Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole: Easy Recipe & Delicious Twist

Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole: the name itself conjures images of elegant French cuisine, but don’t let that intimidate you! Forget the fussy preparation of the classic dish; we’re bringing all that delicious flavor to your table in a comforting, easy-to-make casserole. Imagine layers of tender chicken, salty ham, and creamy Swiss cheese, all baked to golden perfection with a crunchy, buttery topping. Are you drooling yet?

While the exact origins of Chicken Cordon Bleu are debated, it’s widely believed to have originated in either Switzerland or France, with “Cordon Bleu” translating to “blue ribbon,” a symbol of culinary excellence. This dish has long been associated with special occasions and refined dining. But who says you can’t enjoy a touch of luxury on a weeknight?

People adore Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole because it delivers all the satisfying flavors of the original without the complicated steps. The creamy sauce, the savory ham, and the melted cheese create a symphony of textures and tastes that’s simply irresistible. Plus, it’s incredibly convenient! This casserole is a fantastic make-ahead meal, perfect for busy families or anyone who wants a delicious and impressive dinner with minimal effort. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become a regular in your rotation!

this RECIPE

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 8 oz cooked ham, diced
• 8 oz Swiss cheese, shredded, divided (reserve about 1/2 cup for topping)
• 1 (10.75 oz) can condensed cream of chicken soup
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup seasoned bread crumbs
• 1/4 cup butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
• Salt, to taste

Preparing the Chicken and Ham

Alright, let’s get started! First things first, we need to prep our chicken and ham. This is super easy, so don’t worry!

1. Cube the Chicken: Take your 1.5 lbs of boneless, skinless chicken breasts and cut them into bite-sized, 1-inch cubes. Try to keep them relatively uniform in size so they cook evenly. Nobody wants some pieces overcooked and others undercooked! Set the cubed chicken aside in a bowl.
2. Dice the Ham: Now, grab your 8 oz of cooked ham. I like to use a good quality ham for this, it really makes a difference in the flavor. Dice it into small, similar-sized pieces as the chicken. You want everything to blend nicely together. Add the diced ham to the bowl with the chicken.
3. Season Lightly: Sprinkle the chicken and ham mixture with a little salt and pepper. Remember, the soup and cheese will also add salt, so don’t go overboard! Just a pinch of each will do.

Making the Creamy Sauce

Next up, we’re going to whip up the creamy, dreamy sauce that brings everything together. This is where the magic happens!

1. Combine the Base Ingredients: In a large bowl (separate from the chicken and ham), whisk together the 1 can of condensed cream of chicken soup, 1/2 cup of mayonnaise, 1/4 cup of milk, and 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard. Make sure everything is well combined and smooth. The Dijon mustard adds a nice little tang that cuts through the richness of the soup and mayo.
2. Add Garlic Powder and Pepper: Stir in 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Garlic powder is a must for that classic Cordon Bleu flavor!
3. Incorporate the Cheese: Add most of the shredded Swiss cheese to the sauce mixture, reserving about 1/2 cup for topping the casserole later. Gently fold the cheese into the sauce until it’s evenly distributed. The cheese will melt slightly as it bakes, creating a lovely, gooey texture.

Assembling the Casserole

Now for the fun part – putting it all together! This is where we transform our individual components into a delicious casserole.

1. Combine Chicken, Ham, and Sauce: Pour the creamy cheese sauce over the chicken and ham mixture in the bowl. Gently stir everything together until the chicken and ham are completely coated in the sauce. Make sure every piece gets a little love!
2. Prepare the Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. This will prevent the casserole from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
3. Pour into Baking Dish: Pour the chicken, ham, and sauce mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. You want a nice, even layer so everything cooks uniformly.
4. Prepare the Breadcrumb Topping: In a small bowl, combine the 1 cup of seasoned bread crumbs with the 1/4 cup of melted butter. Toss them together until the bread crumbs are evenly coated with butter. This will create a golden brown, crispy topping.
5. Sprinkle with Breadcrumbs and Cheese: Sprinkle the buttered bread crumbs evenly over the top of the casserole. Then, sprinkle the reserved 1/2 cup of shredded Swiss cheese over the bread crumbs. This final layer of cheese will melt and create a beautiful, bubbly topping.

