Gourmet Chicken Cordon Bleu Lasagna

Experience the ultimate comfort food fusion: a rich, creamy, and irresistibly cheesy lasagna, reimagined with all the classic flavors of a beloved Chicken Cordon Bleu. This dish is an absolute game-changer!

For those who appreciate the endless possibilities of lasagna, prepare to be captivated by a culinary creation that defies expectations. Forget the ordinary; this isn’t just another pasta dish. We’re talking about a symphony of savory chicken, smoky ham, and a medley of cheeses, all nestled between tender lasagna noodles and bathed in a decadent, creamy sauce. Inspired by the classic Chicken Cordon Bleu, this lasagna variation takes a cherished comfort food and elevates it to new heights, making it an undeniable family favorite.

The Irresistible Allure of Chicken Cordon Bleu Lasagna

This cheesy, creamy lasagna is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. It brings together the familiar, comforting layers of lasagna with the sophisticated, yet approachable, flavors of Chicken Cordon Bleu. Imagine succulent chicken, thinly sliced or diced ham, and a harmonious blend of mozzarella, Swiss, and Parmesan cheeses, all bound by a rich, velvety white sauce. It’s a dish that has quickly risen to the top of my list of all-time favorite lasagnas. While I can’t pick *the* single favorite, this one definitely holds a prime spot, and for good reason!

Chicken Cordon Bleu, traditionally made with chicken cutlets stuffed with ham and Swiss cheese, breaded, and then pan-fried or baked, is renowned for its delightful combination of flavors. Translating this concept into a layered lasagna might seem unconventional, but the result is pure genius. The robust flavors of the ham and chicken complement the nutty Swiss cheese and gooey mozzarella, creating a profile that is both familiar and exciting. It’s a fantastic way to transform classic components into an entirely new, deeply satisfying dish.

Utilizing Leftovers: Ham’s Second Act

One of the best aspects of this recipe is its versatility, especially when it comes to ingredients. If you find yourself with leftover ham from a holiday feast or a weekend dinner, this Chicken Cordon Bleu Lasagna is the perfect candidate for its delicious reincarnation. Rather than letting those precious leftovers go to waste, turn them into a spectacular meal that feels entirely fresh and new.

No ham leftovers? No problem! High-quality deli ham works wonderfully. The key is to select a brand that truly delivers on flavor. Not all deli hams are created equal, so opt for one that you genuinely enjoy. My personal recommendation often leans towards brands that are nitrite/nitrate-free and known for their delicious taste, like Hormel Natural lunch meat. Using a good quality ham ensures that every bite of your lasagna is packed with that authentic, savory cordon bleu essence.

A Look Back at Culinary Adventures

Sometimes it’s fun to see what we were cooking up in previous years:

One Year Ago: Thai-Style Chicken and Quinoa Salad
Two Years Ago: Peanut Blossom Cookies
Three Years Ago: Kicked Up Ramen Noodles – Kung Pao Style

Chicken Cordon Bleu Lasagna

Yield:

8
Servings

Prep Time:

20
mins

Cook Time:

55
mins

Total Time:

1
hr
15
mins

5 star (1 rating)

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Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons
  butter
• ½ cup
  finely minced onion
• 2 cloves
  garlic, pressed or finely minced
• ⅓ cup
  all-purpose flour
• 2 cups
  low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 ⅔ cups
  milk
• 1 teaspoon
  salt
• ½ teaspoon
  black pepper
• ½ cup
  freshly grated Parmesan cheese + ¼ cup for sprinkling on top
• 3 cups
  broccoli florets, chopped into small pieces
• 2 cups
  cooked diced chicken (rotisserie chicken works great!)
• 1-2 cups
  chopped ham (quality deli ham or leftover cooked ham)
• 4 ounces
  mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 4 ounces
  Swiss cheese, shredded
• 12
  no-boil lasagna noodles (see note for alternatives)

