Comfort food at its finest, the Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is an easy-to-make dish that combines tender chicken, ham, and gooey cheese in every bite! This delightful casserole brings together the classic flavors of Chicken Cordon Bleu in a simplified, hearty format that is perfect for family dinners or gatherings with friends.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Prepare: This casserole comes together in a snap, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
Flavor Explosion: The combination of chicken, ham, and cheese creates an irresistible flavor profile that everyone will love.
Comforting and Filling: Each bite is a warm hug, perfect for those chilly nights when you need a little extra comfort.
Kid-Friendly: Picky eaters will love this dish, making family meal times a breeze.
Versatile: Easily customizable with your favorite ingredients, ensuring it fits your taste preferences perfectly.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole lies in its simple yet essential ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in bringing the dish to life, contributing to the delightful taste, texture, and color.

Chicken Breast: Tender and juicy, this is the star of the show, providing a hearty base for your casserole.
Ham: Adds a smoky flavor that perfectly complements the chicken.
Swiss Cheese: Melts beautifully, creating that gooey texture that everyone craves.
Breadcrumbs: For a crispy topping that adds a delightful crunch to each bite.
Mustard: A touch of mustard elevates the flavor profile with a slight tang.
Heavy Cream: Rich and creamy, it binds all the ingredients together and adds luxuriousness.

Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Variations for Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

This Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is easily customizable, allowing you to adapt it based on your dietary needs or personal taste preferences. Feel free to experiment with different ingredients to make it your own!

Vegetarian Option: Substitute chicken and ham with sautéed mushrooms and spinach for a delicious meat-free version.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free for a safe, tasty dish.
Cheese Lovers: Mix in different types of cheese like cheddar or mozzarella for added flavor and creaminess.
Herb Infusion: Enhance the flavor by adding fresh herbs such as thyme or rosemary into the mix.
Spicy Kick: Add jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to give your casserole a spicy twist.

Comforting Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe

How to Make Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your casserole cooks evenly and thoroughly.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

Dice your chicken breast into bite-sized pieces, season them with salt and pepper, and sauté them in a skillet until they are cooked through and lightly browned.

Step 3: Layer the Ingredients

In a baking dish, layer the cooked chicken, followed by slices of ham, and then sprinkle Swiss cheese over the top. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used.

Step 4: Mix the Sauce

In a bowl, combine heavy cream, mustard, and any additional seasonings you like. Pour this mixture evenly over the layered ingredients in the baking dish.

Step 5: Top with Breadcrumbs

Sprinkle breadcrumbs over the top of the casserole to create a deliciously crispy topping. You can also drizzle a little melted butter for extra flavor.

Step 6: Bake

Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.

Pro Tips for Making Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

Even Cooking: Ensure all your chicken pieces are roughly the same size for even cooking throughout the casserole.
Let It Rest: Allow the casserole to sit for a few minutes before serving to let the flavors meld together.
Customize Wisely: Keep track of any added ingredients to maintain the balance of flavors and textures.
Utilize Leftover Chicken: This recipe is a fantastic way to use up leftover roasted chicken or rotisserie chicken.
Serve Warm: This casserole is best enjoyed hot out of the oven, so timing your meal is key.

How to Serve Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives can brighten up the dish and add a pop of color, making it more visually appealing.

Side Dishes

This casserole pairs beautifully with a light salad or steamed vegetables to balance out the richness of the dish.

Creative Ways to Present

Consider serving the casserole in individual ramekins for a fun and personal touch, or use a large cast iron skillet for a rustic presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven to maintain the texture.

Freezing

This casserole freezes well, so feel free to make a double batch. Just ensure it’s cooled completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. It can last up to three months in the freezer.

Reheating

To reheat, allow the casserole to thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then bake in the oven until heated through, or microwave individual portions as needed.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken in this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken; just ensure it is fully cooked before layering it in the casserole.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble it the night before and bake it the next day, which makes it perfect for meal prep.

What can I substitute for Swiss cheese?

Feel free to use any cheese that melts well, such as mozzarella, gouda, or even cheddar for a different flavor.

Is this casserole gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, simply substitute the breadcrumbs with a gluten-free alternative and ensure all ingredients are gluten-free.

How long does it take to cook the casserole?

It typically takes about 40-45 minutes to cook, depending on your oven and the size of your casserole dish.

Final Thoughts

Now that you have all the tips and tricks for making a delicious Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and give it a try! This comforting dish is sure to become a family favorite, bringing warmth and joy to your dining table. Enjoy every cheesy, meaty bite!

Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

Author: Anna
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Casserole
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

1 pound Chicken Breast, diced

Ham

8 ounces Ham, sliced

Cheese

2 cups Swiss Cheese, shredded

Topping

1 cup Breadcrumbs

Sauce

1 cup Heavy Cream
2 tablespoons Mustard

Instructions

Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your casserole cooks evenly and thoroughly.
Prepare the Chicken: Dice your chicken breast into bite-sized pieces, season them with salt and pepper, and sauté them in a skillet until they are cooked through and lightly browned.
Layer the Ingredients: In a baking dish, layer the cooked chicken, followed by slices of ham, and then sprinkle Swiss cheese over the top. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used.
Mix the Sauce: In a bowl, combine heavy cream, mustard, and any additional seasonings you like. Pour this mixture evenly over the layered ingredients in the baking dish.
Top with Breadcrumbs: Sprinkle breadcrumbs over the top of the casserole to create a deliciously crispy topping. You can also drizzle a little melted butter for extra flavor.
Bake: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.

Notes

Ensure all your chicken pieces are roughly the same size for even cooking throughout the casserole.
Allow the casserole to sit for a few minutes before serving to let the flavors meld together.
Keep track of any added ingredients to maintain the balance of flavors and textures.
This recipe is a fantastic way to use up leftover roasted chicken or rotisserie chicken.
This casserole is best enjoyed hot out of the oven, so timing your meal is key.