Let me tell you about my absolute favorite comfort food: chicken cordon bleu casserole! This dish is a warm hug on a plate, packed with tender chicken, savory ham, and gooey Swiss cheese all nestled in a creamy, dreamy sauce. I remember the first time I made it for my family—everyone gathered around the table, and the joy on their faces as they dug in was priceless! The crispy breadcrumb topping adds just the right crunch, making each bite an explosion of flavor. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become a staple in your kitchen, too!
Ingredients for Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
- 4 cups cooked chicken, shredded – I love using rotisserie chicken for its flavor and ease!
- 1 cup ham, diced – Any ham works, but I prefer a nice honey ham for that sweet touch.
- 2 cups Swiss cheese, shredded – This is the star for that melty goodness; feel free to use a blend if you want!
- 1 cup cream of chicken soup – This makes the base creamy and rich. You can even use homemade if you’re feeling adventurous!
- 1 cup milk – I usually go for whole milk, but 2% works too if that’s what you have.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder – Just a little kick of flavor to elevate the dish.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder – It adds depth, trust me!
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper – Freshly ground if you can; it makes a difference.
- 2 cups breadcrumbs – I like to use panko for an extra crunch, but regular works too.
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted – This helps the breadcrumbs get that golden, crispy topping.
How to Prepare Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial because it ensures your casserole bakes evenly and reaches that golden, bubbly perfection we’re all after. So, go ahead and set that temperature while you prepare the rest of the ingredients!
Step 2: Combine Chicken and Ham
In a large bowl, combine your shredded chicken, diced ham, and Swiss cheese. I like to mix everything with my hands—don’t be shy! It’s a great way to really feel the texture and ensure everything is evenly distributed. Plus, who doesn’t love getting a little messy in the kitchen? Just make sure the cheese is well mixed in with the chicken and ham, so every bite is full of cheesy goodness!
Step 3: Make the Sauce
Now, let’s whip up that creamy sauce! In another bowl, mix together the cream of chicken soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. I usually start with the soup and milk, stirring until smooth, then fold in the spices. It’s a simple mixture, but it packs a punch of flavor, trust me! Just make sure it’s well combined before moving on to the next step.
Step 4: Mix and Transfer
Pour that luscious sauce over your chicken and ham mixture, and give it a good stir until everything is coated beautifully. Then, transfer this delicious concoction into a greased baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly—this helps ensure every part gets that wonderful creamy sauce when it bakes!
Step 5: Prepare the Topping
In a separate bowl, combine your breadcrumbs with the melted butter, mixing well until all the crumbs are coated. This is what gives your casserole that irresistible crunchy topping! Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the casserole, making sure to cover all the creamy goodness underneath. It’s going to be so satisfying!
Step 6: Bake the Casserole
Finally, pop your casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is golden brown and bubbly. Wow! That smell wafting through your kitchen will be absolutely irresistible. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving—trust me, it’s worth the wait!
Tips for Success
To make your chicken cordon bleu casserole truly shine, here are a few of my favorite tips! First, don’t hesitate to mix in some veggies like broccoli or peas for added nutrition and color—my kids love it! If you’re looking for a flavor twist, try using smoked gouda instead of Swiss for a deeper taste. Also, if you have leftover turkey, it works beautifully in place of chicken. And remember, you can assemble this dish a day ahead; just cover it and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. Trust me, it’s a real time-saver!
Nutritional Information
Please note that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. However, on average, each serving of this chicken cordon bleu casserole contains about 350 calories, 15g of fat, and 25g of protein. It’s a hearty dish that satisfies while still being comforting!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen chicken for this casserole?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw it completely before shredding. It’ll work just fine.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just bake it when you’re ready!
What can I substitute for Swiss cheese?
If Swiss isn’t your thing, feel free to use mozzarella or even cheddar for a different flavor.
Can I add vegetables to this casserole?
Definitely! Broccoli, spinach, or peas are fantastic additions that boost nutrition and color.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat in the oven or microwave when you’re ready to enjoy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to prepare, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.
- Hearty flavors that warm your heart and soul.
- Comfort food at its finest, sure to satisfy the whole family.
- Versatile with ingredient substitutions and additions.
- Can be made ahead for those busy nights!
For more delicious recipes, check out our all recipes page!
For a tasty side, consider making honey-glazed carrots to complement your meal.
Learn more about the benefits of chicken in your diet!
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Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole: 5 Reasons to Love It
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Chicken cordon bleu casserole is a hearty, flavorful dish that combines chicken, ham, and cheese in a creamy sauce, topped with breadcrumbs.
Ingredients
- 4 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup ham, diced
- 2 cups Swiss cheese, shredded
- 1 cup cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, diced ham, and Swiss cheese.
- In another bowl, mix the cream of chicken soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
- Pour the soup mixture over the chicken and ham, and stir to combine.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.
- In a separate bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with melted butter.
- Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the casserole.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
Notes
- You can substitute other cheeses if desired.
- Feel free to add vegetables like broccoli or peas for extra nutrition.
- This dish can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator before baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: chicken cordon bleu casserole, chicken casserole, comfort food