Description
This Delicious Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole takes the classic flavors of Chicken Cordon Bleu—chicken, ham, and Swiss cheese—and transforms them into an easy-to-make and comforting casserole. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or anytime you’re craving a hearty, satisfying meal. The creamy sauce, combined with the savory ham and chicken, topped with a golden, crunchy Panko breadcrumb crust, creates a symphony of flavors and textures that will delight your taste buds. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s surprisingly simple to prepare. This recipe requires no strings.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Ease of Preparation: This casserole is incredibly easy to assemble, making it ideal for busy weeknights. It’s a one-dish wonder that minimizes cleanup.
- Classic Flavors: It captures the essence of Chicken Cordon Bleu without the fuss of individual rolls or cutlets.
- Comfort Food: The combination of creamy sauce, savory ham, and tender chicken makes it a comforting and satisfying meal.
- Crowd-Pleasing: It’s a hit with both kids and adults, making it perfect for family dinners or potlucks.
- Versatile: You can easily customize the recipe to suit your preferences or dietary needs. Add vegetables, use different types of cheese, or adjust the seasonings to create your own unique version.
Ingredients:
- 5 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
- 9 ounces sliced deli-style Black Forest ham, cut into strips (about 9 slices)
- 8 ounces sliced Swiss cheese (about 12 thin slices)
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice (optional)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 ½ cups Panko breadcrumbs
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray. This ensures that the casserole doesn’t stick to the dish and makes cleanup much easier. Alternatively, you can lightly butter the dish if you prefer.
Step 2: Evenly spread the 5 cups of shredded chicken into the prepared baking dish. Ensure the chicken is distributed evenly across the bottom of the dish to provide a consistent base for the other ingredients. Using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver, but you can also bake or boil your own chicken and shred it.
Step 3: Layer the 9 ounces of sliced deli-style Black Forest ham, cut into strips, evenly over the shredded chicken. Arrange the ham strips so they cover as much of the chicken as possible. The ham adds a savory, smoky flavor that complements the chicken and cheese.
Step 4: Place the 8 ounces of sliced Swiss cheese evenly over the ham, overlapping the cheese slices to fit into the casserole dish. Make sure the cheese covers the ham completely. The Swiss cheese melts beautifully and provides a nutty, slightly tangy flavor that is characteristic of Chicken Cordon Bleu.
Step 5: In a medium saucepan, melt 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Be careful not to burn the butter. Once melted, whisk in 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice (if using), 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, ½ teaspoon of salt, ¼ teaspoon of nutmeg (if using), and ¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper (if using). The Dijon mustard adds a tang, the lemon juice brightens the flavor, and the garlic powder, nutmeg, and cayenne pepper add depth and warmth. These spices contribute to the overall flavor complexity of the sauce.
Step 6: Sprinkle in 6 tablespoons of all-purpose flour and continue whisking over medium heat until it forms a smooth paste. This roux is the base of the creamy sauce and helps to thicken it. Whisk continuously to prevent any lumps from forming. The flour should be fully incorporated into the butter mixture.
Step 7: Slowly add 3 cups of whole milk, about a quarter of a cup at a time, whisking after each addition until the mixture is smooth before adding the next bit of milk. Adding the milk gradually and whisking continuously ensures that the sauce remains smooth and lump-free. This step is crucial for achieving a creamy, velvety texture.
Step 8: Once all the milk has been added, allow the sauce to simmer for about 4 minutes, or until it has thickened (whisking occasionally). Simmering the sauce allows it to thicken properly and the flavors to meld together. Be sure to whisk occasionally to prevent the sauce from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
Step 9: Pour the creamy sauce over the cheese layer and spread it evenly around as best as possible, making sure to get into all the corners of the casserole dish. Distributing the sauce evenly ensures that every bite of the casserole is moist and flavorful.
Step 10: In a small bowl, combine the 1 ½ cups of Panko breadcrumbs and 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter, softened to room temperature. Mix the breadcrumbs and butter together until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated. The softened butter helps the breadcrumbs crisp up nicely in the oven, creating a golden, crunchy topping.
Step 11: Spread the Panko breadcrumb mixture evenly over the sauce layer in the casserole dish as your final layer. The Panko breadcrumbs add a wonderful texture and visual appeal to the casserole.
Step 12: Bake the casserole in the preheated oven, uncovered, for 30-40 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbling and the Panko topping is golden brown. Keep an eye on the casserole during baking to prevent the breadcrumbs from burning. If they start to brown too quickly, you can loosely tent the casserole with aluminum foil.
Step 13: Remove the casserole dish from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes to allow the sauce to set. This resting period helps the sauce to thicken slightly and prevents it from being too runny when you serve it.
Step 14: Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley (optional) for added color and freshness. Serve hot and enjoy!
COOKING Rating:
Easy
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve hot as a main course.
- Pair with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
- Serve with a side of roasted potatoes or rice.
- Make it a potluck hit by bringing it to your next gathering.
Tips:
- For extra flavor, use a combination of Swiss and Gruyere cheese.
- Add some cooked vegetables like broccoli or asparagus to the casserole for added nutrition.
- If you don’t have Panko breadcrumbs, you can use regular breadcrumbs, but the Panko provides a better crunch.
- Prepare the casserole ahead of time and bake it when you’re ready to serve.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
Prep Time:
20 minutes
Cook Time:
30-40 minutes
Total Time:
50-60 minutes
Nutritional Information: (Note: Nutritional information is approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes.)
Calories:
Approximately 450-550 per serving
Protein:
Approximately 30-40 grams per serving
Sodium:
Approximately 500-700mg per serving
Conclusion
This Delicious Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is a simple yet satisfying dish that brings together all the classic flavors of Chicken Cordon Bleu in an easy-to-make casserole. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a comforting weekend dinner. The creamy sauce, savory ham, and tender chicken, topped with a golden, crunchy Panko breadcrumb crust, make it a crowd-pleasing dish that everyone will love. Enjoy the convenience and deliciousness of this casserole and make it a staple in your recipe collection.
Questions and Answers about this Recipe
Q1: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! This casserole is perfect for making ahead of time. You can assemble the entire casserole, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake it, simply remove it from the refrigerator, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes while the oven preheats, and then bake as directed. This is a great time-saver for busy weeknights.
Q2: Can I use different types of cheese in this casserole?
A: Yes, you can definitely customize the cheese to your preference. While Swiss cheese is traditional for Chicken Cordon Bleu, you can substitute or combine it with other cheeses like Gruyere, provolone, or even a sharp cheddar for a bolder flavor. Gruyere, in particular, is a great choice because it melts well and has a nutty, slightly sweet flavor that complements the other ingredients.
Q3: I don’t have Panko breadcrumbs. Can I use regular breadcrumbs?
A: While Panko breadcrumbs provide a superior crunch, you can certainly use regular breadcrumbs if that’s what you have on hand. Just keep in mind that regular breadcrumbs may not get quite as golden and crispy as Panko. To enhance the texture, you can toast the regular breadcrumbs lightly in a dry skillet before mixing them with the melted butter.
Q4: Can I add vegetables to this casserole?
A: Absolutely! Adding vegetables is a great way to boost the nutritional value and flavor of the casserole. Broccoli, asparagus, peas, or even sautéed mushrooms would all be delicious additions. If using vegetables, it’s best to cook them lightly before adding them to the casserole to ensure they’re tender and not too watery. Simply stir the cooked vegetables into the chicken layer before adding the ham and cheese.
Q5: How can I prevent the Panko breadcrumb topping from burning?
A: If you notice that the Panko breadcrumb topping is browning too quickly before the casserole is fully heated through, you can loosely tent the casserole dish with aluminum foil. This will help to shield the breadcrumbs from direct heat and prevent them from burning while allowing the casserole to continue baking and the sauce to bubble. Remove the foil for the last 5-10 minutes of baking to allow the breadcrumbs to crisp up nicely.
