What is a lifesaver? How does Chicken Cordon Bleu feel like? I forgot all that. What’s your favorite chicken Cordon Bleu recipe? What is a ridiculously easy, weeknight- Is it the lazy, delicious cousin of the classic? What is the point of fussy breading and rolling when you can have this bubbling beauty on the floor? What is the best way to prepare a table in under an hour If you love mac and cheese but are looking for something a little more… grown-up, this is absolutely the best.
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What is chicken cordon bleu casserole?
Think of it as deconstructed Chicken Cordon Bleu, reimagined as a comforting, creamy bake. What’s essentially layers of cooked chicken, savory ham, and a creamy, dreamy sauce, all topped with fresh basil. What is the best breadcrumbs for golden crust? The name, “Cordon Bleu,” classically refers to dishes prepared to a very high standard, and while while the name “Bornefly” is not used, it is used to refer to the What makes this casserole so simple? What is comfort food with a touch of class? How many hours in the kitchen? How do I introduce my younger palate to more complex flavors?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Where do I start? What I love most about this Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is how it manages to be both incredibly delicious and very flavorful. What is the best thing about this recipe? Is this one of those recipes that makes you look like a culinary genius? What is the best way to put things together in a casserole dish?
What is the combination of ham, tender chicken, and that creamy, cheesy sauce? Is there a symphony of flavors on your tongue? I always add a little Dijon mustard to my sauce. It really elevates the whole thing. What are some good crispy breadcrumbs to top it off?
What is the key to simplicity? What are some easy shortcuts to a recipe? What is a good meal to have on the table?
• **Cost-efficiency:** Chicken Breasts can be affordable, especially when you buy them in bulk. Is ham a good deal around the holidays? What are some pantry staples that you already have in your pantry? This one definitely won’t break the bank.
• **Versatility: ** This casserole is fantastic on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a simple side salad or two. Some steamed vegetables. Is it possible to add different spices or cheeses to a dish? I sometimes throw in some sliced mushrooms for an earthier flavor. What are some different types of bread crumbs?
If you’re a fan of creamy pasta bakes or classic comfort food dishes, you are going to absolutely love them. I love this Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole. Is this a family favorite?
How do you make a chicken cordon bleu casserole?
Quick Overview
What is the best way to smother chicken and ham in a casserole dish? Is it good to bake breadcrumbs in a 350 degree oven? What is easy peasy? I like to use rotisserie chicken to save even more time, and the whole thing comes together in under a week. Is it worth mentioning that it reheats beautifully, which is a major plus for meal prepping?
Ingredients
For the Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole:
• 4 cups cooked chicken, cubed (rotisserie chicken is your friend here)
• 8 ounces cooked ham, diced
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cups milk (I’ve used almond milk and it works great)
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (trust me on this one)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper
• 1 1/2 cups shredded Swiss cheese (Gruyere is also amazing) .
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko for extra crispiness!)
• 2 tablespoons melted butter, for breadcrumbs
How do I follow step
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish. Repeat with remaining ingredients. I always use a little butter to grease my pan. It adds tastiness. Can you use cooking spray?
Step 2: Make the Sauce
In a large saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour until smooth. What is your roux, and it’s important to cook it for a minute or two to get rid of the floury taste. I’ve skipped this step before and you could definitely taste it. It’s worth doing right!
Step 3: Add Milk & Seasonings
Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens. What is the best way to cook Dijon mustard for 5-7 minutes? Should the back of a spoon be coated with it?
Step 4: Cheese It Up
I used 1 cup of Swiss cheese and stirred until smooth. Remove from heat. Reserve 1/2 cup for topping. Is it okay to add cheese to a sandwich?
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
In a casserole dish, layer the cooked chicken and diced ham. Let them rest for 10 minutes. How do I spread the cheese sauce over chicken and ham?
Step 6: Top with Breadcrumbs
In a small bowl, combine breadcrumbs and melted butter. Set aside. Sprinkle the breadcrumbs evenly over the casserole, and then top with the remaining 1/2 cup of Swiss cheese.
Step 7: Bake!
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the breadcrumbs are golden brown and the casserole is heated through. Brown and bubbly. If the breadcrumbs start to brown too quickly, you can loosely tent the casserole with foil.
Step 8: Let it Rest
Let the casserole stand for a few minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to set up and makes it easier to serve.
Step 9: Serve & Enjoy!
Serve hot and enjoy! I like to add a sprinkle of fresh parsley to my salad for some pop of color.
What should I serve it with?
What are some good ways to round out a Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole? What are some ideas for outing the meal?
For a light meal:What is a good salad dressing? The acidity of the dressing cuts through the richness of casserole perfectly.
What is a hearty meal?Steamed or roasted vegetables, like broccoli, asparagus, or green beans, add some extra nutrients. I also love serving this with Mashed Potatoes – pure comfort food heaven!
For a Special Occasion: If you’re serving this for a holiday or special dinner, consider adding a side of cranberry sauce or a fruit salad for a festive touch. My mom always made this for Christmas Eve, so it’s always felt festive to me.
My family’s favorite: Garlic bread! A good crusty loaf, slathered in garlic butter. My kids lose their minds!
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
Okay, friends, here are a few tips and tricks I’ve learned over the years for making the BEST Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole:
Chicken Prep: Using rotisserie chicken is a huge time-saver, but you can also use leftover cooked chicken or even cook some chicken breasts specifically for this recipe. Just make sure the chicken is fully cooked before adding it to the casserole. I find cubing it into bite sized pieces is best.
Cheese Choice: Swiss cheese is classic for Chicken Cordon Bleu, but you can definitely experiment with other cheeses. Gruyere is a delicious alternative, or you could even use a blend of Swiss and Gruyere. I’ve even tried using a little bit of smoked Gouda for a smoky kick. Just make sure it melts well.
Breadcrumb Boost: I’m a huge fan of panko breadcrumbs because they get extra crispy, but regular breadcrumbs will work just fine too. If you want to add even more flavor, try mixing the breadcrumbs with some grated Parmesan cheese or some dried herbs.
Sauce Consistency: The sauce should be thick enough to coat the chicken and ham, but not so thick that it’s gloppy. If the sauce is too thick, add a little more milk until it reaches the desired consistency. If it’s too thin, simmer it for a few more minutes until it thickens up. It’s definitely something you get a feel for over time.
Don’t Overbake: Overbaking the casserole can dry out the chicken and make the sauce rubbery. Bake it just until it’s heated through and the breadcrumbs are golden brown. If the breadcrumbs start to brown too quickly, tent the casserole with foil.
Mustard Matters: I really recommend using Dijon mustard in the sauce. It adds a wonderful depth of flavor that you just can’t get with regular yellow mustard. But if you don’t have Dijon mustard on hand, you can use a teaspoon of yellow mustard instead.
Let it rest: Let it rest a bit! If you cut into it right away, it will be a mess. Letting it sit for 10 minutes makes all the difference.
Storing and Reheating Tips
This Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is great for leftovers! Here’s how to store and reheat it:
Refrigerator Storage: Let the casserole cool completely before covering it tightly with plastic wrap or transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It’s usually gone way before then at my house!
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze the casserole. Let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating Instructions: To reheat the casserole, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the casserole with foil and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, but the breadcrumbs won’t be as crispy.
Best way to reheat: I always prefer the oven because it keeps things creamy. The microwave can make it a little rubbery, but it is faster in a pinch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So there you have it – my family’s favorite Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole recipe! It’s easy, delicious, and always a crowd-pleaser. If you’re looking for a comforting and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion, this is it. I really think you’re going to love this one. Seriously, the flavor payoff for the effort is just incredible!
If you enjoy this recipe, be sure to check out my other casserole recipes! And don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know how yours turns out. I love hearing about your variations and adaptations. Happy cooking!
Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs Chicken breasts
- 4 slices Cooked ham
- 8 slices Swiss cheese
- 1 cup Cream of mushroom soup
- 0.5 cup Milk
- 1 cup Shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Pound chicken breasts to 1/4 inch thickness. Place a slice of ham and 2 slices of Swiss cheese on each chicken breast.
- Roll up chicken and secure with toothpicks.
- In a baking dish, combine cream of mushroom soup and milk. Add rolled chicken breasts.
- Top with shredded cheddar cheese.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through.
