Oh boy, do I have a treat for you today! If you’re looking for a dish that combines the comforting layers of lasagna with the classic flavors of Chicken Cordon Bleu, then you are in for a real culinary adventure. I’m talking about Chicken Cordon Bleu Lasagna—an extraordinary mashup that has a place in my heart (and stomach).
I stumbled upon this recipe during one of those “what’s for dinner?” nights, where I had some leftover chicken and ham just lounging in my fridge, and I thought, why not? It was a bit of an experiment, and let me tell you, the results were nothing short of spectacular! The rich alfredo sauce, combined with the gooey cheeses and the savory layers of chicken and ham, united harmoniously to create a meal that left me and my family practically licking the dish! This lasagna is decadent, comforting, and fancy enough to impress guests if you’re into that sort of thing—although family gatherings at my place often turn into ‘who can make the biggest mess while eating’ competitions.
So, let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of this fabulous Chicken Cordon Bleu Lasagna!
What’s in Chicken Cordon Bleu Lasagna?
Now, let me break down the ingredients so you can see just how tasty this masterpiece is.
Lasagna Noodles: The backbone of the dish! You’ll need 12 of these bad boys, and I recommend using no-boil noodles if you want to save time and mess.
Cooked Chicken: We’re talking about 2 cups of shredded chicken, which brings in that classic poultry flavor. Leftover rotisserie chicken works wonders here.
Ham: A cup of diced ham introduces that smokey goodness reminiscent of traditional Chicken Cordon Bleu. Feel free to use any ham you love!
Swiss Cheese: This melty gem adds a nutty flavor. You’ll need 2 cups, shredded—it’s the star cheese of this dish!
mozzarella Cheese: For another layer of melty goodness, a cup of mozzarella will make everything ooze with deliciousness.
Ricotta Cheese: 2 cups for creaminess and structure, this cheese acts like a glue for our layers and brings a lovely texture.
Parmesan Cheese: 1/2 cup, grated, because let’s face it—you can never have too much cheese!
Alfredo Sauce: You can go for store-bought (which I often do for convenience), or homemade if you’re feeling adventurous. You’ll need 3 cups of this creamy goodness.
Fresh Parsley: Just a bit for garnish; it adds a pop of color and freshness to the dish.
Salt and Pepper: Your trusty seasoning friends for taste enhancement!
Is Chicken Cordon Bleu Lasagna Good for You?
Now, I won’t lie; this isn’t the lightest option on the menu, but let’s talk about some of the health benefits!
Chicken: This lean protein is great for muscle building and keeps you feeling full longer.
Ham: While delicious, ham can be high in sodium, so you might want to watch your intake, especially if you’re monitoring sodium levels.
Cheeses: While high in calcium and protein, cheese can also be high in fats. Moderation is key here—though I wholeheartedly believe life is too short to skip the cheese!
Alfredo Sauce: It’s creamy and rich but comes with calories, so if you’re looking for a healthier option, you could try making a lighter version with Greek yogurt or using less sauce in your layers.
But hey, balance it out with a side of veggies, and you’ve got yourself a comforting meal!
Ingredients
– 12 lasagna noodles
– 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
– 1 cup ham, diced
– 2 cups Swiss cheese, shredded
– 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
– 2 cups ricotta cheese
– 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
– 3 cups alfredo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
– 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
– Salt and pepper to taste
This recipe serves about 6-8 people, perfect for a cozy family dinner!
How to Make Chicken Cordon Bleu Lasagna?
Are you ready to bring all these delicious layers together? Let’s get cooking!
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). The warm-up is crucial for that bubbly, golden bliss!
2. Cook those lasagna noodles according to the package instructions. Once they’re tender, drain and set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine your shredded chicken, diced ham, ricotta cheese, 1 cup of Swiss cheese, and add salt and pepper to taste. Mix it all up like a party in a bowl!
4. Spread a thin layer of alfredo sauce on the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. This is the first step in a beautiful lasagna love story.
5. Lay 3 lasagna noodles over the sauce.
6. Spread 1/3 of the chicken and ham mixture over the noodles.
7. Drizzle 1 cup of alfredo sauce over the chicken mixture. Don’t be shy!
8. Sprinkle 1/3 of the mozzarella and Swiss cheeses on top.
9. Repeat the layering two more times: 3 noodles, chicken mixture, alfredo sauce, and cheeses.
10. After your last layer, top it off with the remaining noodles, the rest of the alfredo sauce, and all the remaining Swiss and mozzarella cheeses.
11. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
12. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
13. Once done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. Trust me, it’s worth the wait!
14. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving and enjoy the delicious grins that follow!
Layering Insights: Tips for Perfect Lasagna
– For even creamier layers, you can mix some shredded cheese into the ricotta mixture.
– If you’re up for it, try adding some sautéed spinach or mushrooms between the layers for some extra flavor and texture.
– Letting the lasagna sit before slicing is a game changer. It allows the layers to set nicely!
I truly hope you give this Chicken Cordon Bleu Lasagna a try! It’s perfect for gatherings, date nights, or just a hearty dinner with family. I know once you taste it, you’ll be itching to whip it up again and again! Let me know how it goes, and happy cooking!
