Chicken Cordon Bleu Lasagna: A Decadent Twist on a Classic

Chicken Cordon Bleu is a beloved dish, known for its savory combination of chicken, ham, and Swiss cheese, often breaded and fried to golden perfection. Lasagna, on the other hand, is an Italian classic, featuring layers of pasta, sauce, cheese, and often meat. What happens when you combine these two iconic dishes? You get Chicken Cordon Bleu Lasagna – a decadent and satisfying meal that’s sure to impress.

This recipe takes all the best elements of Chicken Cordon Bleu and layers them into a lasagna format. Imagine tender chicken breasts, salty ham, creamy Swiss cheese, and a luscious béchamel sauce, all nestled between layers of lasagna noodles. It’s a comforting, flavorful, and surprisingly easy dish to make, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

## Why This Recipe Works

* **Familiar Flavors:** The classic Chicken Cordon Bleu combination is instantly recognizable and universally appealing.
* **Comfort Food Upgrade:** Lasagna is the ultimate comfort food, and this version elevates it with exciting new flavors.
* **Make-Ahead Friendly:** You can assemble the lasagna ahead of time and bake it later, making it perfect for busy schedules.
* **Impressive Presentation:** The layered structure of lasagna makes for a visually stunning dish that’s sure to wow your guests.
* **Adaptable:** This recipe is easily customizable to your preferences. You can add vegetables, adjust the cheese ratio, or even swap out the ham for prosciutto.

## Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Chicken Cordon Bleu Lasagna:

* **Chicken Breasts:** 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 pounds total)
* **Ham:** 8 ounces sliced deli ham (Black Forest or Honey Ham work well)
* **Swiss Cheese:** 8 ounces sliced Swiss cheese
* **Lasagna Noodles:** 9 oven-ready lasagna noodles (no pre-cooking required)
* **Butter:** 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
* **All-Purpose Flour:** 6 tablespoons
* **Milk:** 4 cups whole milk
* **Nutmeg:** 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
* **Salt:** 1 teaspoon, plus more to taste
* **Black Pepper:** 1/2 teaspoon, plus more to taste
* **Garlic Powder:** 1/2 teaspoon
* **Onion Powder:** 1/2 teaspoon
* **Olive Oil:** 1 tablespoon
* **Panko Bread Crumbs:** 1/2 cup
* **Parmesan Cheese:** 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* **Fresh Parsley:** 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)

## Equipment

* 9×13 inch baking dish
* Large skillet
* Medium saucepan
* Whisk
* Cutting board
* Knife
* Aluminum foil

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed instructions to create your own Chicken Cordon Bleu Lasagna:

### 1. Prepare the Chicken

* Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
* Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board and pound them to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch. This ensures they cook evenly.
* Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
* In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes per side, until lightly browned. They don’t need to be fully cooked at this point, as they will continue to cook in the lasagna.
* Remove the chicken breasts from the skillet and set aside to cool slightly. Once cool enough to handle, slice each chicken breast horizontally into 2-3 thinner cutlets. This will make them easier to layer in the lasagna. If the chicken is too thick, the lasagna will be too bulky and won’t cook evenly.

### 2. Make the Béchamel Sauce

* In a medium saucepan, melt 6 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
* Whisk in 6 tablespoons of all-purpose flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture forms a smooth paste (a roux). This cooks out the raw flour taste and helps thicken the sauce.
* Gradually whisk in 4 cups of milk, a little at a time, making sure to incorporate each addition fully before adding more. This prevents lumps from forming.
* Continue whisking constantly until the sauce comes to a simmer and begins to thicken. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
* Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. The nutmeg adds a subtle warmth and depth of flavor to the béchamel.

### 3. Assemble the Lasagna

* Spread a thin layer of béchamel sauce (about 1 cup) on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. This will prevent the lasagna noodles from sticking.
* Arrange 3 lasagna noodles over the sauce, slightly overlapping if necessary.
* Layer half of the chicken cutlets over the noodles, followed by half of the ham slices and half of the Swiss cheese slices.
* Spoon another layer of béchamel sauce (about 1.5 cups) over the cheese.
* Repeat the layers: 3 lasagna noodles, the remaining chicken, ham, and Swiss cheese, and another layer of béchamel sauce (about 1.5 cups).
* Top with the final 3 lasagna noodles and the remaining béchamel sauce (about 1 cup), spreading it evenly over the noodles.