Baking the Casserole

Almost there! Now it’s time to bake our casserole to golden brown perfection.

1. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the topping is golden brown. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
2. Let it Rest: Once the casserole is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly and prevents it from being too runny.
3. Garnish and Serve: If desired, garnish the casserole with 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips and Variations

Want to customize your Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole? Here are a few ideas:

• Use Different Cheese: While Swiss cheese is traditional, you can experiment with other cheeses like Gruyere, provolone, or even a blend of cheeses.
• Add Vegetables: Sneak in some veggies by adding sautéed mushrooms, onions, or broccoli to the casserole.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little heat.
• Make it Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free bread crumbs to make this casserole gluten-free.
• Use Rotisserie Chicken: For a quicker version, use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken instead of cubing and cooking raw chicken.
• Add a Sherry or White Wine: Add a splash of dry sherry or white wine to the sauce for a more complex flavor. About 2 tablespoons will do the trick.
• Make it Ahead: You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Serving Suggestions

This Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is delicious on its own, but here are a few serving suggestions to complete your meal:

• Side Salad: A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing is a perfect complement to the rich casserole.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted asparagus, green beans, or Brussels sprouts are all great choices.
• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic pairing with Chicken Cordon Bleu.
• Rice Pilaf: A flavorful rice pilaf adds a nice texture and flavor contrast.
• Crusty Bread: Serve with a side of crusty bread for soaking up all that delicious sauce.

Storage Instructions

Got leftovers? Here’s how to store them:

• Refrigerate: Store leftover Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheat: Reheat the casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave individual portions.
• Freezing: While you can freeze the casserole, the texture may change slightly upon thawing. If freezing, wrap the casserole tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Enjoy your delicious and easy Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole! I hope you love it as much as I do!

Conclusion:

And there you have it! This Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is truly a must-try recipe, transforming a classic dish into an easy-to-make, family-friendly meal. Forget spending hours meticulously layering individual chicken breasts; this casserole delivers all the comforting flavors of chicken cordon bleu with minimal effort. The creamy sauce, the salty ham, the tender chicken, and the crispy breadcrumb topping all come together in perfect harmony. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, even for picky eaters!

But why is this casserole so special? It’s the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The richness of the Swiss cheese complements the savory ham, while the chicken remains juicy and flavorful. The creamy sauce binds everything together, creating a cohesive and satisfying dish. And let’s not forget the golden-brown breadcrumb topping, which adds a delightful crunch to every bite. It’s comfort food at its finest, elevated by the sophisticated flavors of chicken cordon bleu.

Beyond its deliciousness and ease of preparation, this casserole is also incredibly versatile. Looking for serving suggestions? I love serving it with a simple side salad to balance the richness of the casserole. Steamed green beans or roasted asparagus would also be excellent choices. For a heartier meal, consider pairing it with mashed potatoes or rice. The possibilities are endless!

And if you’re feeling adventurous, why not try some variations? You could add sautéed mushrooms to the sauce for an earthy flavor. Or, for a spicier kick, incorporate a pinch of red pepper flakes. If you’re watching your carb intake, you can substitute the breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds or almond flour for a low-carb option. Feel free to experiment and make this casserole your own!

I truly believe this Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole will become a staple in your recipe rotation. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or even special occasions. It’s a dish that everyone will love, and it’s so easy to make that you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe time and time again.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to experience the magic of this incredible casserole. I’m confident that you’ll be amazed by the results.

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe! Once you’ve made it, please come back and share your experience in the comments below. I’d love to hear what you think, what variations you tried, and how your family enjoyed it. Your feedback is invaluable and helps me continue to create delicious and easy-to-follow recipes. Happy cooking, and enjoy your Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole! I can’t wait to hear all about it! Don’t forget to rate the recipe too!