Are you craving the elegant flavors of classic Chicken Cordon Bleu but without all the fuss? This easy chicken cordon bleu casserole brings that beloved taste right to your dinner table in a simple, family-friendly bake. We transform the traditional rolled dish into a hearty, comforting casserole that is perfect for busy weeknights. Get ready to discover a quick and delicious meal that everyone will adore.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
This simplified take on a classic is sure to become a family favorite. You’ll love this creamy, cheesy chicken cordon bleu casserole for so many reasons:
- Quick Prep Time: You only need about 5 minutes of active kitchen time. This recipe is perfect for busy schedules!
- Delicious Comfort Food: Enjoy the classic flavors of chicken, ham, and Swiss cheese in a rich, creamy sauce. It’s pure comfort in a dish.
- Weeknight Winner: This casserole is an ideal solution for easy weeknight dinners. It also scales beautifully for gatherings.
- Versatile & Adaptable: Easily swap ingredients based on what you have. This flexibility makes meal planning a breeze.
- Freezer-Friendly Option: Prepare it ahead and freeze for a convenient meal later. For detailed information on safely storing and reheating make-ahead meals, consult the USDA guidelines on freezing cooked foods. This is great for meal prepping.
Ingredients
Gather your simple ingredients to create this fantastic chicken cordon bleu casserole. Each component contributes to the rich, savory flavor profile.
- 5 1/2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
- 2 cups cubed ham
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (add more to taste)
- 1 1/4 cups shredded Swiss cheese (5 ounces)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup Panko bread crumbs
- 2 tablespoons butter (melted)
Notes & Substitutions
You can easily adapt this casserole to suit your preferences or what you have on hand. Don’t hesitate to experiment with these simple swaps.
- Chicken: No rotisserie chicken? Use about 2 pounds of cooked chicken breasts or thighs. Simply shred or dice them.
- Ham: Any cooked ham works wonderfully. Try deli ham, leftover holiday ham, or pre-packaged diced smoked ham.
- Cheese: Gruyere, mozzarella, or provolone make excellent substitutes for Swiss cheese. You can also use a blend.
- Mustard: Adjust the Dijon amount to your taste. A teaspoon of yellow mustard works too, or omit it if preferred.
- Lemon Juice: This brightens the sauce beautifully. Ensure your milk is warm when adding it to prevent any curdling.
- Flour: For a gluten-free option, use cornstarch or xantham gum as a thickener. Adjust quantities as needed.
- Panko: If you don’t have Panko, use crushed crackers, regular breadcrumbs, or even stuffing mix for the topping.
Equipment
You won’t need many specialized tools for this recipe. Just a few basic kitchen items will get the job done.
- 9×13 inch casserole dish
- Large saucepan
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Small bowl
How to Make Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
Making this chicken cordon bleu casserole is straightforward and quick, even for beginner cooks. Just follow these easy steps to a delicious meal.
- Prepare the Oven and Dish: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 C). Spray a 9×13 inch casserole dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Layer the Base: Spread the shredded rotisserie chicken evenly across the bottom of the prepared casserole dish.
- Add Ham: Layer the cubed ham directly on top of the chicken, ensuring it is distributed well.
- Make the Cheese Sauce:
- In a large saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat.
- Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the melted butter. Whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes until the mixture forms a dry, clumpy roux.
- Slowly whisk in the milk, a little at a time, until completely smooth.
- Stir in the Dijon mustard, lemon juice, garlic powder, and salt.
- Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, whisking constantly, for 3-5 minutes until it thickens significantly.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the shredded Swiss cheese and grated Parmesan cheese until both are fully melted and incorporated. Taste the sauce and add more salt if desired.
- Pour this creamy cheese sauce evenly over the chicken and ham mixture in the casserole dish.
- Prepare the Topping: In a small bowl, combine the 1 cup of Panko breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Stir them together until the Panko is thoroughly coated.
- Sprinkle Topping: Distribute the buttered Panko mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake: Place the uncovered casserole dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the breadcrumbs are golden brown and the casserole is bubbly around the edges.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to set slightly.
