ULTIMATE CHICKEN CORDON BLEU

I vividly remember my first attempt at Chicken Cordon Bleu. The individual chicken breasts were a lot of work! I thought there HAS to be an easier way to get that same delicious flavor profile. That’s when I started experimenting, and after many trials (and a few errors!), I finally cracked the code for the most amazing Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole – all the flavor, none of the fuss. Today, I’m sharing all my secrets for the most amazing Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole you’ll ever make!

Why You’ll Absolutely LOVE This Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

Okay, friends, let’s talk about why this Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is about to become a staple in your kitchen. Forget spending hours meticulously rolling and stuffing individual chicken breasts. This casserole delivers all the classic flavors of Chicken Cordon Bleu – that irresistible combination of juicy chicken, savory ham, and melty Swiss cheese, all bathed in a creamy, dreamy sauce – in a fraction of the time and with minimal effort. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll wonder why you ever bothered with the traditional method!

This casserole is perfect for busy weeknights when you need a comforting and satisfying meal on the table quickly. It’s also fantastic for potlucks, family gatherings, or any occasion where you want to impress without stressing. It’s a crowd-pleaser, guaranteed to disappear fast. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile – you can easily customize it to your liking with different cheeses, vegetables, or even a sprinkle of breadcrumbs for extra crunch. This recipe is truly a winner, and I’m so excited to share it with you!

The Ultimate Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe

Ready to dive in? Here’s everything you need to create this culinary masterpiece. Don’t be intimidated by the list – most of these ingredients are pantry staples, and the process is surprisingly simple.

Ingredients:

• Chicken: 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• Ham: 8 ounces cooked ham, diced
• Swiss Cheese: 8 ounces Swiss cheese, shredded (about 2 cups)
• Cream of Chicken Soup: 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup
• Sour Cream: 1 cup sour cream
• Mayonnaise: 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• Milk: 1/4 cup milk
• Dijon Mustard: 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Onion Powder: 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and Pepper: To taste
• Optional Topping: 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers mixed with 2 tablespoons melted butter

Equipment:

• 9×13 inch baking dish
• Large bowl
• Small bowl (for topping, if using)
• Measuring cups and spoons

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Make sure your oven rack is in the center position.
2. Prepare the baking dish. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray. This will prevent the casserole from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
3. Combine the chicken and ham. In a large bowl, combine the cubed chicken and diced ham. This is the foundation of your delicious casserole, so make sure everything is evenly distributed.
4. Add the cheese. Sprinkle the shredded Swiss cheese over the chicken and ham mixture. The cheese will melt beautifully and create that classic Chicken Cordon Bleu flavor.
5. Prepare the sauce. In a separate bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, mayonnaise, milk, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. The sauce should be smooth and creamy, with no lumps. Give it a taste and adjust the seasonings as needed.
6. Pour the sauce over the chicken mixture. Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken, ham, and cheese. Make sure the sauce coats all the ingredients thoroughly.
7. Mix gently. Gently stir everything together until well combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the chicken tough. You want everything coated, but not mashed.
8. Transfer to the baking dish. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
9. Add the optional topping (if using). In a small bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers and melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the casserole for a crispy, buttery crust. If you’re looking for other easy weeknight dinners, you should try my recipe for SMOTHERED CHICKEN.
10. Bake. Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the casserole is bubbly and golden brown. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
11. Let it rest. Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This will allow the sauce to thicken slightly and the flavors to meld together even more.
12. Serve and enjoy! Serve hot and enjoy! This casserole is delicious on its own, or you can serve it with a side of steamed vegetables, a fresh salad, or a crusty baguette.

Success Tips for the Perfect Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

Want to guarantee a flawless Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole every single time? Here are my top secret tips that will take your casserole from good to absolutely unforgettable!

