Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole: A Cheesy, Comforting Masterpiece 🧀🍗🔥

1. Introduction

This easy Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole brings all the elegant flavors of the classic French dish into a simple, comforting format that’s perfect for busy home cooks. If you love our other chicken recipes, you’ll adore this hearty casserole version. Combining tender chicken, savory ham, and melted Swiss cheese in a creamy sauce, this dish is topped with golden buttery breadcrumbs for that signature crunch we all crave. It’s comfort food at its finest – the kind of meal that brings everyone to the dinner table with smiles!

2. Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to create this restaurant-quality dish at home:

• 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works great!)
• 2 cups diced ham (or try turkey ham for a lighter version)
• 2 cups shredded Swiss cheese (Gruyère makes an excellent substitute)
• 1/4 cup butter (for the rich, creamy sauce)
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour if needed)
• 2 cups milk (whole milk creates the creamiest texture)
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (for that signature tang)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (or fresh minced garlic)
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder (adds depth of flavor)
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (try panko for extra crunch)
• 2 tablespoons melted butter (for the golden topping)
• Salt and pepper to taste (don’t skip seasoning each layer)

3. Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Layer the Chicken, Ham, and Cheese

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish (or similar diner-style casserole dish), evenly layer the shredded chicken, diced ham, and Swiss cheese. This creates the delicious foundation of your easy Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole. Pro tip: If you’re using leftover chicken from our roast recipes, this is a perfect way to repurpose it!

Step 2: Make the Creamy Sauce

In a medium saucepan, melt 1/4 cup butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste – this creates a roux, the base of your sauce. Gradually add milk, whisking constantly until smooth and lump-free. Stir in Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until thickened to a gravy-like consistency. Pour this luscious sauce evenly over the chicken and ham layers, making sure every bite will be moist and flavorful. If you love creamy sauces, you might also enjoy our creamy Alfredo lasagna soup!

Step 3: Add the Breadcrumb Topping

In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons melted butter until all the crumbs are lightly coated. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the entire casserole surface – this will create that perfect golden crust that makes every bite irresistible. For extra texture, you might combine regular breadcrumbs with panko, similar to the topping we use on our creamy potato and bacon soup toppings.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Bake uncovered in your preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the casserole is bubbly around the edges and the breadcrumb topping is beautifully golden brown. The aroma filling your kitchen will be absolutely heavenly! Let the casserole stand for about 5 minutes before serving – this allows the sauce to thicken slightly for perfect serving consistency. For more comforting baked dishes, check out our cheesy hamburger potato soup recipe.

4. Cooking Tips

• Rotisserie chicken shortcut: Save time by using store-bought rotisserie chicken – the seasoned meat adds wonderful flavor
• Cheese variations: While Swiss is traditional, Gruyère offers a richer taste, or try a blend of cheeses
• Flavor boosters: Add a pinch of nutmeg to the sauce or a teaspoon of fresh thyme for extra depth
• Crunch factor: Mix panko breadcrumbs with regular breadcrumbs for extra texture
• Sauce thickness: If your sauce seems too thick, add a splash more milk; if too thin, cook a bit longer

5. Serving Suggestions

This easy Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole pairs beautifully with so many sides. Consider these options:

• Vegetables: Steamed green beans, roasted asparagus, or honey-glazed carrots
• Salads: A crisp green salad with vinaigrette or our favorite Asian-inspired salads
• Starches: Garlic mashed potatoes, buttered egg noodles, or wild rice pilaf
• Breads: Crusty French bread or buttery dinner rolls to soak up the delicious sauce

6. Storage and Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or reheat the entire casserole in a 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes until heated through. For longer storage, you can freeze the unbaked casserole (without breadcrumb topping) for up to 2 months – simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator, add the breadcrumbs, and bake as directed. This makes it perfect for meal prep alongside other freezer-friendly dishes like our chicken taco soup or taco soup.

7. Nutritional Information

(Per serving, based on 8 servings): Calories: 420 | Protein: 32g | Carbohydrates: 18g | Fat: 24g | Saturated Fat: 13g | Cholesterol: 115mg | Sodium: 850mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 4g

Note: Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used. For a lighter version, you can reduce the cheese by half and use low-fat milk.

8. Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! This is one of those magical make-ahead meals. You can assemble the entire casserole (without the breadcrumb topping) up to 24 hours in advance. Simply cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove from refrigerator while oven preheats, add the breadcrumb topping, and bake as directed – you may need to add 5-10 minutes to the baking time since it’s starting cold.

What can I use instead of ham?

While ham is traditional in Chicken Cordon Bleu, you have several delicious options: – Turkey ham for a lighter version – Cooked bacon for a smokier flavor – Prosciutto for a more gourmet touch – Even deli turkey would work in a pinch

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes! This easy Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole adapts beautifully to gluten-free diets: – Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the sauce – Choose certified gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers for the topping – Double-check that your ham and other ingredients are gluten-free

Can I use raw chicken instead of cooked?

While the recipe calls for cooked chicken, you can adapt it for raw chicken. Dice raw chicken breasts into 1-inch pieces and increase baking time to 45-50 minutes, or until chicken reaches 165°F internally. The sauce helps keep the chicken moist during the longer cooking time.

9. Conclusion

This easy Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole delivers all the sophisticated flavors of the classic dish with none of the fussy preparation. With its creamy interior, crispy golden topping, and perfect balance of chicken, ham, and cheese, it’s sure to become a regular in your dinner rotation. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, hosting a potluck, or meal prepping for the week, this comforting casserole is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. For another delicious twist on classic flavors, check out this alternative version from Joy Filled Eats. Try our recipe tonight and experience the magic of Chicken Cordon Bleu in every delicious, comforting bite!

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