Of course! Here is a comprehensive guide to making a delicious Blue Lasagna with Cordone (Cordon Bleu) Chicken, structured exactly as you’ve requested.
A Comprehensive Guide to Blue Lasagna with Cordone Chicken
Introduction
Welcome to the ultimate guide for creating a show-stopping Blue Lasagna with Cordone Chicken. This isn’t your average weeknight lasagna; it’s a magnificent fusion dish that takes the classic, comforting layers of an Italian baked pasta and fills them with the elegant, creamy flavors of a French-inspired Chicken Cordon Bleu. Imagine tender pieces of chicken and savory ham, enveloped in a luxuriously smooth and creamy “blue” cheese sauce, all nestled between tender lasagna noodles and baked to golden, bubbly perfection . This recipe is designed to impress, yet it’s surprisingly straightforward to assemble, making it the perfect centerpiece for a special family dinner, a holiday gathering, or any time you want to serve a meal that feels both familiar and wonderfully new. Get ready to create a dish that is the very definition of comfort food elegance.
History
The story of this dish is a delightful tale of culinary evolution, blending histories from different cultures. The “Cordone” in the name is a slight variation of Cordon Bleu, which translates from French to “Blue Ribbon” . This term originally referred to a prestigious order of knights in 16th-century France, L’Ordre des Chevaliers du Saint-Esprit, who wore a blue ribbon cross. Over time, “cordon bleu” became synonymous with high-quality cooking and excellence .
The classic dish Chicken Cordon Bleu—a breaded chicken breast stuffed with ham and Swiss cheese—is believed to have been popularized in the 1940s, possibly by a Swiss chef or as a French adaptation of a schnitzel . It gained immense popularity in the United States during the 1960s and 70s, becoming a staple of dinner party menus . Our “Blue Lasagna” is a modern, creative twist on that classic. It deconstructs the stuffed chicken roll and rebuilds its signature flavors—chicken, ham, and Swiss cheese—into the layered format of a traditional Italian lasagna. The “blue” in the name directly nods to the prestigious “Cordon Bleu” and the rich, creamy sauce that defines the dish .
Ingredients
This recipe is built on layers of flavor. Here is everything you’ll need to assemble this magnificent dish. (Note: A full recipe card with measurements is provided in the “Formation” section below.)
For the Chicken & Ham Layer:
· Cooked Chicken: 3 cups of shredded or diced cooked chicken breast. Rotisserie chicken works wonderfully for added flavor and convenience .
· Diced Ham: 1½ cups of cooked, diced ham. Smoked turkey or smoked beef can be used as a delicious alternative .
· Seasonings: Salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder to season the meat layer.
For the Creamy “Blue” (Béchamel) Sauce:
· Butter & Flour: 4 tablespoons each, to form the roux, the base of the sauce .
· Dairy: 3 cups of warm milk and 1 cup of heavy cream for ultimate richness .
· The “Blue” Cheeses:
· 1½ cups shredded Swiss cheese (the classic Cordon Bleu cheese) .
· 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese for that perfect, stretchy melt .
· ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese for a salty, nutty depth .
· Seasonings: Salt, a pinch of white pepper (to keep the sauce pristine), and a small pinch of ground nutmeg, which is the traditional spice for a béchamel sauce .
For Assembling:
· Lasagna Noodles: 1 box (approximately 12 noodles). You can use oven-ready (no-boil) noodles or traditional noodles that you cook according to package directions .
· Topping Cheese: An extra 1 to 1½ cups of shredded mozzarella or Swiss cheese for that irresistible golden crust .
· Garnish: 2 tablespoons of fresh, chopped parsley (optional, for color).
Methods (Step-by-Step Instructions)
Follow these steps carefully for a perfect result every time.
Step 1: Prepare the Creamy “Blue” Sauce
1. In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the 4 tablespoons of butter.
2. Whisk in the 4 tablespoons of all-purpose flour. Cook this mixture (called a roux) for about 1 minute, whisking constantly, until it’s bubbling and lightly cooked but not browned. This removes the raw flour taste .
3. Gradually pour in the warm milk while whisking continuously. This is the key to a lump-free sauce. Continue whisking until the mixture thickens and comes to a gentle simmer .
4. Stir in the heavy cream, followed by the 1½ cups Swiss cheese, 1 cup mozzarella, and ½ cup Parmesan. Whisk gently until all the cheeses have completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
5. Season with salt, a pinch of white pepper, and a small pinch of nutmeg. Remove the sauce from the heat and set it aside .
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken and Preheat the Oven
1. In a medium bowl, combine the cooked chicken, diced ham, ½ teaspoon each of salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix until everything is evenly coated .
2. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) . Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray .
Step 3: Assemble the Lasagna
Now for the fun part—building the layers!
1. Bottom Layer: Spread a thin layer of the cheese sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. This prevents the noodles from sticking .
2. First Noodle Layer: Place a layer of lasagna noodles over the sauce, covering the bottom.
3. First Filling Layer: Spread half of the chicken and ham mixture evenly over the noodles. Spoon about ⅓ of the remaining sauce over the meat .
4. Second Noodle Layer: Place another layer of noodles on top.
5. Second Filling Layer: Add the remaining chicken and ham mixture, and top with another ⅓ of the sauce.
6. Final Noodle Layer: Place the final layer of noodles on top.
7. Final Cheese Layer: Pour the last of the creamy sauce over the top noodles, ensuring they are completely covered. Sprinkle generously with the extra 1 to 1½ cups of shredded mozzarella or Swiss cheese .
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
1. Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. This traps steam and ensures the noodles cook through and everything stays moist. Bake for 30 minutes .
2. Uncover and Brown: Carefully remove the foil. Return the dish to the oven and bake for another 15–20 minutes, or until the top is golden, bubbly, and the cheese is beautifully melted .
3. Rest: This is a crucial step! Remove the lasagna from the oven and let it rest for at least 10-15 minutes before slicing. This allows the layers to set, so you get clean, beautiful squares instead of a soupy mess .
Formation (The Recipe Card)
For your convenience, here is all the information compiled into a standard recipe card format.
Blue Lasagna with Cordone Chicken
Author: Sophia Prep Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 6-8 servings Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
Category: Main Dish Total Time: ~1 hour 25 minutes
Method: Bake Cuisine: French-Italian Fusion
Ingredients:
· 3 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
· 1½ cups diced cooked ham (or smoked turkey/beef)
· ½ tsp each: salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder (for meat)
· 4 tbsp butter
· 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
· 3 cups warm milk
· 1 cup heavy cream
· 1½ cups shredded Swiss cheese
· 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
· ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
· ½ tsp salt (for sauce, or to taste)
· ¼ tsp white pepper
· 1 pinch ground nutmeg
· 12 lasagna noodles (cooked or oven-ready)
· 1-1½ cups extra shredded mozzarella/Swiss for topping
· 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Make Sauce: Melt butter, whisk in flour and cook for 1 min. Gradually whisk in warm milk and cook until thick. Stir in cream and Swiss, mozzarella, and Parmesan until melted and smooth. Season with salt, white pepper, and nutmeg. Set aside.
2. Prep Meat: In a bowl, combine chicken, ham, and the ½ tsp each of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
3. Preheat & Prep: Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
4. Assemble: Spread a thin layer of sauce on the dish bottom. Layer: noodles, half the meat, ⅓ of sauce. Repeat: noodles, remaining meat, ⅓ of sauce. Top with final noodle layer, remaining sauce, and extra shredded cheese.
5. Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 30 min. Remove foil and bake for another 15-20 min until golden and bubbly.
6. Rest: Let rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. Garnish with parsley and serve.
Benefits & Nutrition
Enjoying a dish like this is about more than just sustenance; it’s an experience. Here are some of the benefits and nutritional considerations:
· High-Quality Protein: This dish is packed with protein from the chicken, ham, and cheeses, which is essential for muscle building and keeping you feeling full and satisfied . A single serving can provide around 40 grams of protein .
· Excellent Source of Calcium: Thanks to the generous amount of Swiss, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese, this lasagna is a great way to get calcium, which is vital for strong bones and teeth .
· Customizable for Balance: While indulgent, the recipe is flexible. You can easily lighten it by using low-fat milk (though it won’t be as creamy), part-skim mozzarella, and reducing the amount of cheese . You can also add nutrient-rich vegetables like spinach or mushrooms between the layers .
· Comfort Food Value: Beyond the physical nutrition, there is a significant mental and emotional benefit to a warm, hearty meal. It’s a dish that brings people together, fosters connection, and provides a deep sense of comfort and satisfaction.
Nutrition Facts (per serving, approximate) :
· Calories: 640
· Fat: 40g
· Carbohydrates: 33g
· Protein: 42g
· Sodium: 700mg
(Note: Nutritional values can vary significantly based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)
For the Lovers (Why Everyone Adores This Dish)
· For the Love of Comfort Food: This is the ultimate hug in a baking dish. It takes everything you love about cheesy, creamy, carb-heavy comfort food and turns it up a notch.
· For the Love of Cheese: If you are a cheese lover, this is your dream come true. It features a triple-cheese sauce (Swiss, mozzarella, Parmesan) plus an extra cheesy topping, offering a complex and delightful cheese pull in every bite .
· For the Love of Fusion: This dish is for the adventurous eater who loves when two classic cuisines collide. It’s a conversation starter and a testament to how traditional flavors can be reimagined in exciting new ways.
· For the Love of Gathering: A large, beautiful lasagna is a symbol of sharing and hospitality. It’s the perfect dish to make for the people you love, ensuring everyone leaves the table happy and full .
Conclusion
In conclusion, Blue Lasagna with Cordone Chicken is far more than the sum of its parts. It is a creative and delicious homage to a classic dish, transformed into a comforting, shareable baked pasta. From its roots in French culinary excellence to its hearty, family-friendly presentation, every aspect of this recipe is designed to delight. The creamy, cheese-infused “blue” sauce, the tender chicken and savory ham, and the satisfying layers of pasta come together to create a meal that is both elegant and deeply satisfying. Whether you’re a seasoned cook looking for a new signature dish or simply want to treat your family to something special, this lasagna is a guaranteed success. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to fall in love with a new classic. Enjoy
