Introduction:

Lasagna made with Chicken Cordon Bleu is a nice modification to the classic Italian dish lasagna where the cream and cheese wonder of chicken Cordon Bleu is integrated with hearty layers of Italian Lasagna. The chicken cordon bleu lasagna consists of layers of Sheeted lasagna with chicken, ham, Swiss cheese in between them and all these are poured a rich creamy sauce. It is an easy and an appetising dish, which could be made regularly for family meals especially for any specific occasions.

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Ingredients:

For the Lasagna:

12 lasagna noodles regular or no-boil

2 cups cooked shredded chicken preferably from boneless skinless breasts

1 cup diced ham

2 cups shredded Swiss cheese

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

For the Sauce:

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

A quarter cup All-purpose flour

Two cups of whole milk

1 cup of chicken broth

Half a teaspoon of garlic powder

Half a teaspoon of onion powder

Half a teaspoon of dried thyme

A quarter teaspoon of paprika

Salt and black pepper for taste

Green Cilantro, cut and used as a garnish in some dishes (optional):

Chopped fresh parsley

Instructions:

Preheat Oven:

You will preheat oven to the 375 degrees Fahrenheit 190 degrees Celsius.

Cook Lasagna Noodles:

If you are not using no-boil lasagna then you should cook the noodles for the time directions on the pack, but only to the state of al dente. Drain and set aside.

Prepare the Sauce:

Place the medium saucepan over medium or moderate heat and add the butter. Then add flour into the pan and wish for about 1-2 minutes because the mixture is slowly bubbling and beginning to become golden.

Slowly whisk in the milk and the chicken broth, while whisking for about 5-7 minutes or until the sauce smoothens, and it begins to take a shape.

Add seasoning of garlic, onion powder, thyme, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Add more seasonings for flavor if needed. And set off the fire.

The next step is to put together thelasagna:

Add a thin layer of sauce at the base of a 9×13 inch rectangular baking dish.

Cover the sauce with a layer of the lasagna sheets.

Make the noodles of the chicken in origin with shredded.

Cover the noodles with layers made of diced ham.

Top the chicken and ham with some of the sauces.

Donot forget to sprinkle some layers of swiss cheese.

Noodles, then chicken, then ham, and sauce and swiss cheese follow until all ingredients run out leaving the last portion of sauce and mozarella cheese is placed on top.

Cooking:

Cover the aluminum foil on the carrying container and instead preheat the oven and place the covered dish in the oven for twenty five minutes.

Using the same Albion foil twenty five minutes is also allowed, but no more than that time to be removed. Unitl the top ha s become consistently bubbly and brown color has appeared.

Chill and Serve

Allow the lasagna to cool, preferably in the refrigerator, for about 10 minutes before cutting it. If wish, sprinkle it with minced parsley.

Hints for Success:

For Creamier Sauce: Employ whole milk while preparing the sauce. You may include a bit of cream for perfection as well.

Prevent Sticking: When using regular noodles, ensure they are properly cooked and not making the layers too thick, to avoid sticking.

Resting Time: Make sure not to serve immediately after taking the lasagna out but allow it to cool and set so that cutting into wedges is easier.

Health Benefits:

Lean Protein: Chicken and ham helps in lean protein sources which are keys to muscle maintenance among other health benefits.

Calcium: Cheeses such as Swiss mozzarella contain calcium that enhances bone health.

Customizable: The recipe can also be adapted by including more spinach or mushrooms for added nutrition value.

Nutritional Information: (Per Serving, assuming 8 servings):

Calories: 450

Protein: 28g

Carbohydrates: 32g

Fat: 23g

Saturated Fat: 12g

Cholesterol: 120mg

Sodium: 850mg

Fiber: 2g

Variations and Substitutions:

Vegetarian Version: Instead of the chicken and ham, try sautéed spinach, mushrooms and bell peppers as the filling.

Cheese Alternatives: Gruyere or cheddar cheese may also be used instead of Swiss for a completely different taste.

Healthier Option: The use of whole wheat lasagna noodles and using low fat cheese is a very good way of lowering the calorie and fat content.

Frequently asked questions:

Q: Is it okay to prepare this lasagna before the day of the event? A: Yes, everything can be put together and refrigerated for up to 24 hours. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap and place it into the refrigerator. Once fully iced, please bake as directed for an additional few minutes if cooking straight from fridge position.

Q: Can we store Chicken Cordon Bleu Lasagna in the freezer? A: Yes, absolutely! Unbaked assembled lasagna can be frozen for up to 2 months. Before use, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. You might have to increase the time needed to bake.

Q: Is it possible to change the kind of meat used in the recipe? A: Of course, the chicken and ham can be substituted with some other meat like turkey or even some strips of bacon for a different approach.

Conclusion:

Chicken Cordon Bleu Lasagna is a unique take on the much loved lasagna. It mixes the beloved tastes of meat and sauce lasagna with cheese-filled pasta sheets. This recipe contains tender chicken, ham and Swiss cheese served with white sauce. This is a recipe that is going to be cherished by the family. You can have this lasagna on any occasion whether it is exceptional or simple family dinner and still have the pleasure of its fullness and richness. Bon appétit!