Easy Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe

Discover a quick, delicious Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole recipe perfect for busy nights. This comforting dish blends tender chicken, savory ham, and gooey cheese in a creamy sauce, all baked to golden perfection. It’s an easy, family-friendly meal that captures all the classic flavors of traditional chicken cordon bleu without all the fuss. Whether you’re looking for a cozy weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleaser for guests, this casserole checks all the boxes!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Comes together with simple prep and minimal ingredients, saving you time in the kitchen.
• Comfort Food Classic: Combines creamy, cheesy, and savory elements that everyone loves.
• Family Friendly: Loved by kids and adults alike, perfect for dinners or potlucks.
• One-Dish Meal: Everything bakes together, reducing cleanup and hassle.
• Adaptable: Easy to customize with your favorite cheeses or veggies to suit any taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These simple, essential ingredients create the rich, flavorful base of the Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole. Each component plays a role, from tender chicken breasts to the creamy sauce that ties everything together with a luscious texture.

• Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken is the protein star that stays juicy and tender.
• Sliced ham: Adds a salty, smoky layer that mimics the classic cordon bleu.
• Swiss cheese: Melted throughout the casserole for that iconic, gooey goodness.
• Butter: Used to create a luscious roux for the creamy sauce.
• All-purpose flour: Thickens the sauce just right without overpowering flavors.
• Milk: Creates a smooth, rich base for the sauce.
• Dijon mustard: Adds a sharp, tangy kick to balance the creaminess.
• Breadcrumbs: Give the casserole a crispy, golden topping when baked.
• Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the flavors.
• Garlic powder: Provides a subtle savory depth to the sauce.

Variations for Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

Feel free to make this Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole your own! It’s amazingly versatile, so swapping ingredients or adding extras is super simple depending on what you have on hand or what suits your diet.

• Add veggies: Incorporate steamed broccoli or spinach for a boost of color and nutrition.
• Cheese swap: Try Gruyère or mozzarella instead of Swiss for a twist on flavor and meltiness.
• Gluten-free: Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs to keep it friendly for gluten-sensitive diets.
• Low-carb option: Skip the breadcrumbs or use crushed pork rinds to reduce carbs while keeping crunch.
• Spicy kick: Mix in a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika for subtle heat and smokiness.

How to Make Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by cooking your chicken breasts until they’re just done and juicy. You can poach, bake, or pan-sear the chicken, then slice or shred it into bite-sized pieces for easy layering in the casserole.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Sauce

In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat, then whisk in flour to create a roux. Gradually whisk in milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Add Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook until thickened and smooth—a creamy sauce base packed with flavor!

Step 3: Layer the Casserole

In a greased baking dish, layer the cooked chicken pieces, then add a generous layer of sliced ham and Swiss cheese. Pour the creamy sauce evenly over the top, making sure every bite stays moist and cheesy.

Step 4: Add Breadcrumb Topping

Sprinkle breadcrumbs over the top to create a crispy crust. This adds that irresistible crunch that contrasts perfectly with the creamy casserole underneath.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbling. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving to let all the flavors settle beautifully.

Pro Tips for Making Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

• Chicken prep tip: Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness for consistent cooking if cooking from raw.
• Cheese matters: Use good-quality Swiss cheese for the best melt and flavor.
• No lumps sauce: Whisk constantly while adding milk to your roux to keep sauce silky smooth.
• Breadcrumb topping: Toss breadcrumbs with a little melted butter before sprinkling for extra crunch and golden color.
• Rest before serving: Let the casserole cool 5-10 minutes so it sets up and slices nicely.

How to Serve Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or thyme add a pop of bright color and fresh aroma that beautifully complements the rich casserole flavors.

Side Dishes

Pair this casserole with crisp green salads, roasted asparagus, or buttery mashed potatoes for a well-rounded, satisfying meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve individual portions in small ramekins for a charming look, or create a layered presentation by alternating chicken and ham slices vertically for a show-stopping centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool any leftovers and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and flavor.

Freezing

You can freeze the casserole both before and after baking. Wrap tightly in foil and plastic wrap to avoid freezer burn; it keeps well up to 3 months.

Reheating

Reheat individual servings in the microwave or thaw overnight and warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through, restoring that delicious crust by broiling briefly if desired.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this casserole?

Absolutely! Using leftover rotisserie or poached chicken speeds up the process and works perfectly in this recipe.

Is there a vegetarian version of Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole?

Yes, substitute the chicken and ham with hearty mushrooms or thinly sliced zucchini and use a plant-based cheese to keep things vegetarian-friendly.

What’s the best cheese for Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole?

Swiss cheese is traditional and melts beautifully, but Gruyère or mozzarella are excellent alternatives for rich, gooey results.

Can I prepare this casserole dairy-free?

To make it dairy-free, use plant-based milk and cheese substitutes, and swap butter for olive oil or dairy-free margarine.

How can I add more veggies to this recipe?

Steamed broccoli, sautéed spinach, or peas mix well into the casserole and add both nutrition and vibrant color.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a comforting, flavorful meal that’s both easy to make and satisfies everyone at the table, the Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is your new go-to. It’s a delightful, cheesy dish that combines classic flavors with the convenience of a baked casserole. Give it a try tonight and watch it become a proud staple in your recipe collection!

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