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Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

A quick and delicious Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole that combines tender chicken, savory ham, and gooey Swiss cheese in a creamy, flavorful sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, this comforting one-dish meal captures the classic flavors of chicken cordon bleu with minimal prep and cleanup, making it an ideal family-friendly dinner or potluck favorite.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 2 cups boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cooked and sliced or shredded)
  • 1 cup sliced ham
  • 1 ½ cups Swiss cheese, shredded or sliced

Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour for gluten-free version)
  • 1 ½ cups milk (or plant-based milk for dairy-free option)
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Topping

  • ½ cup breadcrumbs (or gluten-free breadcrumbs; omit for low-carb option)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Cook the chicken breasts by poaching, baking, or pan-searing until just done and juicy. Once cooled slightly, slice or shred into bite-sized pieces for easy layering in the casserole.
  2. Make the Creamy Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour to create a roux, cooking for about 1-2 minutes. Gradually add the milk while whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Stir in Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Continue cooking and stirring until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth and creamy.
  3. Layer the Casserole: Grease a baking dish and layer the cooked chicken pieces evenly. Add a layer of sliced ham and then top with Swiss cheese. Pour the creamy sauce evenly over all the layers to ensure every bite is moist and cheesy.
  4. Add Breadcrumb Topping: Sprinkle the breadcrumbs evenly over the top of the casserole to create a crispy and golden crust when baked. For extra crunch and color, you can toss breadcrumbs with a little melted butter before sprinkling.
  5. Bake to Perfection: Bake the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to settle and make slicing easier.

Notes

  • Pound chicken breasts to even thickness for consistent cooking if starting from raw.
  • Use good-quality Swiss cheese for the best melt and flavor.
  • Whisk constantly when adding milk to avoid lumps in the sauce.
  • Toss breadcrumbs with melted butter before topping to enhance crunch and color.
  • Let casserole rest 5-10 minutes after baking to set properly.
  • To make gluten-free, use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs.
  • For low-carb, omit breadcrumbs or substitute with crushed pork rinds.
  • To add veggies, mix in steamed broccoli, spinach, or peas.
  • For dairy-free, use plant-based milk, cheese, and substitute butter with olive oil or dairy-free margarine.

Nutrition

Keywords: Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole, easy chicken casserole, creamy chicken bake, family dinner, baked chicken recipe