Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

This Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole combines the classic flavors of the beloved dish into a simple, hearty bake. Layers of tender chicken, savory ham, and fresh broccoli are smothered in a rich Dijon cream sauce, topped with Swiss and Parmesan cheeses, and finished with a crispy breadcrumb layer for the ultimate comfort meal.

Perfect for busy nights or a cozy dinner, this casserole offers all the elegance of cordon bleu with minimal effort. It’s an ideal way to enjoy familiar flavors without the hassle of rolling and stuffing, making it a family-friendly favorite that’s sure to satisfy!

Full Recipe:

• 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
  • 4 cups cooked or rotisserie chicken, shredded or diced
  • 2 cups ham, diced
  • 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
  • 2 cups Swiss cheese, shredded
  • ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
• Topping
  • 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a 2-quart casserole dish.
2. To prepare the sauce, melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
3. Reduce heat to low, whisk in flour, and cook for 1 minute. Gradually pour in chicken broth and milk, whisking continuously until smooth.
4. Stir in Dijon mustard, bouillon powder, and Parmesan. Continue to cook, whisking, for 2-3 minutes until thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste and add parsley if desired.
5. Blanch broccoli florets in boiling water for 2-3 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp.
6. Layer cooked chicken in the prepared casserole dish, followed by the blanched broccoli and diced ham.
7. Pour the sauce evenly over the casserole. Sprinkle shredded Swiss and Parmesan cheese on top.
8. In a small bowl, mix melted butter with Panko breadcrumbs. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the casserole.
9. Bake for 30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling. Let cool for a few minutes before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes
Kcal: 585 kcal | Servings: 6 servings

Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole: The Perfect Fusion of Classic Flavors in a Comforting Bake

Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is a modern, simplified twist on the classic French-inspired dish, Chicken Cordon Bleu. Traditionally, cordon bleu features breaded chicken breast stuffed with ham and Swiss cheese, carefully rolled and pan-fried or baked. This casserole transforms those complex techniques into a one-dish wonder that still delivers the same creamy, cheesy, and savory experience without the fuss. The combination of tender chicken, savory ham, and gooey Swiss cheese in a creamy Dijon sauce is topped with golden, crispy breadcrumbs, creating a delightful contrast of textures in every bite.

Why This Casserole Stands Out

The appeal of the Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole lies in its simplicity and adaptability. Unlike its traditional counterpart, this version doesn’t require the careful assembly of stuffed chicken, making it ideal for busy home cooks who still want to enjoy the elegance of chicken cordon bleu without spending hours in the kitchen. This casserole dish brings all the familiar flavors together in a single baking dish, allowing you to prepare, bake, and serve in one container, which is especially convenient for family meals or gatherings.

The creamy Dijon sauce is a particular highlight of this recipe. Made from a roux of butter and flour, combined with milk and chicken broth, the sauce is thickened to a rich consistency and elevated by the tang of Dijon mustard. This sauce not only brings moisture to the dish but also a depth of flavor that pairs beautifully with the ham and chicken. The choice of Swiss cheese, a staple in traditional cordon bleu, adds a nutty, slightly sharp note to balance the creaminess, while Parmesan adds a hint of salty, umami richness.

Perfect for Any Occasion

Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is wonderfully versatile and suits a range of dining occasions. It’s hearty enough for a casual family dinner, but it also makes a great option for entertaining guests. Serve it at a holiday dinner, a potluck, or even a dinner party. The presentation is as impressive as its taste, with a bubbly, golden top layer and a beautiful layering of ingredients that’s revealed as you serve. For those who love the flavors of chicken cordon bleu but seek a more convenient presentation, this casserole is a crowd-pleasing solution.

