This Chicken and Ham Swiss Cheese Lasagna is a creamy, cheesy casserole with layers of tender lasagna noodles, rich Swiss cheese sauce, and savory chicken and ham. With a crispy breadcrumb topping, this dish is a comforting twist on classic lasagna, perfect for family dinners or potlucks. Follow the step-by-step guide below for a delicious meal that everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 8 oz lasagna noodles
- 1 1/2 cups butter
- 8 oz softened cream cheese (1 tub)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 3/4 cups shredded Swiss cheese
- 1/4 cup hot milk
- 8 oz diced deli ham
- 2 3/4 cups cooked chicken
- 1/2 cup shredded Swiss cheese (for topping)
- 1/3 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian spice (adjust to taste)
Directions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Step 2: Prepare the Lasagna Noodles
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the lasagna noodles and cook for about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally until tender but still firm to the bite. Drain the noodles and set them aside.
Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the softened cream cheese and whisk until the cheese starts to melt, about 5 minutes.
Step 4: Season the Sauce
Add salt, pepper powder, and ground black pepper to the mixture. Gradually whisk in the hot milk until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Step 5: Add Swiss Cheese
Stir in 1 1/2 cups of shredded Swiss cheese, whisking until the cheese has fully melted and the sauce has thickened. This should take about 5 to 10 minutes. Once the sauce is smooth and thick, remove it from the heat.
Step 6: Start Assembling the Lasagna
In a 9×9-inch baking dish, pour 3/4 cup of cheese sauce to cover the bottom.
- Layer 1/3 of the lasagna noodles on top of the sauce.
- Add 1/2 of the cooked chicken and 1/2 of the diced ham on top of the noodles.
- Pour 1 cup of cheese sauce over the chicken and ham.
Step 7: Continue Layering
Repeat the layering process:
- Add another 1/3 of lasagna noodles followed by the remaining chicken, ham, and 1 more cup of cheese sauce.
Step 8: Finish with Final Layer
For the final layer:
- Add the remaining lasagna noodles.
- Top with the remaining cheese sauce, 1/2 cup of shredded Swiss cheese, breadcrumbs, and Italian spice.
Step 9: Bake the Lasagna
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes until the casserole is bubbling.
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the breadcrumb topping is golden and crisp.
Step 10: Let It Rest
Remove the lasagna from the oven and allow it to rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. This helps the layers set and makes it easier to slice.
Tips for Success
- Use Freshly Shredded Cheese
For the best texture and flavor, shred the Swiss cheese from a block instead of using pre-shredded cheese. - Cook the Noodles Al Dente
Be sure to cook the lasagna noodles to an al dente texture, as they will continue cooking in the oven and absorb the sauce. - Customize the Meat
If you don’t have deli ham, you can substitute with bacon or prosciutto for a smokier flavor. Similarly, you can swap out chicken for turkey or leftover roasted meats.
FAQs
Can I Make This Lasagna Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can assemble the lasagna up to a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator before baking. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil. When you’re ready to bake, remove it from the fridge and bake as directed.
Can I Freeze Leftovers?
Absolutely! After baking, let the lasagna cool completely. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil before freezing. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
What Can I Serve with This Dish?
This lasagna pairs well with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. You can also serve it with garlic bread for extra comfort.
Enjoy this rich, flavorful Chicken and Ham Swiss Cheese Lasagna as a comforting main course that’s sure to satisfy!