This Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole recipe is a delicious twist on the classic dish. Combining juicy chicken, savory ham, and melty cheese, it’s an easy and comforting meal the whole family will love!
Introduction
Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole combines tender chicken, flavorful ham, and melted cheese into a rich, satisfying dish. Easy to make, this casserole is perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.
What is Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole?
Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is a delightful variation of the classic Chicken Cordon Bleu, which typically features breaded chicken stuffed with ham and cheese. In this casserole version, the ingredients are combined in a baking dish for an easier preparation. Chicken, ham, and cheese come together in a creamy, comforting casserole that’s baked until golden brown and bubbling. The result is a dish that is both indulgent and easy to prepare, without the need for complex steps.
This dish is a great way to enjoy the flavor of Chicken Cordon Bleu without the hassle of stuffing chicken breasts. It’s a great choice for families or anyone looking for a hearty meal that can be served quickly and easily.
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Why You’ll Love Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
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Convenience: Unlike traditional Chicken Cordon Bleu, this casserole simplifies the cooking process, making it perfect for busy weekdays or weekends when you want a comforting meal with minimal effort.
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Flavor Combination: The delicious blend of chicken, ham, and cheese delivers that signature taste of Chicken Cordon Bleu in every bite, offering the perfect balance of savory and creamy.
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Versatile: This casserole can be easily adapted to suit your preferences. Whether you like it spicy, extra cheesy, or with a crunchy topping, there’s a way to make this dish your own.
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Family-Friendly: The creamy and cheesy nature of this casserole makes it a hit with children and adults alike. It’s a crowd-pleaser at family dinners or gatherings.
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Meal Prep Friendly: You can prepare the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake. It’s also perfect for leftovers, as the flavors deepen and improve the next day.
Ingredients for Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
Before you begin making this Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole, make sure to gather all the essential ingredients. Here’s what you will need:
Main Ingredients:
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Chicken Breasts: Boneless and skinless chicken breasts are ideal for this dish. You can also use leftover rotisserie chicken to save time.
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Turkey or Chicken Deli Meat for a different flavor profile.
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Cheese: The key cheeses in this casserole are Swiss and mozzarella. These cheeses melt beautifully and add flavor without overpowering the dish.
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Creamy Sauce: A combination of cream and butter helps create a creamy base that brings everything together.
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Breadcrumbs: For a crunchy topping that adds texture to the casserole.
Optional Ingredients:
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Garlic Powder: Adds extra flavor to the casserole.
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Dried Herbs: Oregano or thyme works well for an herbaceous kick.
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Mustard: A small amount of Dijon mustard can be added to the sauce for a tangy bite.
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Vegetables: Consider adding cooked mushrooms, spinach, or peas to give the dish more depth and color.
How to Make Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray or butter to prevent the casserole from sticking. Once the oven is ready, set the dish aside.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Cook the chicken breasts in a skillet or bake them in the oven until fully cooked and no longer pink in the center. This should take around 15-20 minutes, depending on the thickness of the breasts. Afterward, let the chicken cool slightly and chop it into bite-sized pieces.
Step 3: Layer the Ingredients
Now it’s time to assemble the casserole. In the greased baking dish, start by layering the chopped chicken evenly across the bottom. Then, layer the thinly sliced ham over the chicken, followed by a generous amount of shredded Swiss cheese and mozzarella. You can sprinkle some garlic powder or dried herbs at this point for additional flavor.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add cream and bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring constantly. Once the sauce thickens slightly, pour it over the layered ingredients in the casserole dish, making sure to cover everything evenly.
Step 5: Add Breadcrumbs and Bake
Top the casserole with breadcrumbs for a crispy, golden topping. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling around the edges.
Cooking Time, Preparation Time, and Servings
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Preparation Time: 15 minutes
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Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
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Total Time: 50-55 minutes
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Servings: This recipe serves 6 people.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole brings together all the flavors of the classic Chicken Cordon Bleu without the hassle. Here are five reasons why you’ll love this recipe:
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Ease of Preparation: This casserole cuts down the time and effort compared to the traditional method of making Chicken Cordon Bleu.
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Perfect for Meal Prep: It’s an excellent recipe to prepare in advance and bake later.
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Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: The combination of chicken, ham, and cheese makes it irresistibly tasty.
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Adaptable: Feel free to tweak the recipe by adding your favorite veggies or cheeses.
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Comforting and Hearty: This dish is filling and satisfying, making it perfect for a family dinner or potluck.
Storage Options
Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole stores well and can be enjoyed over several days. Once cooled, cover the casserole with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
You can also freeze the casserole for later use. Let it cool completely, then cover it tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. To bake from frozen, allow it to thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then bake as directed.
Variations and Substitutions
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Low-Carb Version: Use cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of breadcrumbs for a low-carb alternative.
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Dairy-Free: Substitute the cheeses and cream with dairy-free alternatives like vegan cheese and coconut milk.
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Herb Variations: Add fresh herbs such as rosemary or basil for an extra burst of flavor.
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Add More Veggies: Consider adding spinach, broccoli, or even mushrooms for a heartier, more nutrient-packed meal.
Pairings and Accompaniments
Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. Consider these options:
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Garlic Bread: A warm, buttery side that complements the richness of the casserole.
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Roasted Vegetables: Roasted Brussels sprouts or carrots add freshness and balance the dish’s richness.
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Green Salad: A light salad with a tangy vinaigrette helps cut through the creamy casserole.
Comparison with Similar Recipes
While Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole shares many flavors with the classic Chicken Cordon Bleu, it’s easier to prepare and serves more people. The casserole version eliminates the need for breading and stuffing, making it more accessible and time-efficient. Compared to other casseroles, the creamy texture and blend of chicken and ham set it apart, offering a unique, satisfying meal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What goes well with chicken cordon bleu casserole?
Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole pairs perfectly with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad. You can also serve it with garlic bread or a creamy soup.
What type of cheese is used for chicken cordon bleu?
The traditional choice for Chicken Cordon Bleu is Swiss cheese, though Mozzarella or Gruyère are great alternatives that melt beautifully and add depth of flavor.
How to keep cheese from leaking out of chicken cordon bleu?
To prevent the cheese from leaking out, ensure that the chicken is properly sealed or the casserole ingredients are well layered. Using a creamy sauce to bind everything together also helps.
What is the benefit of chicken cordon bleu?
Chicken Cordon Bleu offers a balanced combination of protein from chicken and ham, and healthy fats from cheese. It’s a hearty meal that provides energy and nourishment.
Best Time to Enjoy Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
This dish is perfect for dinner, especially on busy weeknights. However, it’s also an excellent choice for brunch or lunch when you want something filling but easy to prepare.
Presentation Tips
To present Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole attractively, scoop portions into individual bowls or plates. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color. Pair the dish with a side of crispy bread or a refreshing salad.
Conclusion
Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is an easy and satisfying dish that combines the best flavors of the classic Chicken Cordon Bleu recipe. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a comforting meal for a special occasion, this casserole is sure to impress.
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