Tips for Making the Best Casserole

To ensure your Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole turns out perfectly every time, there are a few helpful tips to keep in mind:

1. Use Rotisserie Chicken for Convenience: One of the easiest ways to prepare this dish is to use store-bought rotisserie chicken. Simply shred or dice it before adding it to the casserole. This saves time and adds great flavor without the need for additional seasoning.
2. Quality Ham Matters: Since ham is a key ingredient, using a high-quality, flavorful ham will enhance the overall taste of the casserole. Smoked, honey-glazed, or black forest ham all bring different flavors to the dish. You can even try substituting turkey ham for a slightly lighter variation.
3. Blanching the Broccoli: Blanching broccoli briefly in boiling water before adding it to the casserole helps preserve its vibrant color and tender-crisp texture. This step is crucial for avoiding overcooked or mushy broccoli, ensuring a pleasant bite alongside the creamy elements of the dish.
4. Balance the Salt: Given that ingredients like ham, Swiss cheese, and Parmesan are naturally salty, it’s best to season the sauce carefully. Start with a small amount of salt, tasting as you go, and adjust if needed. This way, you avoid over-seasoning the casserole.
5. Crispy Topping: The buttery, crispy Panko breadcrumb topping is what brings this casserole together. Mixing the breadcrumbs with melted butter helps them brown nicely and adds a satisfying crunch. Panko is preferred for its light texture, but regular breadcrumbs can work as well if you prefer a denser topping.

Serving Suggestions

This casserole pairs well with a variety of sides that balance its richness. Here are a few serving ideas to complete your meal:

• Fresh Salad: A light, refreshing salad such as a mixed green salad with a lemon vinaigrette adds a bright contrast to the creamy casserole. For something more substantial, a Caesar salad also works well with the flavors of the dish.
• Bread or Rolls: Garlic bread or dinner rolls are great for mopping up any extra sauce, adding a comforting element to the meal. Even a crusty baguette will do the trick.
• Simple Vegetables: Roasted or steamed vegetables like carrots, Brussels sprouts, or green beans make a healthy and vibrant addition. These options also add color to your plate, making the presentation even more appealing.
• Grain Sides: Serve the casserole with a side of rice, couscous, or quinoa to soak up the creamy sauce and round out the meal.

Variations and Customizations

One of the benefits of this casserole is its flexibility. You can easily adjust the ingredients or make additions to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs.

1. Alternative Cheeses: While Swiss and Parmesan cheese are classic, feel free to experiment with other melting cheeses such as mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even Gouda. Each option will bring its unique flavor profile, allowing you to create a customized taste.
2. Vegetable Additions: If you want to pack more vegetables into the dish, try adding spinach, mushrooms, or even cauliflower florets. These can add nutritional value and complement the creaminess of the casserole.
3. Spicy Kick: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, adding red pepper flakes, a few dashes of hot sauce, or even chopped jalapeños can give the casserole an extra zing.
4. Low-Carb Option: Swap out the Panko breadcrumbs for a low-carb topping, such as crushed pork rinds or a mix of almond flour and grated Parmesan. This adjustment keeps the dish keto-friendly without sacrificing crunch.
5. Gluten-Free Adaptations: To make this casserole gluten-free, use gluten-free flour for the roux and gluten-free breadcrumbs for the topping. With these substitutions, you can still achieve the creamy sauce and crispy finish that make this dish so appealing.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is ideal for meal prep and leftovers. You can make it ahead, refrigerate, or freeze it for later. Here are some storage tips:

• Refrigerating: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply microwave or place in a preheated oven at 350°F until warmed through.
• Freezing: To freeze, assemble the casserole without baking, cover tightly, and place it in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed. Alternatively, you can freeze individual portions for convenient lunches or dinners.
• Reheating: For the best texture, reheat the casserole in the oven instead of the microwave. Cover with foil to keep the top from over-browning, then remove the foil in the last few minutes to restore crispness.

Conclusion

Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is a delightful, hearty meal that brings together the flavors of a classic French dish in a convenient and easy-to-make casserole. With its creamy Dijon sauce, layers of chicken, ham, and broccoli, and a golden, crispy topping, this dish is both satisfying and versatile. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, holiday gatherings, or anytime you want to enjoy a comforting meal without the hassle of a traditional chicken cordon bleu preparation.

This casserole is highly adaptable, whether you’re catering to dietary preferences, experimenting with flavors, or simply adding more vegetables. Plus, with its easy storage and reheating options, it’s a practical choice for meal prep. Whether you’re a fan of traditional French cuisine or simply seeking a new family favorite, Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is sure to win a place on your table.