Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe

Introduction

Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is a comforting, cheesy, and flavorful twist on the classic Chicken Cordon Bleu. This casserole combines tender chicken, savory ham, and melted Swiss cheese in a creamy, dreamy sauce, all baked together in a casserole dish for an easy-to-make meal that delivers the same delicious flavors as the traditional dish but with less effort. The crispy breadcrumb topping adds the perfect crunch to the creamy, cheesy layers below.

Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner, a crowd-pleasing dish for a gathering, or a comforting meal for the whole family, Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is the answer. This dish is packed with flavor, texture, and a cheesy richness that’s hard to beat. The best part? It comes together in under an hour, making it a quick and easy option for busy nights while still feeling like a special treat.

Why You’ll Love Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

• Comforting and Flavorful: The combination of tender chicken, salty ham, creamy sauce, and melted Swiss cheese creates a comforting, flavor-packed dish that’s perfect for a cozy dinner.
• Cheesy Goodness: Swiss cheese is the star of this casserole, offering a creamy, melty texture that blends beautifully with the other ingredients.
• Crispy Topping: The breadcrumb topping gives the casserole a delightful crunch, offering a perfect contrast to the creamy layers beneath.
• Easy to Make: While Chicken Cordon Bleu can be a bit time-consuming to prepare in its traditional form, this casserole simplifies the process by combining everything in one dish. There’s no need to roll and bread individual chicken breasts—just layer and bake!
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a weeknight dinner, a special family gathering, or a potluck with friends, Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole will be a hit every time. It’s a versatile dish that’s sure to satisfy both kids and adults alike.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 40 minutes
• Servings: Approximately 6-8 servings
• Calories per Serving: Around 400-450 calories per serving, depending on ingredients and portion sizes.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 400-450 kcal
• Fat: 20-25g
• Carbohydrates: 25-30g
• Protein: 30-35g
• Fiber: 1-2g
• Sugar: 3-4g

Ingredients

For the Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole:

• 4 cups cooked chicken, cubed (rotisserie chicken works well)
• 1 ½ cups cooked ham, diced
• 2 cups Swiss cheese, shredded
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup (or cream of mushroom soup)
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups breadcrumbs (Panko breadcrumbs work well for extra crunch)
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken and Ham

Start by cooking and cubing the chicken. You can use cooked rotisserie chicken, grilled chicken breasts, or even leftover chicken from another meal. Make sure to chop it into bite-sized cubes for easy serving. If you’re using leftover chicken, ensure it’s already fully cooked and seasoned.

Similarly, chop the cooked ham into small, bite-sized pieces. The ham adds a salty, savory flavor that pairs perfectly with the creamy sauce and tender chicken.

2. Make the Creamy Sauce

In a large mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until smooth and well combined. This creamy mixture will coat the chicken, ham, and cheese, creating a luscious sauce that ties everything together.

Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if needed. If you want a little more tang, feel free to add an extra teaspoon of Dijon mustard. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper for some heat if desired.

3. Assemble the Casserole

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray or a light coating of butter to prevent sticking.

In the prepared casserole dish, layer the cubed chicken and diced ham evenly over the bottom of the dish. This will form the base layer of your casserole.

Next, pour the creamy sauce over the chicken and ham mixture, spreading it evenly to coat everything. Sprinkle 1 ½ cups of the shredded Swiss cheese over the top of the casserole. The cheese will melt beautifully and create that signature creamy, cheesy texture.

4. Prepare the Topping

In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with the melted butter. Stir until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated. The butter helps the breadcrumbs crisp up and adds a delicious golden crunch to the topping.

Sprinkle the buttery breadcrumbs evenly over the top of the casserole, covering the cheese layer completely. The breadcrumbs will toast up nicely in the oven, giving the casserole the perfect crispy contrast to the creamy interior.

5. Bake the Casserole

Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the breadcrumb topping is golden brown and crispy. Check the casserole around 25 minutes to ensure the breadcrumbs aren’t getting too dark. If they are, you can lightly cover the casserole with foil for the remainder of the baking time.

The casserole is done when it’s heated through, the cheese is melted, and the breadcrumbs are perfectly crispy.

6. Serve and Enjoy

Once the casserole is done, remove it from the oven and let it sit for about 5 minutes before serving. This allows the casserole to firm up slightly and makes it easier to serve.

Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and added freshness. Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or a simple salad to round out the meal.

Tips for Perfect Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

• Use Rotisserie Chicken: For a quick and easy option, rotisserie chicken works great. It’s already cooked and seasoned, so it saves you time and effort.
• Adjust the Cheese: While Swiss cheese is traditional for Chicken Cordon Bleu, you can experiment with other cheeses if you prefer. Gruyère, cheddar, or mozzarella are all great alternatives.
• Make It Lighter: If you want to make a lighter version, you can substitute the sour cream with Greek yogurt, and use a lower-fat cream of chicken soup. You can also use a lighter cheese, such as part-skim mozzarella.
• Add Extra Veggies: To make the casserole even more nutritious, consider adding vegetables such as broccoli, spinach, or mushrooms to the mix. Just sauté them briefly before adding them to the casserole to ensure they’re tender.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare this casserole ahead of time by assembling it and storing it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just make sure to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.

Variations of Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

• Vegetarian Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole: Use a plant-based chicken substitute or skip the chicken entirely and make a ham and cheese casserole. It’s a great option for vegetarians or those looking for a lighter take on the dish.
• Spicy Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole: Add some heat by incorporating a little bit of hot sauce or crushed red pepper flakes into the creamy sauce. This adds a spicy kick that balances the richness of the cheese and ham.
• Buffalo Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole: For a bold twist, add some buffalo sauce to the creamy sauce mixture. This creates a spicy and tangy flavor that complements the savory chicken and ham. Top with some blue cheese crumbles for an extra zing.
• Chicken Cordon Bleu Pasta Casserole: Add some cooked pasta, like penne or rotini, to the casserole to make it even heartier. The pasta absorbs the creamy sauce and adds a comforting, carb-filled twist to the dish.

Storage and Shelf Life

Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat it in the microwave or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until it’s heated through and bubbly. If you’re reheating individual portions, the microwave is a quick and convenient option.

To freeze the casserole, allow it to cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. To reheat from frozen, bake it at 375°F (190°C) for 45-60 minutes, or until it is fully heated through.

Side Dishes and Pairings for Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

Pair this comforting casserole with complementary sides to make a complete meal:

• Garlic Bread: A side of warm, buttery garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce left on your plate.
• Steamed Vegetables: Lightly steamed green beans, broccoli, or asparagus make a great side dish that adds color, texture, and a healthy balance to the rich casserole.
• Simple Salad: A fresh, crisp salad with mixed greens, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the richness of the casserole.
• Roasted Potatoes: Crispy roasted potatoes or mashed potatoes are perfect for serving alongside the casserole. They soak up the sauce and add an extra layer of comfort.

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Conclusion

Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is a comforting, cheesy, and delicious dish that brings all the classic flavors of Chicken Cordon Bleu into one easy-to-make casserole. With tender chicken, savory ham, melted Swiss cheese, and a creamy sauce, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. The crispy breadcrumb topping adds a perfect contrast to the rich filling, making each bite a satisfying experience. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion dish, this casserole will deliver. It’s simple to make, customizable to your tastes, and guaranteed to please everyone at the table. Enjoy the cheesy, comforting goodness of Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole!