What is comfort food magic? Remember those nights when your mom would make Chicken Cordon Bleu? What is the best thing about the crispy breading, the melty cheese, and the savory ham? What is the best way to spend a busy weeknight?Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole.What do you love about a classic dish? What is casserole form? Is Chicken Cordon Bleu’s chill, laid back cousin? Is lasagna of poultry a good dish? I almost like it better than regular chicken cordon bleu – almost!

What is chicken cordon bleu casserole?

What is the meaning of “What”isWhat is a Cordon Bleu Casserole? What are the components of a classic chicken Cordon Bleu? Swiss cheese – but instead of carefully layering and breading individual cutlets, we’re tossing it. All together in a casserole dish and baking it to golden-brown perfection. Think of it as a deconstructed Chicken Cordon Bleu that’s way less fussy but just as satisfying. As I understand it, “Cordon Bleu” refers to dishes prepared with ham and cheese – classic, as I know it. Is it comfort food? Is it possible to do something even when you’re short on time? My version takes a few shortcuts but I think it delivers on the taste.

Why you’ll love this recipe?

Where do I start? Why is this Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole a winner in my book? First and foremost, the human race.What is the best flavor in the world. You’ve got the savory chicken, the salty ham, and the nutty Swiss cheese all melding together in a creamy, decadent sauce. It’s a symphony of flavors that’ll have you coming back for seconds (and maybe even thirds!). Then, there’s the simplicityWhat are some of the easiest casseroles to make? Is it a lifesaver? No fancy techniques, no complicated steps – just toss everything together and bake.cost-efficient; you probably have most of the ingredients in your fridge or pantry already. Is ground chicken the most budget friendly choice in this recipe? Can you use leftover cooked chicken to cut down on prep time and ingredient costs? Let’s talk about the world. Let us talkversatilityWhat is a great casserole to serve as main course? Can you customize it to your liking by adding different vegetables or cheeses? What I love about this is how easy it is to double or triple the recipe for a crowd. What is a great alternative to traditional casseroles? What is the best bean Casserole Recipe? I think this dish makes weeknights easier and tastes absolutely fantastic.

How do I make a chicken casserole with Cordon Bleu?

Quick Overview

Making this Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is surprisingly simple. You’ll start by prepping your ingredients: dicing the chicken, ham, and cheese, and making a simple creamy sauce. Then, you’ll layer everything in a casserole dish and bake until bubbly and golden brown. The whole process takes less than an hour, and the results are guaranteed to impress. The beauty of this recipe lies in its forgiving nature – you can easily adjust the ingredients and quantities to suit your taste and preferences. I’ve also found that using rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut. It’s a no-fuss, delicious way to get dinner on the table quickly!

Ingredients

For the Main Casserole:
5 lbs boneless, skinless Chicken Breasts, cooked and diced (or shredded rotisserie chicken) – Is this a good recipe? I prefer using chicken breasts for a leaner option, but you can also use boneless, skinless chicken. For a richer flavor, use thighs.
* 8 oz cooked ham, diced – Honey & Black Forest combines for a touch of sweetness.
* 4 oz Swiss cheese, shredded – Gruyere is another great option for its nutty flavor and excellent melting properties.
* 1 (10.75 oz) can condensed cream of chicken soup – This is the base of our creamy sauce.
* 1/2 cup milk – Whole milk will give you the richest sauce, but you can use 2% or skim milk to make a thicker sauce. I tested this with almond milk once and it was still super creamy!
* 1/4 cup mayonnaise – This adds a bit of tang and richness to the sauce.
* 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard – For a bit of a kick.
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper – Freshly ground is always best!
* 1 cup seasoned bread crumbs – Panko breadcrumbs will give you the crispiest topping. I sometimes mix in a little Parmesan cheese for added flavor.
* 2 tablespoons butter, melted – For drizzling over the bread crumbs.
What is the best garnish for parsley?

What are the steps to

Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating, grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish with cooking spray or butter. How do you prevent a casserole from sticking to the bottom? I always use a glass dish because I find it distributes the heat more evenly. Give it a good coating! Don’t skimp.

Step 2: Mix Chicken, Ham and Cheese

In a large bowl, combine the diced chicken, ham, and shredded Swiss cheese. Set aside. Toss gently to combine. Make sure the chicken and ham are evenly distributed. I don’t want to eat chicken or ham! This step is super quick, making the whole process a breeze. How do I make this step ahead of time and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to use it? How do I prepare a casserole?

Step 3: Prepare the Cream Sauce

In a separate bowl, whisk together the condensed cream of chicken soup, milk, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and salt. Set aside. How do you mix mustard, black pepper, and black vinegar until smooth. How do you get rid of lumps in soup? Taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings as needed. If you like a bit more tang, add an extra dollop of Dijon mustard. If you want it creamier, add a splash more milk. Remember that personal preference is key.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

Pour the cream sauce over the chicken, ham, and cheese mixture in the bowl. Gently stir everything together until well combined. Make sure all the ingredients are evenly coated with the sauce. Do not overmix chicken. This can make it tough. Just fold everything together until it’s well distributed. Where do all those delicious flavors come together?

