Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole: Easy Recipe & Delicious Twist

Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole: the name itself conjures images of elegant dinners and sophisticated flavors. But what if I told you that you could enjoy all the deliciousness of this classic dish without the fuss? Forget the tedious rolling and breading; this casserole version transforms the traditional Chicken Cordon Bleu into a simple, comforting, and utterly satisfying meal perfect for busy weeknights or potlucks!

While the exact origins of Chicken Cordon Bleu are debated, its French roots are undeniable. “Cordon Bleu” translates to “blue ribbon,” a term historically associated with excellence in cooking. The dish, typically consisting of chicken breast pounded thin, layered with ham and Swiss cheese, then breaded and pan-fried or baked, became a symbol of culinary artistry. This Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole pays homage to that legacy, capturing the essence of the original in a more approachable format.

What makes Chicken Cordon Bleu so beloved? It’s the harmonious blend of savory flavors and textures. The tender chicken, the salty ham, and the nutty Swiss cheese create a symphony of taste that’s simply irresistible. And let’s not forget the creamy sauce that ties it all together! This casserole version retains all those elements, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Plus, the convenience factor is a major win. Who wouldn’t love a dish that delivers gourmet flavor with minimal effort? Get ready to experience the magic of Chicken Cordon Bleu in a whole new way!

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 cup for topping)
• 1 (10.75 oz) can condensed cream of chicken soup
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 cup seasoned bread crumbs
• 1/4 cup butter, melted
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Preparing the Chicken and Ham Mixture

Okay, let’s get started! First, we need to prepare the heart of our casserole: the chicken and ham mixture. This is where all the delicious flavors start to come together. Don’t worry, it’s super easy!

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is important so your casserole cooks evenly.
2. Prepare the chicken. Take your 1.5 lbs of boneless, skinless chicken breasts and cut them into 1-inch cubes. Make sure they’re roughly the same size so they cook at the same rate. Nobody wants some pieces overcooked while others are still undercooked!
3. Combine chicken and ham. In a large bowl, combine the cubed chicken and the diced ham. Give it a good toss to distribute the ham evenly throughout the chicken.
4. Add the cheese. Add about 3/4 of the shredded Swiss cheese (reserving the remaining 1 cup for topping later) to the chicken and ham mixture. The cheese will melt beautifully and bind everything together.

Creating the Creamy Sauce

Now for the creamy, dreamy sauce that makes this casserole so irresistible! This sauce is what brings all the flavors together and keeps everything moist and delicious. It’s a simple mixture, but it packs a punch!

1. Combine the sauce ingredients. In a separate bowl, whisk together the condensed cream of chicken soup, mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and black pepper. Make sure everything is well combined and smooth. No one wants lumps in their sauce!
2. Taste and adjust. Give the sauce a taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. If you like a little more tang, add a touch more Dijon mustard. If you prefer a bit more garlic flavor, add a pinch more garlic powder. Remember, you’re the chef, so make it your own!
3. Pour the sauce over the chicken mixture. Pour the creamy sauce over the chicken, ham, and cheese mixture in the large bowl.
4. Mix well. Gently stir everything together until the chicken, ham, and cheese are evenly coated in the sauce. Be careful not to overmix, as you don’t want to break up the chicken too much.

Assembling the Casserole

Alright, we’re almost there! Now it’s time to assemble the casserole and get it ready for the oven. This is the final step before the magic happens!

1. Grease your baking dish. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter. This will prevent the casserole from sticking to the bottom and make it easier to serve.
2. Pour the mixture into the baking dish. Pour the chicken and sauce mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
3. Prepare the breadcrumb topping. In a small bowl, combine the seasoned bread crumbs and melted butter. Toss them together until the bread crumbs are evenly coated in butter. This will create a crispy, golden-brown topping.
4. Sprinkle the remaining cheese. Sprinkle the reserved 1 cup of shredded Swiss cheese evenly over the chicken mixture in the baking dish.
5. Top with breadcrumbs. Sprinkle the buttered bread crumbs evenly over the cheese. Make sure to cover the entire surface for maximum crunch!

Baking the Casserole

Now for the final step: baking! This is where all the flavors meld together and the casserole becomes a bubbling, golden-brown masterpiece. The aroma will fill your kitchen and make everyone’s mouth water!

1. Bake in the preheated oven. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the breadcrumb topping is golden brown. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
2. Check for doneness. To ensure the chicken is cooked through, insert a meat thermometer into the center of the casserole. If it reads 165°F (74°C), it’s ready! If not, continue baking for a few more minutes and check again.
3. Let it rest. Once the casserole is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld together even more and make it easier to slice and serve.

Serving and Garnishing

The casserole is ready! Now it’s time to serve it up and enjoy the fruits of your labor. Here are a few tips for serving and garnishing your Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole:

1. Garnish with parsley (optional). Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the casserole for a pop of color and freshness. This is totally optional, but it adds a nice touch.
2. Serve warm. Serve the casserole warm, straight from the baking dish.
3. Pair with sides. This casserole is delicious on its own, but it also pairs well with a variety of sides. Consider serving it with a simple green salad, steamed vegetables, or mashed potatoes.
4. Storage. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.

Tips and Variations

Want to customize your Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole? Here are a few tips and variations to try:

• Use different cheese. Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. Gruyere, provolone, or even a sharp cheddar would all be delicious in this casserole.
• Add vegetables. Add some chopped vegetables to the casserole for extra flavor and nutrients. Broccoli, asparagus, or mushrooms would all be great additions.
• Make it gluten-free. Use gluten-free bread crumbs to make this casserole gluten-free.
• Use rotisserie chicken. To save time, use shredded rotisserie chicken instead of cooking the chicken yourself.
• Add a layer of puff pastry. For an extra decadent casserole, top it with a sheet of puff pastry before baking.
• Spice it up. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little bit of heat.
• 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.

Troubleshooting

Sometimes things don’t go exactly as planned in the kitchen. Here are a few common problems and how to fix them:

• Casserole is too dry. If the casserole is too dry, add a little bit of chicken broth or milk to the sauce before baking.
• Breadcrumb topping is burning. If the breadcrumb topping is browning too quickly, cover the casserole with foil for the last 10-15 minutes of baking.
• Chicken is not cooked through. If the chicken is not cooked through, continue baking the casserole for a few more minutes and check again with a meat thermometer.
• Casserole is too watery. If the casserole is too watery, drain off any excess liquid before serving.

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

Please note that the nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.

• Serving Size: 1 slice (approximately 1/8 of the casserole)
• Calories: Approximately 400-450
• Fat: 25-30g
• Saturated Fat: 15-20g
• Cholesterol: 150-175mg
• Sodium: 700-800mg
• Carbohydrates:

Conclusion:

This Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole isn’t just another weeknight dinner; it’s a flavor explosion that brings all the comforting goodness of the classic dish to your table in a fraction of the time. Seriously, if you’re looking for a recipe that’s both impressive and incredibly easy, this is it. The creamy sauce, the savory ham, the tender chicken, and that perfectly golden, crispy topping – it all comes together in a symphony of deliciousness that will have everyone asking for seconds (and the recipe!). I know, I know, you might be thinking, “Casseroles? Aren’t those a bit… dated?” But trust me on this one. This isn’t your grandma’s casserole (unless your grandma was a culinary genius, in which case, kudos to her!). This recipe takes all the best parts of a beloved classic and streamlines it for modern life. It’s the perfect way to satisfy those comfort food cravings without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up leftover cooked chicken or ham, making it both budget-friendly and delicious. But the best part? It’s incredibly versatile! Feel free to get creative with your serving suggestions and variations. For a complete meal, I love serving this casserole with a simple side salad and some steamed green beans. The freshness of the vegetables cuts through the richness of the casserole perfectly. Or, if you’re feeling a bit more indulgent, try serving it with some garlic bread or mashed potatoes. The possibilities are endless! And speaking of variations, don’t be afraid to experiment with different cheeses. Gruyere is the classic choice for Chicken Cordon Bleu, but Swiss, provolone, or even a sharp cheddar would work beautifully. You could also add some sautéed mushrooms or onions to the casserole for extra flavor. If you’re looking to lighten things up, try using low-fat cream cheese or Greek yogurt in the sauce. And for a bit of a kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

* Classic Comfort: Serve with a simple green salad and steamed green beans. * Indulgent Delight: Pair with garlic bread or creamy mashed potatoes. * Cheese Lover’s Dream: Experiment with different cheeses like Swiss, provolone, or cheddar. * Veggie Boost: Add sautéed mushrooms or onions for extra flavor and nutrients. * Light and Healthy: Use low-fat cream cheese or Greek yogurt in the sauce. * Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. I truly believe that this Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole will become a staple in your recipe rotation. It’s easy, delicious, and endlessly adaptable. So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to experience the ultimate comfort food. I’m so excited for you to try this recipe! And I’d absolutely love to hear about your experience. Did you make any variations? What did you serve it with? What did your family think? Please, share your thoughts and photos in the comments below. Your feedback is invaluable, and it helps me create even better recipes for you in the future. Happy cooking!

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