I’ll never forget the first time I tried Chicken Cordon Bleu – it was at a fancy restaurant I definitely couldn’t afford, but my grandma insisted we celebrate my (minor) academic achievement there! Now, you can get all that same delicious flavor in a much easier, comforting form with this amazing Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole. Trust me, this recipe is a game-changer and will become a family favorite in no time!
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
Let’s be real, who doesn’t love a good casserole? They’re easy to throw together, perfect for using up leftovers, and always a crowd-pleaser. This Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole takes all the classic flavors of the dish – juicy chicken, savory ham, and melty cheese – and transforms it into a comforting, easy-to-make meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or potlucks. Plus, it’s totally customizable! Don’t like Swiss cheese? Use Gruyere! Want to add some veggies? Go for it! This is your casserole adventure, and I’m here to guide you.
What Makes This Recipe Special?
What sets this casserole apart from other recipes? It’s all about the balance of flavors and textures. We’re not just throwing ingredients together; we’re creating a symphony of deliciousness! The creamy sauce is rich and flavorful, the chicken is tender and moist, and the ham adds a salty, savory kick. And of course, the cheesy topping is the perfect finishing touch. It’s also incredibly easy to adapt to your own preferences. Plus, this is a fantastic alternative to the classic, more labor-intensive Chicken Cordon Bleu. It gives you all the flavor with much less effort.
Key Ingredients (and Substitutions!)
Let’s talk ingredients! Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this amazing casserole:
- Chicken: Cooked and shredded chicken is the base of our casserole. You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience, or cook your own chicken breasts or thighs. About 3 cups of shredded chicken is what you are looking for!
- Ham: Diced ham adds that signature Cordon Bleu flavor. You can use deli ham, leftover holiday ham, or even ham steak. If you’re not a fan of ham, you could substitute it with cooked bacon or even some smoked turkey!
- Swiss Cheese: This is the traditional cheese for Chicken Cordon Bleu. I love the nutty, slightly tangy flavor it brings. If you’re not a fan, you can substitute it with Gruyere, provolone, or even mozzarella.
- Cream of Chicken Soup: This forms the base of our creamy sauce. If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can use a low-sodium version, or even make your own cream sauce from scratch (but that kind of defeats the “easy” part, right?).
- Sour Cream: This adds richness and tang to the sauce. You can substitute it with Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
- Dijon Mustard: A touch of Dijon adds a subtle kick and enhances the other flavors. Don’t skip this!
- Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: These are essential flavor boosters. Feel free to adjust the amount to your liking.
- Bread Crumbs: These add a crispy topping to our casserole. I like to use panko bread crumbs for extra crunch. You can also use crushed crackers or even crumbled cornflakes.
- Butter: Melted butter is mixed with the bread crumbs to create a golden-brown, crispy topping.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Alright, let’s get cooking! Here’s how to make this delicious Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole:
- Preheat your oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the casserole dish: Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. This will prevent the casserole from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
- Mix the ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, diced ham, Swiss cheese (reserve some for topping), cream of chicken soup, sour cream, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix well until everything is evenly combined. Don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty!
- Assemble the casserole: Pour the chicken mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining Swiss cheese over the top.
- Prepare the topping: In a separate bowl, combine the bread crumbs and melted butter. Mix well until the bread crumbs are evenly coated. Sprinkle the bread crumb mixture over the cheese.
- Bake the casserole: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and the topping is golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on it – you don’t want the topping to burn!
- Let it rest: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld together and make it easier to slice.
Tips for the Perfect Casserole
Want to take your Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole to the next level? Here are a few tips and tricks:
- Don’t overcook the chicken: Overcooked chicken will be dry and tough. If you’re cooking your own chicken, make sure to cook it until it’s just cooked through.
- Use good quality ingredients: The better the ingredients, the better the casserole will taste. Splurge on good quality ham and Swiss cheese – you won’t regret it!
- Don’t be afraid to experiment: This recipe is just a starting point. Feel free to add your own favorite ingredients and flavors.
- Make it ahead of time: You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake it. Just add a few minutes to the baking time.
- Freeze it for later: Casseroles are great for freezing! Wrap the assembled casserole tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake it, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and then bake as directed.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the chicken mixture for a little heat.