### 4. Prepare the Breadcrumb Topping

* In a small bowl, combine the panko bread crumbs and grated Parmesan cheese.
* Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter in a microwave or small saucepan.
* Pour the melted butter over the bread crumb mixture and stir to combine. This will create a golden and crispy topping.
* Sprinkle the bread crumb mixture evenly over the top of the lasagna. This adds a delightful textural contrast to the creamy lasagna.

### 5. Bake the Lasagna

* Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. This will help the lasagna cook evenly and prevent the top from browning too quickly.
* Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
* Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the lasagna is bubbly. The internal temperature of the lasagna should reach 165°F (74°C).
* Let the lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the lasagna to set and makes it easier to cut into clean slices.

### 6. Garnish and Serve

* Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired.
* Serve warm and enjoy!

## Tips for Success

* **Pound the Chicken:** Pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness is crucial for even cooking. If the chicken is too thick, it will take longer to cook and may dry out.
* **Don’t Overcook the Chicken:** The chicken doesn’t need to be fully cooked when you sear it, as it will continue to cook in the lasagna. Overcooking it at this stage will result in dry chicken in the finished dish.
* **Use Oven-Ready Noodles:** Oven-ready lasagna noodles are a lifesaver! They eliminate the need for pre-cooking, saving you time and effort. Make sure to use enough sauce to hydrate the noodles properly.
* **Make a Smooth Béchamel:** Whisking the milk into the roux gradually is key to preventing lumps in the béchamel sauce. If you do get lumps, you can strain the sauce through a fine-mesh sieve.
* **Don’t Skip the Resting Time:** Letting the lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes after baking is essential for allowing it to set and preventing it from becoming a soupy mess when you slice it.
* **Adjust Seasonings:** Taste the béchamel sauce and adjust the seasonings to your liking. Don’t be afraid to add more salt, pepper, or nutmeg.

## Variations and Substitutions

* **Different Cheeses:** Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Gruyere, provolone, or mozzarella, in addition to or instead of the Swiss cheese.
* **Different Meats:** Try using prosciutto, Canadian bacon, or turkey ham instead of regular deli ham.
* **Add Vegetables:** Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or asparagus to the lasagna for added flavor and nutrients.
* **Spicy Kick:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the béchamel sauce for a touch of heat.
* **Creamy Sauce:** For an even richer and creamier sauce, substitute half of the milk with heavy cream.
* **Gluten-Free:** Use gluten-free lasagna noodles and a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the béchamel sauce.

## Serving Suggestions

Chicken Cordon Bleu Lasagna is a complete meal on its own, but it also pairs well with a variety of side dishes:

* **Green Salad:** A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the lasagna.
* **Garlic Bread:** Crispy garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the delicious béchamel sauce.
* **Roasted Vegetables:** Roasted vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts add a healthy and flavorful side dish.
* **Steamed Green Beans:** Steamed green beans are a simple and elegant side dish that complements the lasagna perfectly.
* **Fruit Salad:** A light and refreshing fruit salad provides a sweet ending to the meal.

## Make-Ahead Instructions

This Chicken Cordon Bleu Lasagna is a great make-ahead dish. You can assemble it up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator, covered tightly with aluminum foil. When you’re ready to bake, simply preheat the oven and bake as directed, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if the lasagna is cold from the refrigerator. This makes it perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re entertaining guests.

## Storage Instructions

Store leftover Chicken Cordon Bleu Lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can microwave individual portions or bake the entire lasagna in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. You can also freeze leftover lasagna for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

## Nutritional Information (approximate, per serving)

* Calories: 600-700
* Protein: 40-50g
* Fat: 30-40g
* Carbohydrates: 40-50g

*Note: Nutritional information may vary depending on specific ingredients and portion sizes.*

## Conclusion

Chicken Cordon Bleu Lasagna is a delightful fusion of two classic dishes, resulting in a comforting, flavorful, and visually appealing meal. With its layers of tender chicken, salty ham, creamy Swiss cheese, and luscious béchamel sauce, it’s sure to become a new family favorite. So, gather your ingredients, follow these simple steps, and get ready to enjoy a truly decadent culinary experience!

Enjoy!