additives, options like Hormel Natural lunch meat, which is nitrite/nitrate-free and boasts excellent taste, are highly recommended.
Key Ingredients for an Unforgettable Lasagna
Crafting the perfect **creamy chicken lasagna** starts with understanding each ingredient’s role:
- The Creamy Sauce Base: This lasagna relies on a homemade béchamel-style sauce, enriched with chicken broth and milk, and flavored with sautéed onion and garlic. This forms the rich, flavorful foundation that binds all the layers. The inclusion of Parmesan cheese directly into the sauce adds depth and umami, making it truly irresistible.
- Tender Chicken: Cooked diced chicken is central to the “chicken” in cordon bleu. You can use leftover roasted chicken, rotisserie chicken for convenience, or simply boil and shred chicken breasts. Ensure it’s seasoned well to enhance the overall flavor profile.
- Savory Ham: As mentioned, quality ham makes a significant difference. Whether it’s holiday leftovers or premium deli ham, its saltiness and texture are crucial to replicating the classic cordon bleu taste.
- The Cheese Trio: A blend of mozzarella, Swiss, and Parmesan cheeses creates the signature gooey, savory, and nutty flavor profile. Mozzarella provides the stretch and creaminess, Swiss cheese brings its distinct mild, nutty flavor, and Parmesan adds a sharp, salty finish.
- Lasagna Noodles: No-boil lasagna noodles are a game-changer for speed and convenience, allowing you to assemble the lasagna quickly without the extra step of boiling pasta. If using traditional noodles, ensure they are cooked al dente to prevent them from becoming mushy during baking.
- Fresh Broccoli Florets: Chopped broccoli florets are a welcome addition, providing a touch of freshness, color, and a slight textural contrast to the rich, creamy layers. They also add a subtle nutritional boost, balancing out the indulgence.
What to Serve With This Decadent Lasagna
To complement the richness of this **hearty chicken and ham lasagna**, consider serving it alongside lighter, fresh sides:
- Roasted Asparagus: Its slightly bitter and crisp texture provides a wonderful contrast to the creamy lasagna.
- Divine Breadsticks: Perfect for soaking up any extra sauce and adding a comforting, carby element to the meal.
- Spinach Salad with Sweet-Spicy Nuts, Apples, Feta & Bacon: The sweet, spicy, and tangy notes of this salad cut through the richness, offering a refreshing balance.
- Strawberry Spinach Salad: A lighter, fruitier option that provides a burst of freshness and a touch of sweetness.
Lasagna Cordon Bleu
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Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons butter
- ½ cup finely minced onion
- 2 cloves garlic, pressed or finely minced
- ⅓ cup flour
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 ⅔ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese + 1/4 cup to sprinkle on top
- 3 cups broccoli florets, chopped
- 2 cups cooked diced chicken
- 1-2 cups chopped ham
- 4 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 4 ounces Swiss cheese, shredded
- 12 no-boil lasagna noodles (see note)
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside. This ensures your lasagna won’t stick and makes for easier serving.
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In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the finely minced onion and garlic, and cook, stirring often, until the onion has softened and becomes translucent, about 4-5 minutes. This step builds the aromatic base for your creamy sauce.
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Stir in the flour. The mixture will be crumbly and form a roux – don’t fret! Continue to stir and cook over medium heat for 1-2 minutes. This cooks out the raw flour taste and creates the thickening agent for your sauce.
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Very slowly, pour in the low-sodium chicken broth while whisking constantly and quickly. Allow each addition to incorporate and thicken slightly before adding more. This prevents lumps and ensures a smooth sauce. When all the broth has been added, gradually pour in the milk, whisking constantly until fully combined.
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Continue to cook the mixture over medium heat until it simmers. Continue stirring constantly until it thickens slightly, typically 5-10 minutes. The sauce should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. Stir in the salt, pepper, and ½ cup of the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Remove the saucepan from the heat immediately.
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To assemble your lasagna, spread a thin layer of the prepared cream sauce (about ⅓ cup) evenly on the bottom of your greased 9×13-inch pan. This prevents the first layer of noodles from sticking. Add a layer of 4 no-boil lasagna noodles over the sauce. Top the noodles with half of the chopped broccoli, cooked diced chicken, and a generous sprinkle of both mozzarella and Swiss cheeses. Drizzle about 1 cup of the remaining sauce over the cheese layer, followed by half of the chopped ham.
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Place another layer of 4 noodles over the ham. Sprinkle the remaining half of the broccoli, chicken, and cheeses evenly over this noodle layer. Add another cup of sauce, leaving about ½ cup for the very top, followed by the remaining ham.
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Finally, add the last layer of 4 lasagna noodles. Spread the remaining ½ cup of cream sauce evenly over these top noodles, ensuring they are fully covered. Sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup of Parmesan cheese over the sauce for a golden, cheesy crust.
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Cover the baking dish loosely with lightly greased aluminum foil. The greased side should face down to prevent the cheese from sticking. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes. After this initial baking, carefully uncover the dish and continue to bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the lasagna is bubbling around the edges and the top is golden brown and the noodles are tender.
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Remove the lasagna from the oven. For best results and clean slices, tent it loosely with foil and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the layers to set and prevents the lasagna from falling apart when cut. Enjoy your perfectly crafted Chicken Cordon Bleu Lasagna!
Notes
Recommended Products
Recipe Source: adapted from my friend, Bonnie (with minor adjustments to butter quantity and liquid-to-flour ratio for enhanced creaminess and flavor).
Variations and Make-Ahead Tips
This **Chicken Cordon Bleu Lasagna** is wonderfully adaptable. For a richer flavor, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg to your béchamel sauce. If you prefer more vegetables, sautéed mushrooms or fresh spinach can be layered in. To make ahead, assemble the entire lasagna, cover it tightly with foil (unbaked), and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, add an extra 10-15 minutes to the covered baking time, then uncover and bake as usual. This lasagna also freezes beautifully for up to 3 months, making it an excellent meal prep option for busy weeks.
Conclusion: A New Comfort Food Classic
This **Chicken Cordon Bleu Lasagna** redefines comfort food, bringing together the beloved flavors of a classic dish in an exciting new format. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for a cozy family dinner or a special gathering. The combination of savory chicken and ham, rich cheeses, and creamy sauce creates a layered masterpiece that is both familiar and delightfully innovative. Give this recipe a try; it’s bound to become a celebrated addition to your culinary repertoire!