- Add some veggies: Sauté some chopped onions, celery, and carrots and add them to the chicken mixture for extra flavor and nutrients.
- Use different cheeses: Try Gruyere, provolone, or even mozzarella instead of Swiss cheese.
Variations and Customization
This Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is delicious as is, but it’s also super easy to customize to your own preferences. Here are a few ideas:
- Low-Carb Version: Substitute the cream of chicken soup with a homemade cream sauce made with heavy cream and cream cheese. Use almond flour instead of bread crumbs for the topping. You might want to check out a Creamy Low Carb Chicken Casserole for more inspiration!
- Vegetarian Version: Substitute the chicken with cooked mushrooms or tofu. You can also add some chopped vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, or spinach.
- Spicy Version: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the chicken mixture.
- Deluxe Version: Add a layer of cooked asparagus or green beans to the bottom of the casserole dish before adding the chicken mixture.
- Using Crescent Rolls: For a delightful twist, top the casserole with crescent roll dough instead of breadcrumbs, like in this Cheesy Chicken Crescent Bake recipe. It adds a buttery, flaky element that is simply divine!
Serving Suggestions
This Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is a complete meal on its own, but it’s also delicious served with a variety of side dishes. Here are a few ideas:
- Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette is a perfect complement to the rich casserole.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts are all delicious choices.
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are always a crowd-pleaser.
- Rice: Fluffy white rice or brown rice is a great way to soak up the creamy sauce.
- Garlic Bread: Crusty garlic bread is perfect for dipping into the casserole.
Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions
This casserole is perfect for making ahead of time. You can assemble it up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake it. Just add a few minutes to the baking time. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
Other Chicken Casserole Recipes You Might Enjoy
If you love casseroles as much as I do, here are a few other chicken casserole recipes you might enjoy:
- Chicken Casserole: A classic for a reason!
- Cheesy Chicken Crescent Bake: A family favorite with a flaky crust.
- Baked Cream Cheese Chicken: Creamy, cheesy, and oh-so-delicious.
- Broccoli Cheddar Stuffed Chicken: All the deliciousness of a casserole, but in individual portions.
- Chicken And Spinach Casserole: A healthy and delicious option packed with nutrients.
Troubleshooting and FAQs
Q: My casserole is too dry. What did I do wrong?
A: This can happen if you overcook the chicken or if your oven is too hot. Make sure to cook the chicken until it’s just cooked through, and check the casserole halfway through baking to make sure the topping isn’t browning too quickly. If it is, tent it with foil.
Q: My casserole is too watery. What did I do wrong?
A: This can happen if you don’t drain the chicken well enough or if you add too much liquid to the sauce. Make sure to drain the chicken thoroughly before adding it to the casserole. If you’re making your own cream sauce, be careful not to add too much milk or cream.
Q: Can I use different cheeses?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different cheeses. Gruyere, provolone, and mozzarella are all great options.
Q: Can I add vegetables?
A: Yes! Sauté some chopped onions, celery, and carrots and add them to the chicken mixture for extra flavor and nutrients. Broccoli, cauliflower, and spinach are also great additions.
Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake it. Just add a few minutes to the baking time.
Q: The breadcrumbs are burning, but the casserole isn’t heated through.
A: Tent the casserole dish loosely with aluminum foil to prevent further browning of the breadcrumbs, while still allowing the casserole to bake and heat through.
Final Thoughts
There you have it – my absolute favorite recipe for Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole! I hope you give it a try and love it as much as I do. It’s the perfect comfort food for any occasion, and it’s sure to become a family favorite. Happy cooking!
What are some good substitutes for Swiss cheese in the Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole?
If you’re not a fan of Swiss cheese, you can substitute it with Gruyere, provolone, or even mozzarella.
Can I prepare the Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake it. Just add a few minutes to the baking time.
What can I use instead of breadcrumbs for the topping?
You can use crushed crackers or even crumbled cornflakes instead of breadcrumbs for the crispy topping.
What can I serve with Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole?
This casserole can be served with a salad, roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, rice, or garlic bread.
Best Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, diced ham, 1 cup Swiss cheese, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix well.
- Pour the chicken mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup Swiss cheese over the top.
- In a separate bowl, combine the bread crumbs and melted butter. Mix well.
- Sprinkle the bread crumb mixture over the cheese.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and the topping is golden brown and crispy.
- Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