Instructions 

• Prepare Your Workspace: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and set it aside. This ensures a smooth baking and serving process.
• Start the Creamy Sauce: In a medium-sized saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the finely minced onion and garlic. Cook, stirring frequently, until the onion softens and becomes translucent, which usually takes about 4-5 minutes. Be careful not to brown the garlic.
• Create the Roux: Stir in the flour. The mixture will initially be crumbly and thick; this is perfectly normal and forms your roux, which will thicken the sauce. Continue to stir and cook over medium heat for 1-2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste.
• Whisk in Liquids: Very slowly, gradually pour in the low-sodium chicken broth while vigorously whisking constantly and quickly. It’s crucial to let each small addition of broth fully incorporate and thicken slightly before adding more. This prevents lumps. Once all the broth is added and smooth, gradually pour in the milk, continuing to whisk constantly until fully combined.
• Thicken and Season: Continue to cook the sauce mixture, stirring constantly, until it comes to a gentle simmer and thickens to your desired consistency – typically 5-10 minutes. It should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. Remove from the heat and stir in the salt, black pepper, and ½ cup of the Parmesan cheese until smooth and well-seasoned.
• First Layer Assembly: To begin assembling your lasagna, spread a small amount of the prepared creamy sauce (about ⅓ cup) evenly over the bottom of your greased baking dish. Arrange a single layer of no-boil lasagna noodles over the sauce. Top this noodle layer with half of the chopped broccoli florets, half of the cooked diced chicken, and half of the shredded mozzarella and Swiss cheeses. Drizzle about a cup of the creamy sauce over the cheese, followed by half of the chopped ham.
• Second Layer Assembly: Place another layer of lasagna noodles directly over the ham. Evenly sprinkle the remaining broccoli, chicken, and shredded cheeses over these noodles. Drizzle more sauce over this layer, reserving approximately ½ cup of sauce for the very top of the lasagna. Finish this layer by adding the remaining chopped ham.
• Final Layer and Topping: Carefully place the last layer of lasagna noodles on top. Spread the remaining ½ cup of creamy sauce evenly over these final noodles, ensuring they are fully covered. Sprinkle the reserved ¼ cup of Parmesan cheese over the top for a golden, crispy finish.
• Bake to Perfection: Cover the baking dish tightly with lightly greased aluminum foil. The grease helps prevent the cheese from sticking to the foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes. After this initial baking, remove the foil and continue to bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the lasagna is bubbling around the edges, the top is golden brown, and the noodles are perfectly tender.
• Rest and Serve: Once baked, remove the lasagna from the oven. Loosely tent it with foil and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. This crucial resting period allows the layers to set, making it easier to cut clean, beautiful slices. Enjoy your homemade Chicken Cordon Bleu Lasagna!

Notes on Preparation

Noodles: For convenience and consistent results, I highly recommend using Barilla brand no-boil lasagna noodles. They absorb the sauce beautifully and cook perfectly within the dish. If you prefer to use traditional lasagna noodles, you will need to cook them al dente before assembling. Please note that I have not personally tested this variation, so you may need to adjust the amount of sauce slightly, potentially using a bit less with pre-boiled noodles to avoid an overly runny lasagna. The goal is to create three distinct layers of noodles, so plan your noodle quantity accordingly based on the type and brand you choose.
Make Ahead & Freezing: This lasagna is an excellent candidate for make-ahead meal prep. You can assemble the entire lasagna, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. For longer storage, you can freeze the assembled, unbaked lasagna for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking as directed. Baked lasagna leftovers can also be frozen in individual portions for quick, delicious meals.
Variations: Feel free to customize this recipe! For a touch of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce. If broccoli isn’t your favorite, consider adding sautéed mushrooms or a layer of fresh spinach. Experiment with other cheeses like Gruyere for an even richer, nuttier flavor profile.

Author:
Mel

Course:
Main Course, Dinner

Cuisine:
American, Fusion

Method:
Bake, Layered

Nutrition Information

Serving:
1
Serving

,

Calories:
511
kcal

,

Carbohydrates:
55
g

,

Protein:
33
g

,

Fat:
18
g

,

Saturated Fat:
9
g

,

Cholesterol:
77
mg

,

Sodium:
806
mg

,

Fiber:
3
g

,

Sugar:
6
g

Recommended Products

White Ceramic 9X13-inch Dish

Cookware

Wire Whisk

Recipe Source: This unique and delicious recipe was lovingly adapted from a cherished family favorite shared by my friend, Bonnie, with minor adjustments to the butter and liquid-to-flour ratios for optimal creaminess and flavor.

Conclusion: A Masterpiece of Comfort Food

This Chicken Cordon Bleu Lasagna is more than just a recipe; it’s a testament to how creative cooking can transform classic dishes into something truly extraordinary. It promises a delightful culinary journey with every forkful, delivering rich, creamy, and cheesy flavors that evoke warmth and satisfaction. Whether you’re a seasoned lasagna enthusiast or new to the world of casserole cooking, this recipe is designed to impress and nourish. It’s robust enough for a satisfying weeknight meal, elegant enough for entertaining, and absolutely perfect for turning those holiday ham leftovers into a new tradition. Gather your ingredients, prepare for a symphony of flavors, and get ready to add this incredible lasagna to your rotation of cherished family recipes!