• Don’t Overcook the Chicken: The key to juicy, tender chicken in this casserole is to avoid overcooking it. The chicken will continue to cook in the oven even after it’s removed, so aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Overcooked chicken will be dry and tough, and nobody wants that!
• Use High-Quality Ingredients: The quality of your ingredients will directly impact the flavor of your casserole. Choose good-quality chicken, ham, and Swiss cheese for the best results. Trust me, you’ll taste the difference!
• Grate Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often contains cellulose, which can prevent it from melting smoothly. For a perfectly melty and gooey casserole, shred your own Swiss cheese from a block.
• Customize Your Cheese: While Swiss cheese is the classic choice, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Gruyere, provolone, or even a blend of Swiss and Parmesan. Each cheese will add its own unique flavor dimension to the casserole.
• Make it Ahead: This casserole is perfect for making ahead of time. Assemble the casserole completely, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, remove the plastic wrap and bake as directed, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if necessary.

Variations and Substitutions: Make It Your Own!

The beauty of this Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is that it’s incredibly versatile. Feel free to get creative and customize it to your liking! Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Add Vegetables: Stir in some cooked broccoli florets, asparagus spears, or peas for added nutrition and flavor. You can also sauté some sliced mushrooms or onions and add them to the casserole.
• Use Different Meats: Substitute the ham with Canadian bacon, prosciutto, or even cooked turkey. Each meat will add its own unique flavor profile to the casserole.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little bit of heat. You can also use a spicy Dijon mustard or add a dash of hot sauce to the casserole. If you are having a party you can make these easy BUFFALO CHICKEN PINWHEELS.
• Make It Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free cream of chicken soup and gluten-free crackers for the topping.
• Add Breadcrumbs: If you don’t have Ritz crackers, you can use breadcrumbs for the topping. Toss the breadcrumbs with melted butter and some grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.

Serving Suggestions: Complete the Meal

This Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is a complete meal on its own, but it’s even better when served with some delicious side dishes. Here are a few of my favorite serving suggestions:

• Steamed Vegetables: Steamed broccoli, asparagus, green beans, or peas are all great choices for a healthy and colorful side dish.
• Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing is a perfect complement to the richness of the casserole.
• Crusty Bread: Serve with a crusty baguette or some warm dinner rolls for soaking up all that delicious sauce.
• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic pairing with Chicken Cordon Bleu.
• Rice Pilaf: A flavorful rice pilaf is another great option for a side dish. Perhaps you could also make CREAMY CHICKEN AND RICE.

Storing and Reheating: Enjoying Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, this Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole can be easily stored and reheated. Here’s how:

• Storing: Let the casserole cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating: You can reheat the casserole in the microwave or in the oven. To reheat in the microwave, simply place a portion of the casserole on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. To reheat in the oven, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the casserole for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can add a little bit of milk or broth to the casserole before reheating to prevent it from drying out.
• Freezing: This casserole can also be frozen for longer storage. Let the casserole cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. To thaw, transfer the casserole to the refrigerator and let it thaw overnight. Bake as directed, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if necessary.

Why This Recipe Beats Traditional Chicken Cordon Bleu

Let’s be real: traditional Chicken Cordon Bleu can be a pain. All that pounding, stuffing, rolling… it’s a lot of work, especially on a busy weeknight. This casserole gives you all the flavor you crave, without all the fuss. Plus, it’s easier to serve, easier to customize, and perfect for feeding a crowd. It’s a win-win!

Think about it: you get the same delicious combination of chicken, ham, Swiss cheese, and creamy sauce, but instead of spending hours in the kitchen, you can have dinner on the table in under an hour. That’s more time to spend with your family, relax after a long day, or even just catch up on your favorite TV show. And who doesn’t want more of that?

And if you are looking for other quick and easy recipes you can try my recipe for CHICKEN SLIDERS or CHICKEN TORTELLINI for another comforting meal.

Final Thoughts: Your New Go-To Casserole

I truly believe this Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is a game-changer. It’s easy, delicious, versatile, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a show-stopping dish for a potluck, this casserole is sure to impress. So go ahead, give it a try – I promise you won’t be disappointed!