Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole: Easy 5-Step Delicious Recipe

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The Ultimate Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

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Welcome, food lovers! If you’re searching for the ultimate comfort food that brings classic French flavors to your dinner table with minimal fuss, you’ve found it. This Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is a game-changer for busy weeknights. It captures all the savory goodness of traditional Chicken Cordon Bleu—tender chicken, salty ham, and nutty Swiss cheese—but transforms it into an incredibly easy-to-make casserole. This dish is pure, bubbly, cheesy perfection.

Forget the hassle of pounding, stuffing, and rolling individual chicken breasts. We’re deconstructing this famous dish into a simple layered bake that delivers the same incredible taste with a fraction of the effort. It’s the perfect one-dish meal to satisfy the whole family. See others recipes here .

1. Why This Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe Works

There are so many reasons to love this recipe! First and foremost, it’s incredibly simple. By using pre-cooked chicken (like a rotisserie chicken), you cut down on prep time significantly. This makes it an ideal easy dinner for those evenings when you’re short on time but still crave something homemade and delicious.

Second, the flavors are perfectly balanced. The creamy Dijon sauce provides a tangy counterpoint to the rich Swiss cheese and savory ham. The crunchy panko topping adds a wonderful texture that contrasts beautifully with the tender layers beneath. It’s a true crowd-pleaser that feels gourmet without the gourmet effort.

2. Ingredients for Your Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simple, accessible ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to create this amazing cheesy casserole:

  • Chicken: 4 cups of cooked, shredded or cubed chicken (rotisserie chicken works perfectly!)
  • Ham: 8 ounces of deli ham, roughly chopped or diced.
  • Swiss Cheese: 2 cups of shredded Swiss cheese. For best results, shred your own!
  • Creamy Sauce: 1 can (10.5 oz) of condensed cream of chicken soup, 1/2 cup milk, and 1/4 cup sour cream.
  • Seasoning: 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.
  • Topping: 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs mixed with 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter.

3. How To Make Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole: Step-by-Step

Ready to create some magic? This is the easiest way to get that classic cordon bleu flavor. Just follow these simple steps for a perfect Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole every time.

  1. Step 1: Prepare the Base

    Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, combine the condensed cream of chicken soup, milk, sour cream, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and black pepper. Whisk until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Gently fold in the cooked chicken until it’s fully coated.

  2. Step 2: Layer the Ingredients

    Spread the chicken and sauce mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle the chopped ham evenly over the chicken layer. Finally, top the entire casserole with the shredded Swiss cheese, making sure to cover it from edge to edge.

  3. Step 3: Bake to Golden Perfection

    In a small bowl, mix the Panko breadcrumbs with the melted butter until the crumbs are well-coated. Sprinkle this buttery mixture over the top of the cheese. Bake, uncovered, for 25-30 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the topping is golden brown and crispy.

  4. Step 4: Let it Rest (Important!)

    This might be the hardest step! Once you remove the casserole from the oven, let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to set up a bit, making it easier to serve and ensuring every bite is perfectly creamy.

4. Tips for the Best Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

Want to take your casserole from great to absolutely unforgettable? Here are a few pro tips:

  • Shred Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can prevent it from melting smoothly. Grating a block of Swiss cheese will give you a much creamier, gooier result. You can learn about different types of Swiss cheese in this helpful guide.
  • Don’t Skimp on the Ham: Use a good quality deli ham, like black forest or honey ham, for the best flavor.
  • Panko is Key: While you can use regular breadcrumbs, Panko provides a lighter, airier, and much crunchier topping that really makes this dish stand out.

5. Variations: Customize Your Casserole!

One of the best things about this ham and chicken casserole is how easy it is to customize. Feel free to get creative!

  • Add Veggies: Stir in a cup of steamed broccoli florets or sautéed mushrooms with the chicken for an extra nutritional boost.
  • Change the Cheese: Not a fan of Swiss? Gruyère, Provolone, or even a sharp white cheddar would be delicious alternatives.
  • Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the cream sauce for a little kick.

6. What to Serve with Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

This rich and creamy casserole pairs beautifully with simple, fresh sides that cut through the richness. A crisp green salad with a vinaigrette dressing is a perfect choice. Steamed green beans, roasted asparagus, or fluffy egg noodles also make wonderful companions to this ultimate comfort food dish.

Foire Aux Questions

Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the entire casserole (without the breadcrumb topping) up to 24 hours in advance. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, remove it from the fridge, add the buttered Panko topping, and bake as directed, adding about 10-15 minutes to the baking time since it will be cold.

How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can use the microwave for individual portions. For best results and to re-crisp the topping, reheat the casserole in an oven-safe dish at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes or until warmed through.

What is the best kind of chicken to use for this recipe?

The easiest option is a store-bought rotisserie chicken, which is flavorful and saves a lot of time. However, you can use any cooked chicken you have on hand. Leftover baked or poached chicken breasts work wonderfully. Simply shred or cube about 3-4 chicken breasts to get the 4 cups needed for the recipe.

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