Welcome to a culinary journey where indulgence meets comfort! Today, we’re diving into the world of Chicken Cordon Bleu Tetrazzini—a dish that combines the elegance of Chicken Cordon Bleu with the warmth of Tetrazzini. This recipe promises to tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more. So, let’s don our aprons and embark on this savory adventure!
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, divided
- 1/2 yellow onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups chicken stock
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 2 cups cooked chicken, chopped
- 1 1/2 cups ham, chopped
- 1 pound spaghetti, cooked according to package directions
- 3/4 cup Swiss cheese, grated
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup Parmesan, grated
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a large baking dish with butter and set it aside.
- In a large skillet, melt 1/4 cup of butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and minced garlic. Sauté until the onions are translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Sprinkle the flour over the onion and garlic mixture. Stir continuously for 2-3 minutes to cook the flour and form a roux.
- Gradually pour in the chicken stock and heavy cream, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Allow the sauce to simmer and thicken for about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the chopped chicken and ham to the sauce, stirring to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Toss the cooked spaghetti in the sauce until evenly coated. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle the grated Swiss cheese over the top of the Tetrazzini.
- In a small bowl, melt the remaining 1/4 cup of butter. Stir in the Panko breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan until well combined. Spread this breadcrumb mixture evenly over the cheese layer.
- Bake the Chicken Cordon Bleu Tetrazzini in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbling.
- Once done, remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
Cook Notes and Variations:
- For added flavor, consider incorporating herbs like thyme or parsley into the sauce.
- Experiment with different cheeses such as Gruyere or mozzarella for a unique twist.
- Substitute turkey for chicken or bacon for ham to customize the dish according to your preferences.
- To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs.
- For a crispy topping, broil the Tetrazzini for the last 2-3 minutes of baking.
FAQs: Q: Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken from scratch? A: Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken works wonderfully in this recipe and can save you time in the kitchen.
Q: Can I prepare Chicken Cordon Bleu Tetrazzini in advance? A: Yes, you can assemble the dish ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Just remember to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if the Tetrazzini is cold from the fridge.
Q: Is there a substitute for heavy cream? A: You can use half-and-half or a combination of milk and melted butter as a substitute for heavy cream. However, keep in mind that the texture and richness may vary slightly.
Keto Version: For a keto-friendly version of Chicken Cordon Bleu Tetrazzini, replace the spaghetti with spiralized zucchini or shirataki noodles. Additionally, use almond flour or coconut flour in place of all-purpose flour for the sauce, and opt for a low-carb ham option.
Low-Carb Version: To reduce the carb content, you can use a low-carb pasta alternative such as chickpea pasta or spaghetti squash. Skip the breadcrumbs topping or use crushed pork rinds for a crunchy texture without the carbs.
In conclusion, Chicken Cordon Bleu Tetrazzini is a delightful fusion of flavors that’s sure to impress your family and friends. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply craving a comforting meal, this recipe is bound to become a favorite. So, gather your ingredients and prepare to savor every bite of this decadent delight!
Happy cooking!
