Chicken Cordon Bleu Lasagna: A Delicious Twist on a Classic Dish

Chicken Cordon Bleu is a beloved classic, combining tender chicken, savory ham, and creamy Swiss cheese. This lasagna recipe takes all those flavors and layers them in a rich, comforting dish perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or even meal prepping for the week. Let’s explore how you can create this indulgent meal in your own kitchen with step-by-step instructions, tips, and ideas for making this recipe your new go-to favorite.

Why Chicken Cordon Bleu Lasagna?

Traditional lasagna is a staple comfort food with layers of pasta, meat sauce, and cheese. Chicken Cordon Bleu Lasagna combines those comforting layers with the savory elements of the classic French dish: chicken, ham, Swiss cheese, and a rich, creamy béchamel sauce. The result is a hearty, flavorful dish that offers a new twist on lasagna.

This Chicken Cordon Bleu Lasagna recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress guests with something unique yet familiar.

Ingredients: What You’ll Need

Here’s what you need to get started with this delicious Chicken Cordon Bleu Lasagna recipe:

12 lasagna noodles (regular or oven-ready)
2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced)
1 ½ cups cooked ham, thinly sliced or cubed
2 cups shredded Swiss cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
½ teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh parsley for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Chicken Cordon Bleu Lasagna

Step 1: Prepare the Béchamel Sauce

Make the roux: In a medium-sized saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and stir constantly for about 2 minutes until the mixture becomes golden and smooth.
Add the milk: Slowly pour in the milk while whisking continuously. Make sure there are no lumps in the sauce.
Season the sauce: Add Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the sauce, and whisk to combine. Continue to cook for about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens to a smooth, creamy consistency.

Step 2: Prepare the Lasagna Layers

Cook the lasagna noodles: If you’re using regular lasagna noodles, cook them in salted water according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside. If you’re using oven-ready lasagna noodles, you can skip this step.
Assemble the filling: In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken and ham. Set aside the Swiss and mozzarella cheese for layering.

Step 3: Assemble the Lasagna

Layer 1: Start with the sauce: Spread a thin layer of béchamel sauce at the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Layer 2: Noodles: Place a single layer of lasagna noodles on top of the sauce.
Layer 3: Chicken and ham mixture: Spread an even layer of the chicken and ham mixture on top of the noodles.
Layer 4: Cheese: Sprinkle a generous amount of Swiss cheese and mozzarella over the chicken and ham.
Repeat: Continue layering until you’ve used all the ingredients, finishing with a layer of noodles and a final topping of béchamel sauce.
Final topping: Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top for a golden, crispy finish. You can also add some extra Swiss cheese for added flavor.

Step 4: Bake the Lasagna

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Bake: Cover the lasagna with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbling.
Rest: Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving. This helps the layers set and makes it easier to cut.

Serving Suggestions

Chicken Cordon Bleu Lasagna pairs perfectly with a fresh green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables. For a balanced meal, you can serve it with a side of steamed broccoli or a light vinaigrette-dressed salad. If you’re entertaining, serve this dish with a crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay to complement the creamy sauce and savory ham.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare this lasagna a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator, covered tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. When you’re ready to bake, simply remove it from the fridge and bake as directed, adding 10 extra minutes to the baking time.
Freezing Instructions: Chicken Cordon Bleu Lasagna freezes exceptionally well. After assembling, wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and then cover with foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. To bake, remove the plastic wrap, cover with foil, and bake from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for about 60-70 minutes, removing the foil for the last 20 minutes.
Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or cover the whole dish with foil and reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes.

Tips for Perfect Chicken Cordon Bleu Lasagna

Use rotisserie chicken: For convenience, you can use store-bought rotisserie chicken to save time. It adds extra flavor and tenderness to the dish.
Experiment with cheese: If you’re not a fan of Swiss cheese, try using Gruyère or a sharp cheddar for a slightly different flavor profile.
Season generously: Don’t forget to season each layer with salt and pepper to enhance the flavors throughout the dish. You can also add a pinch of nutmeg to the béchamel sauce for a classic touch.
Gluten-free option: To make this lasagna gluten-free, substitute gluten-free lasagna noodles and use gluten-free flour to make the béchamel sauce.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken Cordon Bleu Lasagna is a rich, decadent twist on a classic comfort food. The creamy béchamel sauce, savory chicken, and ham, combined with layers of gooey cheese, will make this dish a hit at any gathering. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting friends, this lasagna offers a delicious blend of flavors that’s sure to impress. Plus, it’s a great make-ahead meal that can save you time during busy weeks.

With these easy steps, you’ll have a dish that is as impressive as it is comforting, making it perfect for both special occasions and casual family dinners. Try it out today and enjoy the delicious flavors of Chicken Cordon Bleu in lasagna form!