Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole: 5 Easy Steps to Best Dinner
Table of Contents
- Introduction to Your Easy Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
- Why This Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is Your New Favorite Dinner
- Gather Your Ingredients for the Best Dinner
- Step-by-Step Instructions: 5 Easy Steps to Best Dinner
- Top Tips for the Ultimate Cordon Bleu Casserole
- Serving Suggestions & Perfect Pairings
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Get ready to transform your dinner routine with this incredible Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole: 5 Easy Steps to Best Dinner! This recipe takes all the classic flavors you love from traditional Chicken Cordon Bleu and simplifies them into a comforting, easy-to-make casserole perfect for any night of the week.
Say goodbye to complicated rolling and individual preparations. Our streamlined approach means less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying a delicious, cheesy, and satisfying meal with your loved ones.
Introduction to Your Easy Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
Who doesn’t love the rich, savory taste of chicken cordon bleu? Juicy chicken, salty ham, and gooey Swiss cheese, all smothered in a creamy sauce. It’s a classic for a reason!
But let’s be honest, the traditional preparation can be a bit time-consuming for a weeknight. That’s where this casserole comes in. We’ve reimagined the dish to deliver all the taste with half the fuss.
Why This Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is Your New Favorite Dinner
This recipe is a game-changer! It’s incredibly satisfying, packed with flavor, and surprisingly simple to put together. The casserole format allows all those wonderful ingredients to meld together beautifully.
Plus, it’s a fantastic meal for meal prepping or feeding a crowd. Once baked, you’ll have a delightful and hearty dish that everyone will rave about. This truly is a superior and easy chicken cordon bleu casserole experience.
Gather Your Ingredients for the Best Dinner
You’ll need a handful of common ingredients to bring this amazing chicken cordon bleu casserole to life. Most of these are likely already in your pantry or easily found at your local grocery store.
Using quality ingredients will elevate the taste, so choose wisely! Get ready for a delicious creamy chicken casserole.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 8 oz deli ham, chopped
- 2 cups Swiss cheese, shredded (divided)
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions: 5 Easy Steps to Best Dinner
Follow these simple steps to create a truly memorable meal. You’ll be surprised how quickly this comes together for the ultimate weeknight dinner.
Step 1: Prep Your Chicken and Ham
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Make sure your cooked chicken is shredded or diced to an even size, and your ham is chopped. This ensures even cooking and distribution of flavors.
Step 2: Craft Your Creamy Sauce
In a large bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, milk, Dijon mustard, and garlic powder. Season with salt and black pepper to your preference. This forms the delicious, creamy base for your casserole.
Step 3: Assemble the Delicious Layers
Add the shredded chicken, chopped ham, and 1.5 cups of the shredded Swiss cheese to the creamy sauce. Stir well to ensure everything is evenly coated. Pour this mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
Step 4: The Crispy Topping Perfection
In a small separate bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs with the melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the casserole. This will give you that irresistible crispy crunch.
Next, sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of Swiss cheese over the breadcrumbs. The cheese will melt beautifully and connect the topping.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling around the edges and the topping is golden brown and crispy. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This pause allows the casserole to set, making it easier to serve.
Top Tips for the Ultimate Cordon Bleu Casserole
For extra flavor, consider adding a dash of white wine or dry sherry to the sauce mixture. You can also experiment with different cheeses like Gruyere for a richer, nuttier flavor profile.
To prepare ahead, assemble the casserole (without the breadcrumb topping) and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add the topping just before baking. This makes for a quick weeknight meal! For more casserole inspiration, Read our in-depth guide here.
Serving Suggestions & Perfect Pairings
This Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is a meal in itself, but it pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Steamed green beans or roasted asparagus are also excellent choices.
A side of fluffy rice or a crusty baguette would be perfect for soaking up any extra sauce. For a comprehensive guide on pairing wines with casseroles, visit Wine Folly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use uncooked chicken?
This recipe calls for cooked chicken to ensure it’s heated through quickly. If using uncooked chicken, you’ll need to par-cook it before adding to the casserole or adjust baking time significantly to ensure it reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
How can I make this casserole healthier?
To lighten it up, you can use low-fat cream of chicken soup and milk, reduce the amount of cheese, and use whole wheat panko breadcrumbs. Adding extra vegetables like spinach or mushrooms to the mixture also increases nutrient content.
Can I freeze this Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole?
Yes, this casserole freezes well! Assemble the casserole (without the breadcrumb topping) in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking, then add the topping and bake as directed, possibly adding 10-15 minutes to the baking time.