Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe

Craving a comforting, delicious, and easy-to-make dinner that will impress your family and friends? Look no further than the Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole! This mouthwatering dish combines tender chicken, savory ham, melty Swiss cheese, fresh broccoli, and a creamy Dijon sauce, all topped with crispy panko breadcrumbs. Read on to discover everything you need to know to create this irresistible casserole, from its ingredients and variations to step-by-step instructions and serving tips. Get ready to delight your taste buds with this classic recipe reinvented as a cozy, crowd-pleasing casserole!

What is Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole?

Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is a delicious, comforting dish that takes the classic flavors of Chicken Cordon Bleu and transforms them into an easy-to-make, one-pan meal. Traditionally, Chicken Cordon Bleu is made by wrapping chicken breast around ham and Swiss cheese, then breading and frying or baking it. In this casserole version, these same ingredients are layered in a baking dish and combined with a creamy Dijon sauce, then baked until bubbly and golden brown. It's a fantastic way to enjoy the familiar flavors with less effort and time spent in the kitchen.

Ingredients List for Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

To create this delightful Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole, you will need the following ingredients:

Dijon Cream Sauce

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 cloves garlic, grated or minced
• 3 tablespoons flour
• ½ cup chicken broth
• 1 ½ cups milk (skim or full cream)
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon chicken or vegetable stock/Bouillon powder
• ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, optional, for garnish

Casserole

• 2 cups fresh broccoli florets, uncooked
• 4 cups cooked or rotisserie chicken, shredded or diced
• 2 cups ham, diced
• 2 cups Swiss cheese, shredded
• ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated

Casserole Topping

• 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted

Equipment

• A 2-quart casserole dish

Substitutions and Variations

This versatile casserole can be easily adapted to suit different dietary needs and taste preferences. Here are some substitution and variation ideas:

• Cheese: Swap Swiss cheese for Gruyère or mozzarella for a different flavor profile.
• Ham: Substitute ham with turkey or bacon for a unique twist.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour to make the dish gluten-free.
• Lower Fat: Replace full-cream milk with skim milk or a lighter cream option.
• Spices: Add a pinch of paprika, thyme, or rosemary for an extra layer of flavor.
• Vegetables: Incorporate steamed spinach or mushrooms for added nutrition.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Creating this Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is a straightforward process. Follow these detailed steps to ensure perfect results every time.

How to Cook Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Prepare the Chicken: Use cooked or rotisserie chicken, shredded or diced, for convenience. Set aside.
3. Make the Dijon Cream Sauce:
   • In a medium saucepan, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
   • Add the grated or minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
   • Whisk in the flour and cook for about 2 minutes until the mixture is golden and bubbly.
   • Gradually add the chicken broth and milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
   • Stir in the Dijon mustard, stock/Bouillon powder, and Parmesan cheese.
   • Season with salt and pepper to taste.
   • Continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens (about 5-7 minutes).
4. Assemble the Casserole:
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, diced ham, fresh broccoli florets, and shredded Swiss cheese.
   • Transfer the mixture to a 2-quart casserole dish.
   • Pour the prepared Dijon cream sauce evenly over the layered ingredients.
5. Prepare the Topping:
   • In a small bowl, combine the Panko breadcrumbs and melted butter.
   • Mix until the breadcrumbs are well-coated with butter.
6. Bake:
   • Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the casserole.
   • Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the sauce is bubbly.
7. Garnish and Serve: Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole turns out perfectly every time, avoid these common mistakes:

• Overcooking the Chicken: Ensure the chicken is cooked just until done to avoid dryness.
• Lumpy Sauce: Whisk constantly while adding the liquids to the flour mixture to prevent lumps.
• Uneven Layers: Distribute the chicken, ham, broccoli, and cheese evenly for consistent flavor in every bite.
• Dry Casserole: Make sure to use enough sauce to keep the casserole moist and creamy.
• Burning the Topping: Check the casserole in the last few minutes of baking to ensure the breadcrumb topping doesn't burn.

Serving and Presentation Tips

How you serve and present your Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole can elevate the dining experience. Here are some ideas:

How to Serve Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

• Portioning: Use a sharp knife to cut the casserole into neat squares for easy serving.
• Side Dishes: Pair the casserole with a simple green salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread for a complete meal.
• Temperature: Serve the casserole hot, directly from the oven, for the best taste and texture.

Presentation Ideas for Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

• Garnish: Sprinkle fresh parsley or chives over the top for a pop of color and freshness.
• Plating: Serve each portion on a warmed plate to keep the casserole hot longer.
• Family-Style: Present the casserole in the baking dish for a casual, family-style meal.

Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe Tips

To achieve the best results with your Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole, consider these additional tips:

• Make-Ahead: Prepare the casserole up to the baking step and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake just before serving.
• Freezing: This casserole can be frozen before baking. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed.
• Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe? A: Yes, using rotisserie chicken is a great time-saving option. Simply shred the meat and proceed with the recipe.

Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time? A: Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and bake it when ready to serve.

Q: How do I reheat leftovers? A: Reheat individual portions in the microwave or cover the entire casserole with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through.

Q: Can I freeze this casserole? A: Yes, you can freeze the unbaked casserole. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before baking.

Q: What can I use instead of Swiss cheese? A: Gruyère, mozzarella, or even cheddar can be used as substitutes for Swiss cheese.

Conclusion

Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is a delightful and comforting dish that brings together the classic flavors of chicken, ham, Swiss cheese, and broccoli in a creamy, baked form. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, this casserole is perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or special occasions. Customize it to suit your preferences, and follow our tips for serving and presentation to create a meal that will impress and satisfy. Try this recipe today and enjoy the rich, savory taste of Chicken Cordon Bleu with the convenience of a casserole!

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