Chicken Cordon Bleu Lasagna Recipe
This Chicken Cordon Bleu Lasagna is a delicious twist on traditional lasagna, combining the flavors of the classic Chicken Cordon Bleu with layers of creamy, cheesy goodness. It’s a comforting dish that brings together chicken, ham, and Swiss cheese, all nestled between layers of lasagna noodles and a rich white sauce.
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (about 2 chicken breasts)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Ham:
- 1 cup diced ham
For the White Sauce:
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup grated Swiss cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Lasagna:
- 9 lasagna noodles (about 3 layers, cooked according to package directions)
- 1 cup grated Swiss cheese (for layering)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add shredded or diced chicken, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook until the chicken is well-coated with the seasonings and heated through. Set aside.
2. Prepare the Ham:
- Dice the ham into small pieces and set aside.
3. Make the White Sauce:
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until the mixture is bubbly and slightly golden (this is your roux).
- Gradually whisk in the milk and chicken broth. Continue whisking until the mixture is smooth and starts to thicken.
- Reduce heat to low and stir in the Swiss cheese, garlic powder, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Cook until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy. Remove from heat.
4. Assemble the Lasagna:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Spread a thin layer of white sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Place a layer of cooked lasagna noodles over the sauce.
- Spread half of the cooked chicken over the noodles.
- Sprinkle half of the diced ham on top of the chicken.
- Pour a third of the white sauce over the chicken and ham.
- Sprinkle a layer of grated Swiss cheese over the sauce.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining noodles, chicken, ham, and sauce.
- Top the final layer with shredded mozzarella cheese.
5. Bake:
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
6. Rest and Serve:
- Allow the lasagna to rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This helps the layers set and makes serving easier.
Benefits:
- Flavorful Comfort: Combines the classic flavors of Chicken Cordon Bleu with the comfort of lasagna.
- Protein-Rich: Provides a good source of protein from the chicken and ham.
- Cheesy Goodness: Rich and creamy with a blend of Swiss and mozzarella cheeses.
- Versatile: Can be customized with different types of cheese or vegetables.
This Chicken Cordon Bleu Lasagna is perfect for a family dinner, special occasions, or potlucks. It’s a hearty and satisfying dish that will impress anyone who loves a good twist on classic recipes
Healthy Lasagna Tips
Making lasagna healthier doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor or comfort. Here are some tips to lighten up your lasagna without losing its delicious appeal:
1. Use Whole Grain or Alternative Noodles:
- Whole Wheat Noodles: These add fiber and nutrients compared to regular white pasta.
- Vegetable Noodles: Try using thinly sliced zucchini, squash, or sweet potatoes instead of traditional lasagna noodles. They add extra nutrients and reduce carbs.
2. Opt for Lean Proteins:
- Lean Ground Meats: Use lean ground turkey, chicken, or extra-lean ground beef.
- Plant-Based Proteins: Consider using lentils, chickpeas, or tofu as a meat substitute for added fiber and plant-based nutrients.
3. Incorporate More Vegetables:
- Layered Veggies: Add layers of vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers, or carrots. These add fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
- Blended Vegetables: Puree vegetables like carrots, spinach, or cauliflower into the tomato sauce for extra nutrients without altering the taste.
4. Lighten Up the Cheese:
- Low-Fat Cheese: Use part-skim or low-fat mozzarella and ricotta cheese.
- Reduced Cheese: Reduce the amount of cheese used, or substitute some cheese with nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor with fewer calories.
5. Make a Healthier Sauce:
- Homemade Tomato Sauce: Use a homemade tomato sauce with fresh tomatoes or no-sugar-added canned tomatoes to control the sodium and sugar content.
- Add Herbs and Spices: Use herbs and spices like basil, oregano, and garlic to enhance flavor without added salt.
6. Reduce Added Fats:
- Less Oil: Use less oil or choose healthier oils (like olive oil) for cooking meat and vegetables.
- Bake Instead of Fry: Baking instead of frying any components (like meat) can cut down on added fats.
7. Use a Lighter Bechamel or Cheese Sauce:
- Cauliflower Sauce: Try a cauliflower-based white sauce instead of a traditional bechamel for a lower-calorie, lower-fat option.
- Greek Yogurt: Incorporate Greek yogurt into the cheese sauce for added protein and creaminess with fewer calories.
8. Control Portion Sizes:
- Smaller Portions: Serve smaller portions with a side of salad or steamed vegetables to maintain a balanced meal.
- Layer Wisely: Layer ingredients more sparingly to keep the calorie count in check.
9. Reduce Sodium:
- Low-Sodium Ingredients: Use low-sodium or no-salt-added versions of canned tomatoes and other ingredients.
- Less Salt: Minimize added salt in the recipe and let herbs and spices enhance the flavor.
Sample Healthy Lasagna Recipe
Ingredients:
- 9 whole wheat or vegetable lasagna noodles
- 1 lb lean ground turkey or chicken
- 2 cups spinach, chopped
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1 zucchini, sliced thinly
- 2 cups homemade tomato sauce (or no-sugar-added canned tomato sauce)
- 1 cup part-skim ricotta cheese
- 1 cup part-skim shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup nutritional yeast (optional, for added cheesy flavor)
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare Noodles: Cook the whole wheat or vegetable noodles according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Cook Meat and Veggies: In a skillet, cook lean ground turkey or chicken until browned. Add mushrooms and zucchini and cook until tender. Stir in spinach until wilted.
- Assemble Lasagna: Spread a layer of tomato sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Place a layer of noodles on top. Spread a portion of the meat and veggie mixture over the noodles. Dot with ricotta cheese and sprinkle with nutritional yeast, basil, and oregano. Repeat layers, ending with a layer of sauce and a final sprinkle of mozzarella cheese.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Rest and Serve: Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
By incorporating these tips, you can enjoy a healthier version of lasagna that’s still packed with flavor and comfort.