Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is a delightful twist on the classic French dish that combines tender chicken, savory ham, and gooey cheese, all enveloped in a creamy sauce. This comforting casserole not only brings the rich flavors of Chicken Cordon Bleu to your dinner table but also offers a convenient way to enjoy this beloved recipe without the fuss of traditional preparation. As someone who has always adored the crispy, cheesy layers of Chicken Cordon Bleu, I find that this casserole captures the essence of the original while making it accessible for busy weeknights.
The history of Chicken Cordon Bleu dates back to the 1940s, originating in Switzerland, where it was a symbol of culinary excellence. Over the years, it has evolved into a favorite dish in many households, and the casserole version has gained popularity for its ease and heartiness. People love this dish not only for its incredible taste and texture but also for the way it brings family and friends together around the dinner table. With Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole, you can savor the flavors you adore while enjoying the convenience of a one-dish meal that is sure to impress!
Ingredients:
- 4 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 8 slices of ham, chopped
- 2 cups Swiss cheese, shredded
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Preparing the Casserole Base
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is an important step to ensure that your casserole cooks evenly and thoroughly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken and chopped ham. I like to use a rotisserie chicken for convenience, but any cooked chicken will work just fine.
- Add in the shredded Swiss cheese, mixing it well with the chicken and ham. The cheese will melt beautifully and bind everything together.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, chicken broth, sour cream, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. This mixture will add moisture and flavor to the casserole.
- Pour the wet mixture over the chicken, ham, and cheese mixture. Stir everything together until well combined. You want to make sure that the chicken and ham are evenly coated with the creamy sauce.
Assembling the Casserole
- Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking. You can also use cooking spray if you prefer.
- Transfer the chicken mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Make sure to press it down slightly to create an even layer.
- In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with a tablespoon of olive oil. This will help the breadcrumbs crisp up nicely in the oven. Mix until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated.
- Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the casserole. This will create a delicious crunchy topping that contrasts beautifully with the creamy filling.
Baking the Casserole
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. This will help to keep the moisture in while the casserole bakes.
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes. This initial baking time allows the flavors to meld together.
- After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
- Once the casserole is done, remove it from the oven and let it sit for about 10 minutes before serving. This resting time allows the casserole to set up a bit, making it easier to serve.
Serving Suggestions
- Garnish the casserole with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. It adds a nice touch to the presentation.
- Serve the Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole warm, either on its own or with a side salad for a complete meal. It pairs wonderfully with steamed vegetables or a light green salad.
- If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Tips and Variations
- If you want to add some veggies, consider mixing in some steamed broccoli or spinach for added nutrition and color.
- For a spicier kick, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some diced jalapeños to the chicken mixture.
- Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. Cheddar or mozzarella can be great alternatives to Swiss cheese.
- If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, substitute the breadcrumbs with crushed gluten-free crackers
Conclusion:
In summary, this Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is an absolute must-try for anyone looking to impress their family or guests with a delicious and comforting meal. The combination of tender chicken, savory ham, and gooey cheese, all enveloped in a creamy sauce and topped with crispy breadcrumbs, creates a dish that is not only satisfying but also incredibly easy to prepare. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this casserole is sure to become a favorite in your household. For serving suggestions, consider pairing this delightful casserole with a fresh green salad or some steamed vegetables to balance out the richness of the dish. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also experiment with variations by adding your favorite vegetables, such as spinach or broccoli, or even swapping out the ham for turkey or bacon for a unique twist. I encourage you to give this Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole a try and share your experience with friends and family. I would love to hear how it turns out for you! Don’t forget to snap a picture and tag me on social media so we can celebrate your culinary success together. Happy cooking! PrintChicken Cordon Bleu Casserole: A Delicious Twist on a Classic Dish
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
Description
This Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole features tender chicken, savory ham, and melted Swiss cheese, all baked with a crispy breadcrumb topping. It’s a comforting, easy-to-make dish perfect for family dinners or potlucks, offering a delicious twist on the classic flavors.
Ingredients
Scale- 4 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 8 slices of ham, chopped
- 2 cups Swiss cheese, shredded
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
### Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe
This Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is a comforting and delicious dish that combines tender chicken, savory ham, and melted Swiss cheese, all baked to perfection with a crispy breadcrumb topping. It’s an easy, crowd-pleasing meal that’s perfect for family dinners or potlucks.
—
#### Ingredients:
– **4 cups** cooked chicken, shredded or diced
– **8 slices** of ham, chopped
– **2 cups** Swiss cheese, shredded
– **1 cup** breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)
– **1 cup** milk
– **1 cup** chicken broth
– **1/2 cup** sour cream
– **1/4 cup** Dijon mustard
– **1 teaspoon** garlic powder
– **1 teaspoon** onion powder
– **1/2 teaspoon** black pepper
– **1/2 teaspoon** salt
– **1 tablespoon** olive oil (plus more for greasing)
– **1 tablespoon** fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)—
#### Instructions:
**Preparing the Casserole Base:**
1. Preheat your oven to **350°F (175°C)**.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the **shredded chicken** and **chopped ham**.
3. Add in the **shredded Swiss cheese** and mix well.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the **milk**, **chicken broth**, **sour cream**, **Dijon mustard**, **garlic powder**, **onion powder**, **black pepper**, and **salt**.
5. Pour the wet mixture over the chicken, ham, and cheese mixture, stirring until well combined.**Assembling the Casserole:**
6. Grease a **9×13 inch baking dish** with olive oil.
7. Transfer the chicken mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
8. In a small bowl, combine the **breadcrumbs** with a tablespoon of olive oil and mix until evenly coated.
9. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.**Baking the Casserole:**
10. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil.
11. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for **25 minutes**.
12. After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional **15-20 minutes**, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
13. Once done, remove from the oven and let it sit for about **10 minutes** before serving.**Serving Suggestions:**
14. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
15. Serve warm, either on its own or with a side salad.
16. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to **3 days**.—
#### Notes:
– For added nutrition, consider mixing in **steamed broccoli** or **spinach**.
– For a spicier kick, add a pinch of **cayenne pepper** or diced **jalapeños**.
– Experiment with different types of cheese, such as **cheddar** or **mozzarella**.
– For a gluten-free option, substitute breadcrumbs with crushed **gluten-free crackers**.—
**Prep Time:** 15 minutes
**Cook Time:** 40-45 minutes
**Total Time:** 55-60 minutes
**Yield:** 6-8 servingsEnjoy your delicious Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole!
Notes
- For added nutrition, consider mixing in steamed broccoli or spinach.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños.
- Experiment with different types of cheese, such as cheddar or mozzarella.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute breadcrumbs with crushed gluten-free crackers.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-45 minutes