Savory Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe: A Cozy Twist

Comfort meets creativity in this delightful chicken cordon bleu casserole that promises a twist on the classic dish.

Layers of tender chicken meld perfectly with rich, creamy textures.

Swiss cheese and savory ham create a mouthwatering combination that feels like a warm hug.

Weeknight dinners just got an exciting upgrade with minimal prep and maximum flavor.

Home cooks will appreciate how quickly this meal comes together without sacrificing taste.

Each forkful delivers a harmonious blend of crispy and smooth elements that dance across your palate.

What You Add To Cordon Bleu Casserole

• Chicken, Ham: Classic protein combo that gives this casserole its traditional cordon bleu flavor profile. Rotisserie chicken works great for quick preparation, while diced ham adds a salty, rich element.
• Swiss Cheese: Mild, smooth cheese that melts beautifully and provides creamy texture typical of cordon bleu dishes.

• Butter, Flour: Base for creating a smooth, rich roux that thickens the cream sauce.
• Garlic: Adds depth and aromatic flavor to the sauce.
• Chicken Broth, Milk: Liquid components that create a silky, creamy sauce consistency.
• Dijon Mustard: Provides a tangy, sharp undertone to complement the rich cheese and proteins.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty flavor and helps thicken the sauce.

• Broccoli Florets: Fresh vegetable that adds nutrition and color to the casserole.
• Panko Breadcrumbs, Butter: Creates a crispy, golden topping that adds textural contrast.
• Parsley: Optional fresh herb for garnish and brightness.

• Salt, Pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing overall dish flavors.
• Chicken/Vegetable Bouillon Powder: Intensifies savory background notes.

Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Instructions

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Heat your oven to a cozy 350°F, preparing it for a delicious culinary adventure.

Step 2: Create Aromatic Butter Base

In a medium saucepan, melt butter and add minced garlic, letting the kitchen fill with delightful fragrance.

Step 3: Develop Silky Sauce Foundation

• Sprinkle flour into the butter mixture
• Whisk continuously for one minute

Gradually pour in chicken broth and milk, stirring until the mixture transforms into a smooth, creamy texture.

Step 4: Enhance Sauce With Flavor Boosters

• Dijon mustard
• Bouillon powder
• Parmesan cheese
• Salt
• Pepper

Stir these ingredients into the sauce, allowing them to blend and develop a rich, complex taste.

Cook until the sauce thickens and becomes luxuriously smooth.

Step 5: Assemble Delicious Layers

• Broccoli
• Chicken
• Ham
• Swiss cheese

Arrange each ingredient carefully for maximum flavor distribution.

Step 6: Drench With Creamy Sauce

Pour the Dijon cream sauce evenly over the layered ingredients, ensuring every bite will be moist and flavorful.

Step 7: Prepare Crunchy Topping

Mix Panko breadcrumbs with melted butter, creating a golden, crispy crown for the casserole.

Step 8: Bake To Perfection

Slide the casserole into the preheated oven, baking for 25-30 minutes until the top turns a beautiful golden brown and the edges bubble with excitement.

Step 9: Garnish And Serve

Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness.

Serve piping hot, ready to delight everyone at the table.

Smart Tips for Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

• Add extra Dijon mustard or a pinch of garlic powder to the cream sauce for a more robust taste profile.
• Substitute heavy cream with low-fat milk and use Greek yogurt to reduce calories without sacrificing creaminess.
• Swap chicken with turkey or replace ham with bacon for different flavor variations that suit personal preferences.
• Toast panko breadcrumbs in a dry skillet before mixing with butter to enhance crunchiness and add a deeper golden color.
• Replace broccoli with cauliflower or asparagus to create variety and accommodate different vegetable preferences while maintaining the dish's core texture.

Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole – Reheat While Keeping Creamy

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days.
• Transfer cooled casserole to a freezer-safe container. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Label with date and contents.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Cover casserole with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through, checking internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Place individual portions on microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warm. Add splash of chicken broth to maintain moisture if needed.

Satisfying Pairings for Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

• Elevate Wine Pairing: Choose a crisp, medium-bodied white wine like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc that complements the rich, creamy sauce without overpowering the delicate chicken flavors.
• Refresh with Beverages: Serve a light, citrusy beer such as a wheat ale or Belgian-style witbier to cut through the casserole's richness and provide a refreshing contrast.
• Balance Side Salad: Create a tangy mixed green salad with a lemon vinaigrette to add brightness and acidity, which helps cleanse the palate between bites of the creamy, cheesy casserole.
• Complement Bread Option: Offer crusty French bread or garlic crostini to soak up the delicious Dijon cream sauce and add a satisfying crunch to the meal.

Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole: Ways to Reinvent the Classic

• Keto-Friendly Version: Replace breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds, use heavy cream instead of milk, and eliminate flour for a low-carb alternative.
• Vegetarian Adaptation: Swap chicken and ham with roasted cauliflower and plant-based ham substitute, keeping the creamy sauce and Swiss cheese for flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free flour or cornstarch for thickening, replace Panko with gluten-free breadcrumbs, and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Mediterranean Spin: Add sun-dried tomatoes, replace Swiss cheese with feta, and incorporate fresh herbs like oregano and basil for a Mediterranean-inspired casserole.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of meat in this casserole?

Yes, you can substitute chicken with turkey or swap ham for bacon. Just ensure the meats are cooked and sliced evenly before layering.

• Is this recipe gluten-free friendly?

Not directly. The recipe uses flour in the sauce and Panko breadcrumbs. To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers.

• How can I make this dish lower in calories?

Reduce the amount of cheese, use low-fat milk instead of whole milk, and use less butter. You can also add more vegetables like cauliflower or spinach to increase nutritional value.

• Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble the casserole without the breadcrumb topping, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Add breadcrumbs just before baking to keep them crispy.

Everything You Love About Cordon Bleu, Baked Into a Casserole

• Quick Weeknight Winner: Transform classic Chicken Cordon Bleu into an effortless one-dish meal that saves precious dinner preparation time.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food: Layers of tender chicken, salty ham, and melty Swiss cheese create a hearty, satisfying casserole that delights both kids and adults.
• Minimal Cleanup Champion: Single baking dish means less washing up, making this recipe perfect for busy families seeking convenient meal solutions.
• Customizable Flavor Boost: Easily swap ingredients like adding different vegetables or using alternative cheeses to match family preferences and pantry availability.

Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comfort meets elegance in this chicken cordon bleu casserole, blending classic French-inspired flavors with hearty American simplicity. Creamy layers of tender chicken, savory ham, and melted Swiss cheese create a delightful dinner experience you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 4 cups chicken, cooked or rotisserie (shredded or diced)
• 2 cups ham, diced

Cheeses:

• 2 cups Swiss cheese, shredded
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated

Dijon Cream Sauce and Additional Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 cloves garlic, grated or minced
• 3 tablespoons flour
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 1/2 cups milk (skim or full cream)
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon chicken or vegetable stock/bouillon powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups fresh broccoli florets, uncooked

Casserole Topping:

• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted

Garnish:

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare an even, consistent heating environment by positioning the oven rack at center position and warming to 350°F for optimal cooking conditions.
2. Create a velvety sauce foundation by melting butter in a medium saucepan, introducing minced garlic and allowing aromatic notes to develop.
3. Develop a smooth roux by incorporating flour and whisking continuously, ensuring no lumps form during the initial cooking stage.
4. Transform the base into a creamy liquid by gradually introducing chicken broth and milk, stirring methodically to maintain silky texture.
5. Enhance sauce complexity by integrating Dijon mustard, Bouillon powder, and Parmesan cheese, seasoning with salt and pepper to elevate flavor profile.
6. Allow sauce to thicken and concentrate flavors, maintaining gentle heat and consistent stirring for approximately 5 minutes.
7. Construct casserole layers strategically in a 2-quart dish, arranging broccoli as the foundational element, followed by precisely chopped chicken and ham.
8. Distribute Swiss cheese evenly across layered ingredients to ensure balanced melting and flavor distribution.
9. Pour prepared Dijon cream sauce uniformly, ensuring complete coverage of layered components.
10. Craft a crisp topping by combining Panko breadcrumbs with melted butter, creating a golden, textural crown for the casserole.
11. Sprinkle breadcrumb mixture generously across the surface, promoting even browning and crunch.
12. Transfer casserole to preheated oven, allowing 25-30 minutes of cooking time until top achieves golden-brown coloration and interior becomes effervescent.
13. Optional final touch involves garnishing with freshly chopped parsley to introduce vibrant color and herbaceous notes.
14. Serve immediately while temperature and texture remain optimal for maximum culinary enjoyment.

Notes

• Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts for a leaner and quicker cooking option.
• Pound chicken to an even thickness to ensure uniform cooking and better sauce absorption.
• Substitute ham with turkey ham or prosciutto for a different flavor profile or dietary preference.
• For a gluten-free version, replace wheat flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend in the sauce.
• Use low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels and accommodate heart-healthy diets.
• Enhance flavor by adding a pinch of smoked paprika or dried thyme to the cream sauce.
• Prep ingredients ahead of time to streamline the cooking process and reduce day-of stress.
• Swap broccoli with cauliflower or mixed vegetables for variety and added nutrition.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg