Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole: A Comforting Dish with a Crunchy Topping

Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is a delightful twist on the classic chicken cordon bleu, offering the same delicious flavors in a more convenient, casserole-style dish. With tender shredded chicken, savory ham, and melted Swiss cheese combined with a creamy sauce and topped with a crunchy breadcrumb layer, this casserole is the perfect comfort food for any occasion.

This easy-to-make dish can be enjoyed as a family dinner, a potluck meal, or even as a special treat for guests. With its rich flavors and satisfying textures, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.

Why You’ll Love Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

This Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole captures all the flavors of the classic dish but in a much simpler, no-fuss format. Unlike traditional chicken cordon bleu, which involves breading and frying, this casserole is baked, making it easier to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights. The combination of shredded chicken and chopped ham creates a savory base, while the Swiss cheese and creamy sauce bring richness and depth to each bite.

The breadcrumb topping adds a perfect crunch, contrasting beautifully with the creamy filling. Plus, this dish is versatile and can be customized with different types of cheese or seasonings based on your preference.

Ingredients for Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

To make this delicious Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Casserole:

  • 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded: Use leftover rotisserie chicken or cook and shred chicken breasts. The shredded chicken adds texture and acts as the base for the casserole.
  • 8 slices ham, chopped: Thinly sliced ham adds that quintessential cordon bleu flavor, giving the casserole a savory, meaty kick.
  • 1 cup Swiss cheese, shredded: Swiss cheese is the perfect melting cheese for this casserole, providing a mild, nutty flavor that complements the other ingredients beautifully.
  • 1 cup cream of chicken soup: This canned soup adds creaminess and richness to the casserole without the need for extra preparation.
  • 1/2 cup milk: The milk helps thin the soup and gives the sauce a smooth, velvety texture.
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: Dijon mustard adds a subtle tang, enhancing the flavor profile and cutting through the richness of the cheese and soup.
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: A little garlic powder brings out the savory, aromatic flavors in the casserole.
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Adds a mild onion flavor that pairs perfectly with the garlic powder.
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Freshly ground black pepper adds just the right amount of spice to balance the dish.

For the Topping:

  • 1 cup breadcrumbs: Breadcrumbs are key for creating that crispy topping, giving the casserole a satisfying crunch.
  • 2 tablespoons butter, melted: The melted butter helps the breadcrumbs brown evenly and adds richness to the dish.
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): Parsley adds a pop of color and a fresh flavor, brightening up the casserole.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

Follow these simple steps to create this comforting, creamy casserole that’s sure to impress.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your casserole will bake evenly and achieve that perfect golden-brown topping.

Step 2: Combine the Chicken, Ham, and Cheese

In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, chopped ham, and Swiss cheese. Mix well to distribute the ingredients evenly.

Step 3: Prepare the Creamy Sauce

In a separate bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, milk, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This creamy sauce will help bind the chicken, ham, and cheese together, making each bite rich and flavorful.

Step 4: Combine the Casserole Ingredients

Pour the prepared soup mixture over the chicken, ham, and cheese mixture. Stir everything together until all ingredients are well coated with the creamy sauce. This will create the flavorful base of your casserole.

Step 5: Transfer to a Baking Dish

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a small amount of butter. Then, transfer the chicken, ham, and sauce mixture into the dish, spreading it out evenly. This will be the foundation of your casserole.

Step 6: Prepare the Breadcrumb Topping

In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with the melted butter, mixing until the breadcrumbs are fully coated with the butter. The butter helps the breadcrumbs crisp up and turn golden brown during baking.

Step 7: Add the Topping and Bake

Sprinkle the buttered breadcrumb mixture evenly over the casserole, covering the entire surface. This topping will form a crispy, golden layer that contrasts perfectly with the creamy filling.

Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling and the top is golden brown and crispy.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Once the casserole is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Serve warm and enjoy!

Serving Suggestions

Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is a versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are a few ideas to complement your meal:

  • Steamed vegetables: Serve with steamed broccoli, green beans, or asparagus for a balanced, nutritious meal.
  • Rice or mashed potatoes: Serve with fluffy white rice or creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the extra sauce.
  • Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette can add a refreshing contrast to the richness of the casserole.

Tips for the Best Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

  • Use rotisserie chicken: For extra flavor and convenience, use rotisserie chicken or leftover chicken to save time on preparation.
  • Customize the cheese: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses, such as Gruyère, cheddar, or even a blend of cheeses, to create your perfect version of this casserole.
  • Make it ahead of time: You can assemble the casserole the night before, cover it, and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, simply pop it in the oven.
  • Ensure even topping: Make sure the breadcrumb topping is spread evenly for a consistent crunch across the entire casserole.

Why This Casserole is a Family Favorite

Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is a comforting and satisfying meal that is perfect for feeding the whole family. The dish combines the classic flavors of chicken cordon bleu but is much easier to prepare and serve. It’s an excellent choice for busy nights when you want something hearty and flavorful but don’t have the time or energy for complicated recipes.

With its creamy filling, savory ham, and crispy topping, this casserole is sure to become a staple in your meal planning rotation.

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