The whisper of childhood comfort food, elevated. This isn’t just another casserole; it’s a deconstructed Chicken Cordon Bleu, reimagined for weeknight ease without sacrificing a single ounce of that classic, comforting flavor.
Imagine layers of tender chicken, salty ham, and melty Swiss cheese, all nestled in a creamy, dreamy sauce and topped with golden, buttery breadcrumbs. This Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is pure, unadulterated comfort, ready to become a new family favorite.
The Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Difference
- Bold Reason 1 (Texture/Flavor): The combination of creamy sauce, savory ham, and crispy breadcrumbs creates a symphony of textures and flavors that’s both comforting and exciting.
- Bold Reason 2 (Technique): This recipe simplifies the classic Chicken Cordon Bleu by transforming it into an easy-to-assemble casserole, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Bold Reason 3 (Result): You get all the deliciousness of Chicken Cordon Bleu without the fuss, resulting in a crowd-pleasing dish that’s sure to impress.
The Essential Components
Quality ingredients are the foundation of any great dish, and this Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is no exception. Using the best possible ingredients will elevate the flavors and create a truly memorable meal. Don’t skimp on the cheese or the ham!
- Cooked Chicken: 3 cups, shredded or diced (*Pre-cooked rotisserie chicken makes this recipe incredibly easy.*)
- Cooked Ham: 8 ounces, diced (*Adds a salty, savory counterpoint to the creamy sauce.*)
- Swiss Cheese: 4 ounces, shredded (*Essential for that classic Chicken Cordon Bleu flavor.*)
- Cream of Chicken Soup: 1 (10.75 ounce) can (*Forms the base of the creamy sauce.*)
- Sour Cream: 1/2 cup (*Adds tang and richness to the sauce.*)
- Mayonnaise: 1/4 cup (*Contributes to the creamy texture and flavor.*)
- Dijon Mustard: 1 tablespoon (*Provides a subtle tang and depth of flavor.*)
- Garlic Powder: 1/2 teaspoon (*Enhances the savory notes of the dish.*)
- Onion Powder: 1/2 teaspoon (*Adds a subtle onion flavor.*)
- Salt and Pepper: To taste (*Seasoning is crucial for bringing out the flavors.*)
- Breadcrumbs: 1 cup, plain or panko (*Creates a crispy topping.*)
- Melted Butter: 4 tablespoons (*Adds richness and helps the breadcrumbs brown.*)
- Fresh Parsley: 2 tablespoons, chopped (*Adds freshness and a pop of color.*)
Pantry Substitutions
- No Swiss Cheese? Use Gruyere or provolone for a similar nutty, melty flavor.
- Out of Cream of Chicken Soup? Make a simple white sauce with chicken broth and cream, seasoned with herbs and spices.
- Don’t have Sour Cream? Plain Greek yogurt is a great substitute, adding a similar tang.
- No Breadcrumbs? Crushed crackers or potato chips can provide a crispy topping.
- No Dijon Mustard? Yellow mustard will work in a pinch, but Dijon adds a more complex flavor.
Chef’s Twists
Want to take your Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole to the next level? Here are a few ideas to elevate the flavors and make it your own.
- Add a layer of sautéed mushrooms: Sauté sliced mushrooms with garlic and thyme and layer them into the casserole for an earthy flavor boost.
- Spice it up with a pinch of cayenne pepper: A little heat can add a surprising and delicious twist to this classic dish.
- Use different cheeses: Experiment with different cheeses like Gruyere, Fontina, or even a smoked Gouda for a unique flavor profile.
- Top with crispy fried onions: Add a layer of crispy fried onions on top of the breadcrumbs for extra crunch and flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
This Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is surprisingly easy to make. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious and comforting meal on the table in no time. The whole process takes about an hour, including prep and baking time.
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Dish
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. This ensures the casserole doesn’t stick and makes for easy cleanup.
2. Combine the Filling Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, ham, Swiss cheese, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed. This is the heart of your casserole, so make sure everything is well combined.
3. Transfer to the Baking Dish
Pour the chicken mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. This creates a uniform base for the topping.
4. Prepare the Breadcrumb Topping
In a separate bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, melted butter, and fresh parsley. Toss to coat the breadcrumbs evenly with the butter and parsley. This ensures a golden and flavorful topping.
5. Sprinkle the Topping
Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the chicken mixture in the baking dish. The breadcrumbs will create a crispy, golden crust as the casserole bakes.
6. Bake the Casserole
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and the breadcrumbs are golden brown. Keep an eye on it to prevent the breadcrumbs from burning.
7. Let it Rest
Let the casserole stand for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and makes it easier to serve.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Bold Warning 1: Overbaking: Overbaking can dry out the chicken and make the breadcrumbs too hard. Keep an eye on the casserole and remove it from the oven when the breadcrumbs are golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
- Bold Warning 2: Not Seasoning Properly: Seasoning is crucial for bringing out the flavors of the dish. Don’t be afraid to taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
- Bold Warning 3: Using Cold Ingredients: Using cold ingredients can increase the baking time and result in an unevenly cooked casserole. Allow the ingredients to come to room temperature before mixing them together.
Best Sides
This Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs perfectly with a variety of side dishes. Here are a few ideas to complete your menu.
- Green Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the casserole.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts are a healthy and flavorful side dish.
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic pairing with Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole.
- Steamed Green Beans: Steamed green beans with a sprinkle of almonds are a simple and elegant side dish.
- Crusty Bread: Serve with crusty bread for soaking up the delicious sauce.
If you’re looking for other comforting casserole recipes, you might also enjoy Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe or even a lighter Chicken Casserole Keto version. And for a classic, you can’t go wrong with a Chicken Casserole Recipe. Of course, if you want to try the original, there’s always Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole. Or, for a slightly different take, try this Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole.
Thanks for stopping by! I hope this dish brings joy to your table.
What makes this Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole different from the classic dish?
This casserole simplifies the classic Chicken Cordon Bleu by transforming it into an easy-to-assemble casserole, perfect for busy weeknights, while still retaining the original flavor.
What are some good substitutions if I’m missing ingredients?
If you don’t have Swiss cheese, use Gruyere or provolone. For Cream of Chicken soup, make a white sauce with chicken broth and cream. Plain Greek yogurt can replace sour cream, and crushed crackers or potato chips can substitute for breadcrumbs. Yellow mustard can be used instead of Dijon, but Dijon offers a more complex flavor.
What are some ways to add a twist to the Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole?
You can add a layer of sautéed mushrooms, spice it up with a pinch of cayenne pepper, use different cheeses like Gruyere or smoked Gouda, or top with crispy fried onions.
What are some common mistakes to avoid when making this casserole?
Avoid overbaking the casserole, ensure proper seasoning, and use ingredients that are at room temperature for even cooking.
Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
Equipment
- 9×13 inch baking dish
- Large bowl
- Small bowl
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Oven
- Spoon or spatula
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 8 ounces cooked ham, diced
- 4 ounces Swiss cheese, shredded
- ½ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- 1 cup breadcrumbs, plain or panko
- 4 tablespoons melted butter
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, ham, Swiss cheese, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Pour the chicken mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
- In a separate bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, melted butter, and fresh parsley. Toss to coat the breadcrumbs evenly.
- Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the chicken mixture in the baking dish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and the breadcrumbs are golden brown.
- Let the casserole stand for 5-10 minutes before serving.