Step 5: Layer in Dish

How do you spread the mixture in a casserole dish? How do I cook everything evenly? If you’re feeling fancy, you can create a slight mound in the center for more visually appealing. How long does it take for food to taste good? If you want to make it look pretty, you can use a spatula to smooth out the top.

Step 6: Add Bread Crumb Topping

In a small bowl, combine the seasoned bread crumbs and melted butter. Toss until the bread crumbs are evenly coated with butter. Sprinkle the bread crumb mixture evenly over the top of the casserole. The bread crumbs will add a lovely golden-brown crust and a delightful crunch to the finished dish. I sometimes add a little grated Parmesan cheese to the bread crumbs for extra flavor.

Step 7: Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly. Are golden brown? Keep an eye on it towards the end of the baking time to make sure the bread crumbs don’t burn. If they start to get too dark, you can loosely cover the casserole with foil. If a toothpick is inserted into the center of the tooth, it should come out clean.

Step 8: Rest and Serve

Remove from the oven and let stand for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the casserole to set slightly and makes it easier to cut and serve. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired. What are some of the best ways to add fresh parsley to your salad?

What should I serve it with?

What is a Cordon Bleu Casserole recipe? What are some of the best sides to What is a simple green salad? Steamed green beans or asparagus are also good options. For a more substantial meal, you can serve it with mashed potatoes or rice. What’s a good side to serve with garlic bread? I think a crisp white wine would pair well, something like Pinot Grigio.

What’s a good weeknight dinner?Serve with a side salad and crusty bread. This keeps things simple and balanced.

For a potluck or gathering:What is a good casserole to make for potlucks? Keep it warm in a Slow Cooker or insulated carrier.

For a more elegant meal: Serve with roasted asparagus and a side of wild rice. This elevates the dish and makes it suitable for a special occasion.

For a cozy night in: Pair with a glass of your favorite wine and a good movie. Comfort food at its finest!

Top Tips for Perfecting Your Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

Over the years, I’ve tweaked this recipe to perfection, and I’ve learned a few tricks along the way that I’m happy to share with you. The main thing is to be liberal with the cheese!:

Chicken Prep: Use cooked chicken for convenience. Rotisserie chicken is a great option. Just shred it and it’s ready to go. Also, make sure the chicken is diced into small, even pieces so that it distributes evenly throughout the casserole.

Ham Choice: Experiment with different types of ham. Honey ham adds a touch of sweetness, while black forest ham brings a smoky depth. Use what you have available!

Cheese: I highly recommend using freshy shredded cheese in this recipe rather than bagged shredded cheese! I’ve found that freshy shredded cheese melts better than the prepackaged option and just taste so much better. Use what you have available!

Sauce Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a little more milk until it reaches your desired consistency. I once accidentally added too much milk, and it turned out fine! The sauce will thicken as it bakes.

Bread Crumb Topping: For an extra crispy topping, broil the casserole for the last few minutes of baking time. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning!

Flavor Boost: Add a sprinkle of garlic powder or onion powder to the bread crumb topping for extra flavor.

Make-Ahead Tip: You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake it. Just add a few minutes to the baking time.

Storing and Reheating Tips

If you have any leftovers (which is rare in my house!), you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This casserole also freezes well. To freeze, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, then bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. I always add a fresh layer of breadcrumbs when reheating to perk it up again. Just cover with foil so it doesn’t burn!

Room Temperature: Do not leave at room temperature longer than 2 hours

Refrigerator Storage: Make sure to store in an airtight container and consume within 3-4 days.

Freezer Instructions: Cool completely, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and store for up to 2-3 months.

Glaze Timing Advice: To retain the same texture and add life back to the bread crumbs, add the topping when reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different cheeses, such as Gruyere, provolone, or even mozzarella. Just keep in mind that different cheeses have different melting properties and flavors, so adjust accordingly.

Can I add vegetables to this casserole?

Of course! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables to this casserole. Broccoli, peas, or mushrooms would all be great additions. Just make sure to cook them slightly before adding them to the casserole to prevent them from being too crunchy. I like to add frozen peas right into the main mixture before baking!

Can I use a different type of soup?

Yes, you can use a different type of soup if you prefer. Cream of mushroom soup or cream of celery soup would both be good alternatives to cream of chicken soup.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake it. Just add a few minutes to the baking time.

How do I prevent the bread crumbs from burning?

If the bread crumbs start to get too dark, you can loosely cover the casserole with foil during the last few minutes of baking time.

Final Thoughts

So, there you have it – my family’s favorite Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe! It’s easy, delicious, and perfect for any occasion. I hope you give it a try and let me know what you think. Trust me, this is one of those recipes that disappears in minutes, and the smell alone will bring everyone running to the kitchen. If you love this recipe, be sure to check out my other casserole recipes for more comforting and delicious meals! Happy cooking, friends! I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out. Please, leave a comment below! Share your experiences, rate this dish, and tell me if there are any changes you make.