Description
Comfort meets elegance in this chicken cordon bleu casserole, blending Swiss cheese, tender chicken, and crispy ham into a mouthwatering masterpiece. Home cooks craving a delightful dinner will savor each creamy, indulgent bite of this classic French-inspired dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Protein:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and diced
- 8 ounces (226 grams) cooked ham, diced
Cheese:
- 2 cups shredded Swiss cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Additional Ingredients:
- 1 can (10.5 ounces / 298 grams) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Topping:
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
Instructions
- Prepare the oven environment by heating to 350°F and coating a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
- Create a flavor base by whisking cream of chicken soup, sour cream, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl until smooth and well-integrated.
- Fold diced chicken, chopped ham, shredded Swiss cheese, and cheddar cheese into the creamy sauce, ensuring each ingredient is thoroughly coated and distributed evenly.
- Transfer the mixed ingredients to the prepared baking dish, spreading the mixture into a uniform layer for consistent cooking and flavor distribution.
- Melt butter and toss with breadcrumbs until they achieve a golden, slightly damp texture that will crisp beautifully during baking.
- Sprinkle the buttered breadcrumbs across the casserole’s surface, creating a textured and appetizing golden-brown topping.
- Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, monitoring until the edges bubble and the breadcrumb layer turns a rich, golden color.
- Remove from oven and allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes, which helps set the creamy texture and makes serving easier.
- Optional: Garnish with fresh parsley or chopped herbs to add a bright, fresh element to the rich, comforting dish.
Notes
- Swap breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives like crushed pork rinds or almond flour for those with gluten sensitivities.
- Use rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken to save time and add extra flavor to the casserole.
- Reduce sodium by choosing low-sodium ham and cream of chicken soup, perfect for heart-conscious individuals.
- Create a lighter version by substituting Greek yogurt for sour cream and using reduced-fat cheeses without compromising taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 570
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 1020 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg