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

INSTRUCTIONS:
Prepare the Sauce:

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk continuously for about 2 minutes to form a roux.
Gradually add the milk, heavy cream, and chicken broth, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Cook until the sauce begins to thicken, about 5-7 minutes.
Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Continue to cook for another 2 minutes, then remove from heat.
Assemble the Lasagna:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large baking dish, spread a thin layer of the sauce on the bottom to prevent sticking.
Place three lasagna noodles on top of the sauce.
Layer with one-third of the shredded chicken, one-third of the diced ham, and one-third of the shredded Swiss cheese. Pour about one-quarter of the sauce over the layers.
Repeat the layers two more times (noodles, chicken, ham, cheese, sauce).
Top with the final three noodles and pour the remaining sauce over the top layer.
Prepare the Breadcrumb Topping:

In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with the melted butter. Stir until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated.
Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the lasagna.
Bake:

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
Serve:

Remove the lasagna from the oven and let it sit for about 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the layers set and makes it easier to serve.
Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve warm.
Tips for Success
Cook the Noodles Al Dente: This prevents them from becoming too soft during baking.
Shred Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often contains additives that prevent it from melting smoothly. For the best texture and flavor, shred your own Swiss cheese.
Use Leftover Chicken: This recipe is a great way to use up leftover chicken from a previous meal. Rotisserie chicken works particularly well.
Enjoy!!