EASY CHICKEN CORDON BLEU CASSEROLE

Imagine the comforting aroma of melted Swiss cheese mingling with savory ham and tender chicken, all baked to golden perfection in a creamy sauce. This Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole takes the classic flavors you love and transforms them into an easy, crowd-pleasing dish that’s ready in under an hour – trust me, it’s a weeknight winner!

Let’s Gather Our Ingredients!

Here’s what you’ll need to create this delightful Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole. Don’t worry, it’s mostly pantry staples!

For the Casserole:

• 4 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed (rotisserie chicken works great!)
• 8 ounces cooked ham, cubed
• 8 ounces Swiss cheese, shredded, divided
• 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup butter-flavored crackers, crushed (Ritz are perfect!)
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• Optional: 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions: Easy Cordon Blue Chicken Casserole

Ready to get cooking? This Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe is so simple, even beginner cooks can master it.

Getting Started:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.

Assembling the Casserole:

2. In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, ham, and half of the shredded Swiss cheese (about 4 ounces).
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the condensed cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, Dijon mustard, and black pepper.
4. Pour the soup mixture over the chicken and ham mixture and stir until everything is well combined.
5. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.

The Cracker Topping:

6. In a small bowl, combine the crushed crackers and melted butter. Mix well.
7. Sprinkle the remaining shredded Swiss cheese over the chicken mixture in the baking dish.
8. Top with the buttered cracker crumbs, spreading them evenly over the cheese.

Baking Time:

9. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through, the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the topping is golden brown.
10. Let the casserole stand for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.

Tips and Tricks for the Best Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

I’ve made this casserole countless times, and I’ve picked up a few tricks along the way to ensure it turns out perfectly every time.

• Chicken Choices: You can use leftover cooked chicken, rotisserie chicken, or even canned chicken (drained well) for this recipe. Using rotisserie chicken from the store makes this one of my go-to Fast Dinners!
• Ham Variations: Feel free to substitute the ham with turkey or prosciutto for a different flavor profile.
• Cheese, Please!: While Swiss cheese is traditional, you can experiment with other cheeses like Gruyere or even a blend of Swiss and mozzarella.
• Cracker Considerations: If you don’t have butter-flavored crackers, you can use regular crackers and add a pinch of salt to the melted butter. Panko breadcrumbs also work well.
• Make-Ahead Magic: You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Add the cracker topping just before baking. This is a lifesaver when you’re prepping for a potluck or family gathering.
• Spice it Up: For a little kick, add a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the soup mixture.

Making it Your Own: Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about casseroles is how easily you can customize them to suit your tastes and dietary needs. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Vegetable Boost: Add some steamed broccoli florets, asparagus, or green beans to the casserole for added nutrients and flavor. A similar flavor profile can be found in Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole.
• Creamier Consistency: For an extra creamy casserole, add a tablespoon or two of cream cheese to the soup mixture.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free crackers for the topping and make sure your soup is gluten-free.
• Lower-Fat Version: Use light sour cream and reduced-fat cream of chicken soup to cut down on the fat content. You could also use chicken breast instead of chicken thighs.
• Herb Power: Add fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or chives to the casserole for a more complex flavor.

What to Serve with Your Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

This Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs well with a variety of side dishes.

• Salad Sensations: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette is a refreshing counterpoint to the richness of the casserole.
• Steamed Vegetables: Steamed asparagus, green beans, or broccoli are healthy and delicious additions to the meal.
• Garlic Bread Goodness: Crispy garlic bread or rolls are perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
• Roasted Root Vegetables: Roasted carrots, potatoes, or sweet potatoes add a touch of sweetness and earthiness to the meal.
• Fruit Salad: A light and refreshing fruit salad is a great way to end the meal on a sweet note.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

If you have any leftovers (which is unlikely!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can microwave individual portions or bake the entire casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. You might want to cover it with foil to prevent the topping from burning.

Other Casserole Recipes You Might Enjoy

If you’re a fan of easy casserole dinners, here are a few other recipes you might want to try:

• Chicken Casserole Recipe: A classic comfort food that’s always a hit.
• Chicken Parmesan Casserole: All the flavors of chicken parmesan in an easy-to-make casserole.
• Rotisserie Chicken Casserole: Another great way to use up rotisserie chicken.
• Chicken Spaghetti Casserole: A fun and flavorful twist on a classic dish.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe

I know there are tons of Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe options out there, but trust me, this one is special. It’s:

• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, this casserole is perfect for busy weeknights.
• Crowd-Pleasing: Everyone loves the classic flavors of chicken cordon bleu, and this casserole is sure to be a hit with the whole family.
• Versatile: You can easily customize this recipe to suit your tastes and dietary needs.
• Comforting: This casserole is warm, cheesy, and oh-so-satisfying – perfect for a cozy night in.
• Budget-Friendly: This recipe uses affordable ingredients that you probably already have on hand.

Final Thoughts on Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

So, there you have it – my go-to recipe for Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole. I hope you enjoy making and eating it as much as I do! Remember, cooking should be fun and stress-free, so don’t be afraid to experiment and make this recipe your own. Happy cooking!