Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole - Chefjar (2024)

This Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is like the fancy dish you get at restaurants. If you enjoy chicken cordon bleu, you'll really like this cheesy chicken casserole.

A delicious blend of tender chicken, ham, broccoli and Swiss cheese, all smothered in a creamy Dijon sauce and topped with crispy breadcrumbs. A simple, yet elegant dish perfect for any dinner occasion.

Easy Creamy Casserole

This simple casserole is inspired by chicken cordon bleu.

• It's full of flavor, but you don't have to stuff and roll the chicken.
• We make our own chicken cordon bleu saucefor it, without using canned chicken soup.
• You can make it ahead and bake it when you're ready to eat.
• It looks great and tastes amazing, with a cheesy sauce and a crispy top.

You'll Need

• Cooked Chicken: The recipe calls for 4 cups of cooked or rotisserie chicken, either shredded or diced. You can cook and shred your own chicken breasts, or for convenience, use store-bought rotisserie chicken.
• Ham: This recipe uses 2 cups of diced ham. You can choose from a variety of hams based on your preference - smoked, honey-glazed, or even leftover ham. For a non-pork alternative, consider turkey ham or even smoked turkey.
• Swiss Cheese: The recipe calls 2 cups of shredded Swiss cheese. If this isn't available, you can substitute with other good melting cheeses like Emmental, Jarlsberg, or a mild white cheddar.
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan is used for its distinct flavor. If you don’t have Parmesan, you can use Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano as a substitute.
• Broccoli: Adds a healthy crunch. If broccoli isn’t your favorite, try substituting with cauliflower florets, asparagus, or even frozen peas.
• Butter, Flour, and Milk for the Sauce: These are needed to make a roux and then a creamy sauce. You can substitute the butter with margarine or a butter alternative. For the flour, a gluten-free all-purpose flour will work. The milk can be any type - full fat, skim, or a plant-based milk like almond or soy for a dairy-free version.
• Chicken Broth: This adds flavor to the sauce. Vegetable broth or water with a bit more seasoning will work as a substitute.
• Dijon Mustard: This gives a tangy depth to the sauce. If not available, a stone-ground or whole grain mustard can be a good alternative, though the flavor will be slightly different.
• Chicken or Vegetable Stock/Bouillon Powder: This enhances the sauce's flavor. Bouillon cubes or a liquid stock concentrate are good as well.
• Seasonings (Salt, Pepper, Parsley): Adjust salt and pepper to taste. Parsley is optional for garnish but adds a fresh touch.
• Panko Bread Crumbs (1 cup): Panko breadcrumbs are Japanese-style breadcrumbs known for their light, airy, and crispy texture. You can substitute with regular breadcrumbs, though they will give a denser texture.
• Butter (2 tablespoons, melted): This is used to mix with the breadcrumbs for the topping, giving it a richer flavor and helping it to brown in the oven.

How to Make Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

Make The Dijon Cream Sauce

Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Then add the garlic and cook it until it becomes fragrant, about 30 seconds.

Lower the heat to low, then whisk in the flour. Cook this mixture for about 1 minute.

Slowly add the chicken broth and milk to the pan, constantly whisking to make the mixture smooth. Then mix in the Dijon mustard, stock powder, and Parmesan. Keep whisking and cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens. If needed, you can add more milk, 1-2 tablespoons at a time, until you get the consistency you like. Finish by seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.

Casserole

While you're making the sauce, put a medium-sized pot of water on the stove and add a good amount of salt. Bring it to a boil. Then add the broccoli florets to the boiling water and cook them for 2 to 3 minutes until they are crisp but still tender.

While doing this, preheat your oven to 400 degrees.

Arrange the chicken in the bottom of a casserole dish. Then add a layer of broccoli and ham on top of the chicken.

Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken, broccoli, and ham. Finish by sprinkling both Swiss and Parmesan cheeses on top.

In a small bowl, combine the Panko breadcrumbs with the melted butter.

After mixing them well, evenly sprinkle this breadcrumb mixture over the top of the casserole.

Put the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 30 minutes, or until the top turns golden brown and the dish is bubbling.

Storage

• You can keep it in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, microwave it on medium for about 4 minutes or warm it in the oven at 350°F (177°C) for around 12 minutes.
• The Cordon Bleu Casserole is an ideal make-ahead dish that you can freeze, making it great for quick dinners or lunches on the go. To freeze, just put it in an airtight container. It'll stay good in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you're ready to eat it, first let the casserole thaw in the refrigerator. Then, cover it with aluminum foil, heat your oven to 325°F, and bake it for 30 minutes or until it's heated all the way through.

Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe Variations

• Different Cheeses: Experiment with different types of cheese for a new flavor. Try using Monterey Jack cheese, mozzarella, cheddar, or even a blue cheese for a stronger taste.
• Add Vegetables: Enhance the nutritional value by adding vegetables like spinach, diced tomatoes, or asparagus to the casserole.
• Spicy Kick: Add some spice with chopped jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce mixed into the Dijon cream sauce.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour to make the dish gluten-free. Ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.
• Extra Toppings: Add a layer of crispy bacon bits or fried onions on top of the casserole for extra texture and flavor.
• Low-Carb Option: Substitute the breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds or a mix of grated Parmesan and almond flour.

What to Serve with Chicken Casserole

• Our Air Fryer Garlic Bread is perfect for mopping up any creamy sauce left on the plate.
• This simple Cucumber and Tomato Salad can add a fresh, crunchy contrast to the rich casserole.
• Roasted carrots, Brussels sprouts, or Cheesy Roasted Asparagus make a flavorful and healthy accompaniment.
• Simple buttered pasta or egg noodles can complement the flavors in the chicken casserole.
• Sautéed Spinach, kale, or Swiss chard with a bit of garlic adds a healthy and flavorful touch.

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