If you’re on the hunt for a dish that combines comfort, flavor, and ease of preparation, look no further than Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole. This delightful dish takes the classic chicken cordon bleu—typically a rolled chicken breast filled with ham and cheese—and transforms it into a cozy, hearty casserole. Perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or even potlucks, this casserole is a crowd-pleaser that is sure to become a staple in your home.
Why We Love This Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe
The Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole offers a delicious blend of flavors and textures that appeals to everyone. You’ll enjoy the tender shredded chicken paired with savory ham and the gooey, melted cheese that pulls the dish together. The creamy cheese sauce adds moisture, while the crunchy Panko topping delivers a delightful contrast.
Not only is this casserole packed with flavor, but it’s also incredibly convenient. By using shredded rotisserie chicken, you save time without sacrificing taste. You can easily prepare this dish in under an hour, making it perfect for busy weekdays or spontaneous family dinners. The best part? You can customize it to fit your preferences, so it never has to be the same dish twice!
Ingredients for Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
Before diving into the cooking process, let’s gather all the ingredients you’ll need to whip up this delicious casserole. Here’s what you will need:
- 5 1/2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
- 2 cups cubed ham
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/4 cups shredded Swiss cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup Panko bread crumbs
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
How to Make Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
Making Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is a straightforward process, and it all starts with preparation.
Preheat your oven. Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures your casserole bakes evenly.
Prepare the casserole dish. Lightly spray a 9×13 casserole dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Layer the ingredients. Start by layering the shredded chicken on the bottom of the casserole dish. This forms a lovely base for your dish. Next, add the cubed ham on top of the chicken. These two layers create the heart of your casserole, merging flavors beautifully.
Make the cheese sauce. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, sprinkle in the flour. Stir for about 1-2 minutes, allowing the mixture to become dry and clumpy. Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Add the Dijon mustard, lemon juice, garlic powder, and salt to this mixture. Keep stirring for about 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens. Remove from the heat and mix in the shredded Swiss cheese and Parmesan cheese. Give it a taste, and if necessary, add more salt to suit your palate.
Combine layers. Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the ham and chicken layers, ensuring every bite has that rich, creamy goodness.
Prepare the Panko topping. In a small bowl, mix the Panko bread crumbs with the melted butter until well combined. This will create the crunchy topping that will add texture to your casserole. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the cheese sauce.
Bake the casserole. Place the casserole in your preheated oven and bake uncovered for about 30-35 minutes. You want it to be bubbly and the Panko topping to turn a lovely golden brown.
Cool and serve. Once baked, allow the casserole to cool for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This will make it easier to slice and serve.
How to Serve Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
Serving Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole can be as simple or creative as you like. It’s perfect as a standalone dish, offering a hearty meal full of flavor and nutrition. However, if you want to elevate your dining experience, consider serving it over a bed of cooked pasta or fluffy rice. This can help to soak up those delicious cheese sauce flavors, creating an even more satisfying bite.
Pair your casserole with fresh vegetables or a light salad for a balanced meal. A simple green salad with a vinaigrette can offer a refreshing contrast to the richness of the casserole, enhancing your overall dining experience.
Expert Tips: Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
To make your Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole even better, here are a few expert tips:
Use High-Quality Ingredients. Using fresh ingredients can significantly enhance the flavor of your casserole. Opt for high-quality rotisserie chicken and deli ham if possible.
Experiment with Cheeses. While Swiss and Parmesan are classic choices, you can experiment with other cheeses to suit your taste. A combination of cheddar or Gruyère can add a unique twist.
Don’t Rush the Sauce. Take your time when making the cheese sauce. Ensuring that it thickens properly will result in a creamy texture that clings to every bite.
Customize the Veggies. Feel free to add in vegetables such as broccoli, spinach, or peas for extra nutrition and flavor. Just make sure to cook them slightly before adding them to the layers to ensure they are tender.
Make Ahead of Time. If you want to prepare this dish in advance, you can assemble it a day or two ahead of time. Just cover it tightly and keep it in the refrigerator until you are ready to bake it.
How to Store Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
If you have any leftovers (which is rare!), storing Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is simple. Allow the casserole to cool completely. Once it has cooled, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
For longer storage, consider freezing your casserole. To do this, allow it to cool and then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. When you are ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it in the oven until it’s warmed through.
Variations of Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
While the classic preparation is delicious, here are some variations to mix things up:
Add Veggies. Incorporate your favorite vegetables into the layers. Broccoli and cauliflower work great and can add color and nutrition to your dish.
Spice It Up. For a bit of heat, add some crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños into the cheese sauce. This can give your casserole a fun twist.
Different Meats. If you want to experiment, swap out the ham for turkey or chicken sausage. This can provide a different flavor profile while maintaining the heartiness of the dish.
Cheesy Variations. For an extra cheesy experience, add a layer of ricotta cheese mixed with herbs between the chicken and ham.
Vegan Adjustment. For a plant-based version, you can use shredded jackfruit or seasoned tofu instead of chicken and ham. Substitute dairy products with plant-based alternatives.
FAQs
What is the best way to reheat Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole?
The best way to reheat your casserole is in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, cover with foil, and heat for about 15-20 minutes until it’s warmed through.
Can I use fresh chicken instead of rotisserie chicken?
Yes, you can use cooked chicken, but you will need to cook and shred it beforehand, which can add to your prep time. Rotisserie chicken is a perfect shortcut!
How can I make Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole ahead of time?
You can assemble the casserole a day or two in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator until you are ready to bake it.
Can I use regular bread crumbs instead of Panko?
Yes, you can use regular bread crumbs, but Panko provides a lighter, crispier texture that many people prefer.
Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
Equipment
- 9×13 Casserole Dish
- Medium Saucepan
- Large Bowl
Ingredients
- 5½ cups shredded rotisserie chicken
- 2 cups cubed ham
- 4 Tbsp. unsalted butter
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1 Tbsp. Dijon mustard
- 1 Tbsp. lemon juice
- ½ tsp. garlic powder
- ¼ tsp. salt
- 1¼ cups shredded Swiss cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup Panko bread crumbs
- 2 Tbsp. butter melted
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and spray a 9×13 casserole dish with cooking spray.
- Layer shredded chicken on the bottom of the casserole dish, followed by the cubed ham.
- In a medium saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Sprinkle in the flour and stir for 1-2 minutes until clumpy.
- Gradually whisk in the milk, then add Dijon mustard, lemon juice, garlic powder, and salt. Cook until the sauce thickens.
- Remove from heat and stir in shredded Swiss cheese and Parmesan cheese until melted.
- Pour the cheese sauce over the chicken and ham layers, spreading it evenly.
- In a small bowl, mix Panko breadcrumbs with melted butter, then sprinkle over the top of the casserole.
- Bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
- Let cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.
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