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