Pro Tips for the Best Casserole
Achieving a perfect creamy sauce and crispy topping is easy with these simple tips.
- Warm Your Milk: Use warm milk for your cheese sauce to help prevent lumps and ensure a smoother consistency. Understanding the impact of milk temperature on sauce consistency can help you achieve a perfectly smooth result, as explained by the culinary science behind smooth sauces.
- Whisk Constantly: When making the roux and adding milk, whisk continuously to avoid lumps and achieve a silky sauce.
- Season to Taste: Always taste your cheese sauce before pouring it over the chicken and ham. Adjust salt or Dijon as needed.
- Don’t Skip the Panko: The crispy Panko topping adds essential texture. It’s a delightful contrast to the creamy interior.
- Add Panko Last: To prevent a soggy topping, add the buttered Panko right before the casserole goes into the oven.
Serving Suggestions & Variations
This chicken cordon bleu casserole is wonderfully versatile. You can enjoy it on its own or pair it with various sides to create a complete meal.
- Classic Sides: Serve alongside a crisp green salad, like a Caesar salad, or complement it with steamed green beans or roasted asparagus.
- Heartier Options: For a more substantial meal, spoon the casserole over cooked pasta (such as spaghetti, egg noodles, or macaroni) or fluffy white rice.
- Added Veggies: Mix in a cup of steamed green beans or frozen peas with the chicken and ham layer for extra nutrition and color.
- Flavor Boosts: Introduce a pinch of cayenne pepper for a subtle kick, or a dash of onion powder to deepen the savory notes in the sauce.
- Creamy Additions: For an even richer sauce, stir a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese into the cheese sauce before pouring.
- Crumb Topping Twist: Enhance your Panko topping by mixing in a tablespoon of grated Parmesan cheese or a sprinkle of dried herbs like parsley or chives.
- Hearty Base: For a filling breakfast-for-dinner or a truly substantial meal, layer shredded hash browns under the chicken.
Nutrition Information
Please note that the following nutrition information is an estimate. It is calculated based on the provided ingredients and assumes 8 servings. Actual values may vary depending on specific brands and preparation methods.
This casserole offers a hearty and satisfying meal, providing a good source of protein and calcium. Enjoy in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
| Nutrient | Per Serving (Estimated) |
|---|---|
| Servings | 8 |
| Prep Time | 5 minutes |
| Cook Time | 40 minutes |
| Calories | Approx. 580-620 |
| Protein | Approx. 45-50g |
| Fat | Approx. 35-40g |
| Carbs | Approx. 20-25g |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use raw chicken?
No, the chicken needs to be fully cooked and shredded before adding it to the casserole. This ensures it heats through properly without drying out.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the entire chicken cordon bleu casserole up to 24 hours in advance. Cover it tightly and refrigerate; add the Panko topping just before baking for best results.
Can I freeze Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole?
Absolutely! Assemble the casserole (without the Panko topping), cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then add topping and bake.
How do I prevent the cheese sauce from curdling?
Use warm milk, add it gradually while whisking, and ensure the sauce doesn’t come to a rolling boil after the cheese is added. Remove it from heat to stir in the cheese.
What kind of ham should I use?
Any cooked ham works! Deli ham, leftover holiday ham, or even pre-packaged diced smoked ham are all great choices for this recipe.
Can I make this lower carb?
Yes, you can substitute the flour with a low-carb thickener like xanthan gum (use sparingly). For the topping, use crushed pork rinds or omit it entirely.
Conclusion
This easy chicken cordon bleu casserole is a brilliant way to enjoy a classic dish with minimal effort. It delivers all the comforting, savory flavors you love in a simple, straightforward recipe perfect for any night of the week. Rose Stayon’s mission of making baking simple for busy parents and beginners truly shines through with this delightful and easy-to-follow meal. Give this recipe a try tonight and share your experience in the comments below! We’d love to hear how it turned out for you.