Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe
Introduction to the Dish
Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is a comforting and flavorful twist on the classic French dish. This casserole combines tender chicken, savory ham, and melted Swiss cheese, all layered in a creamy, rich sauce and topped with golden breadcrumbs for a satisfying crunch. It’s a one-pan wonder that’s perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or family dinners. Not only does it deliver the same indulgent flavors as the traditional dish, but it’s also far easier to prepare. With this recipe, you can enjoy the elegance of Chicken Cordon Bleu in a fraction of the time.
Why This Dish
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This casserole simplifies the time-consuming process of stuffing and breading chicken by layering the ingredients in a baking dish. The ham and Swiss cheese meld beautifully with the creamy sauce, while the breadcrumbs provide a satisfying crispy topping. By combining pantry staples and fresh ingredients, this dish becomes both affordable and practical without sacrificing flavor. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or meal prepping for the week, Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is a versatile option that’s always a hit.
Ingredients
To make this delicious casserole, gather the following ingredients:
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|
| Cooked, shredded chicken | 2 cups |
| Diced ham | 1 cup |
| Shredded Swiss cheese | 1½ cups |
| Cream of chicken soup (10.5 oz) | 1 can |
| Sour cream | 1 cup |
| Dijon mustard | ½ teaspoon |
| Garlic powder | ½ teaspoon |
| Onion powder | ½ teaspoon |
| Breadcrumbs | 1 cup |
| Melted butter | 2 tablespoons |
| Salt and pepper | To taste |
Step-by-Step Instructions
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set it aside. In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well-blended.
In the prepared baking dish, layer the shredded chicken evenly at the bottom, followed by the diced ham. Pour the creamy mixture over the chicken and ham, spreading it out to cover the layers completely. Sprinkle the shredded Swiss cheese on top to create a cheesy layer.
In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with the melted butter until evenly coated. Spread the breadcrumbs over the cheese layer, ensuring an even distribution for that golden crunch.
Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbly. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
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Tips and Tricks
For added flavor, use smoked ham or honey-glazed ham in the casserole. You can also swap out Swiss cheese for Gruyère if you prefer a nuttier taste. If you’re short on time, use rotisserie chicken to cut down on prep work.
For a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream and use reduced-fat cheese. To prevent the breadcrumbs from becoming soggy, toast them lightly in a pan before adding them to the casserole.
This dish pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days and reheated in the oven to maintain the crispy topping.
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is highly adaptable to suit your preferences. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and ensure your cream of chicken soup is gluten-free. If you’re not a fan of Swiss cheese, cheddar or provolone can be used as alternatives.
Add a vegetable layer, such as steamed broccoli or spinach, to make it a complete meal in one dish. For extra richness, sprinkle a bit of grated Parmesan cheese on top of the breadcrumbs before baking.
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Conclusion
Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, offering all the classic flavors in an easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing dish. Its creamy layers of chicken, ham, and cheese, combined with the crunchy breadcrumb topping, make every bite irresistible.
This casserole is perfect for any occasion, from family dinners to potlucks, and is sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation. With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, it’s an effortless way to enjoy the indulgence of Chicken Cordon Bleu without the fuss.
Gather your ingredients, fire up the oven, and prepare to wow your loved ones with this hearty, flavorful casserole. They’ll be coming back for seconds—guaranteed!