Fabulous Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole: A Delicious Twist on a Classic

Chicken Cordon Bleu is a classic dish that everyone loves, but let’s be honest, it can be a bit of a hassle to make. All that pounding, stuffing, and breading can take up a lot of time. That’s where this Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole comes in! It captures all the delicious flavors of the original in a much easier, family-friendly format. This casserole is perfect for busy weeknights or potlucks, and it’s sure to be a hit with everyone who tries it.

## Why You’ll Love This Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

* **Easy to Make:** This recipe simplifies the traditional Chicken Cordon Bleu process, making it a breeze to prepare.
* **Delicious Flavors:** It retains all the classic flavors of chicken, ham, Swiss cheese, and a creamy sauce.
* **Family-Friendly:** Even picky eaters will love this comforting and satisfying casserole.
* **Great for Leftovers:** This casserole tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prepping.
* **Versatile:** Easily customizable with different cheeses, vegetables, or toppings.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s gather all the necessary ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

* **Chicken:** 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces.
* **Ham:** 1 pound cooked ham, diced.
* **Swiss Cheese:** 8 ounces Swiss cheese, shredded (about 2 cups).
* **Butter:** 1/4 cup (2 tablespoons), melted.
* **Flour:** 1/4 cup all-purpose flour.
* **Milk:** 2 cups milk.
* **Chicken Broth:** 1 cup chicken broth.
* **Dry Mustard:** 1 teaspoon dry mustard.
* **Garlic Powder:** 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder.
* **Onion Powder:** 1/2 teaspoon onion powder.
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste.
* **Bread Crumbs:** 1 cup panko bread crumbs (or regular bread crumbs).
* **Parmesan Cheese:** 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional).
* **Fresh Parsley:** 2 tablespoons, chopped (for garnish, optional).

## Equipment

* 9×13 inch baking dish
* Large skillet
* Whisk
* Mixing bowls

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Now, let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to create your own delicious Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole:

**Step 1: Prepare the Chicken**

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. This will help them cook evenly in the casserole.
3. In a large skillet, cook the chicken over medium heat until it is cooked through and no longer pink. Season with salt and pepper. You can add a little olive oil or cooking spray to the skillet to prevent sticking.
4. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

**Step 2: Make the Cream Sauce**

1. In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux. This will help thicken the sauce.
3. Gradually whisk in the milk and chicken broth, making sure to avoid any lumps. Continue whisking until the sauce is smooth.
4. Add the dry mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to the sauce. Stir to combine.
5. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until it has thickened slightly. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
6. Remove the sauce from the heat.

**Step 3: Assemble the Casserole**

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, diced ham, and shredded Swiss cheese.
2. Pour the cream sauce over the chicken and ham mixture. Stir gently to combine, making sure everything is evenly coated.
3. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.

**Step 4: Add the Topping**

1. In a separate small bowl, combine the panko bread crumbs and Parmesan cheese (if using).
2. Sprinkle the bread crumb mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.

**Step 5: Bake the Casserole**

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the topping is golden brown.
2. Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
3. Garnish with fresh parsley (if using).

## Tips for the Best Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

* **Use High-Quality Ingredients:** The better the quality of your ingredients, the better the flavor of your casserole. Use good-quality ham and Swiss cheese for the best results.
* **Don’t Overcook the Chicken:** Overcooked chicken can become dry and tough. Cook the chicken just until it is cooked through.
* **Shred Your Own Cheese:** Pre-shredded cheese often contains cellulose, which can prevent it from melting smoothly. Shredding your own cheese will ensure that it melts beautifully into the casserole.
* **Adjust the Seasoning:** Taste the sauce before pouring it over the chicken and ham mixture and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add more salt, pepper, garlic powder, or onion powder.
* **Use Different Cheeses:** Feel free to experiment with different cheeses in this casserole. Gruyere, provolone, or mozzarella would all be delicious additions.
* **Add Vegetables:** Add some vegetables to the casserole for extra flavor and nutrition. Broccoli florets, asparagus spears, or sautéed mushrooms would all be great choices.
* **Make it Gluten-Free:** To make this casserole gluten-free, use gluten-free flour to make the cream sauce and gluten-free bread crumbs for the topping.
* **Make it Ahead:** You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Add the bread crumb topping just before baking.

## Serving Suggestions

This Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is a complete meal on its own, but here are a few serving suggestions to make it even better:

* **Serve with a side salad:** A simple green salad or a Caesar salad would be a perfect complement to this rich and creamy casserole.
* **Serve with roasted vegetables:** Roasted broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts would be a healthy and delicious side dish.
* **Serve with mashed potatoes or rice:** Mashed potatoes or rice are a great way to soak up the delicious cream sauce.
* **Serve with crusty bread:** Crusty bread is perfect for mopping up the extra sauce.

## Variations and Substitutions

* **Turkey Cordon Bleu Casserole:** Substitute the chicken with cooked turkey for a delicious variation.
* **Vegetarian Cordon Bleu Casserole:** Use vegetarian ham and add extra vegetables for a vegetarian version.
* **Spicy Cordon Bleu Casserole:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the cream sauce for a spicy kick.
* **Different Topping:** Instead of bread crumbs, use crushed crackers, potato chips, or fried onions for the topping.
* **Use Cream of Chicken Soup:** For an even quicker version, substitute the homemade cream sauce with cream of chicken soup. Use about 2 cans and adjust seasoning as needed.

## Storing and Reheating

* **Storing:** Store leftover Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Reheating:** Reheat the casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave in individual portions.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

* Calories: 450-550 per serving (depending on ingredients and serving size)
* Protein: 35-45 grams
* Fat: 25-35 grams
* Carbohydrates: 15-25 grams

## Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe

This recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy the flavors of chicken cordon bleu without all the fuss. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion. Give it a try and let me know what you think!

**Yields:** 6-8 servings
**Prep time:** 20 minutes
**Cook time:** 25 minutes

### Ingredients:

* 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
* 1 pound cooked ham, diced
* 8 ounces Swiss cheese, shredded (about 2 cups)
* 1/4 cup (2 tablespoons) butter, melted
* 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
* 2 cups milk
* 1 cup chicken broth
* 1 teaspoon dry mustard
* 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 1 cup panko bread crumbs (or regular bread crumbs)
* 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
* 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)

### Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces.
3. In a large skillet, cook the chicken over medium heat until cooked through. Season with salt and pepper. Remove and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
5. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
6. Gradually whisk in the milk and chicken broth, ensuring no lumps.
7. Add the dry mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
8. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until thickened slightly. Remove from heat.
9. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, diced ham, and shredded Swiss cheese.
10. Pour the cream sauce over the chicken and ham mixture. Stir gently to combine.
11. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
12. In a separate small bowl, combine the panko bread crumbs and Parmesan cheese (if using).
13. Sprinkle the bread crumb mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
14. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until bubbly and the topping is golden brown.
15. Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
16. Garnish with fresh parsley (if using).

Enjoy your delicious and easy Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole!