If you’ve been searching for a comforting yet elegant dish that brings together the best of classic flavors and easy prep, this Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe is your new go-to. Imagine layers of tender shredded rotisserie chicken, savory ham, and nutty Swiss cheese, all enveloped in a luscious, creamy sauce topped with golden, crispy breadcrumbs. It’s a wonderful twist on the traditional Chicken Cordon Bleu that’s fuss-free but still delivers that rich, satisfying taste that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this casserole is sure to become a favorite everyone will ask for again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting this Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe just right depends on a handful of simple yet essential ingredients, each playing a crucial role in flavor, texture, and color. From the tender shredded chicken providing heartiness to the crispy panko topping adding that irresistible crunch, every item works together to create harmony in every bite.
- Rotisserie chicken, skin removed, shredded: The perfect cooked chicken shortcut, giving you moist and flavorful meat without the fuss.
- Cubed fully cooked ham: Adds savory saltiness and a meaty texture that complements the chicken beautifully.
- Swiss cheese, thinly sliced: Melts into creamy goodness with a subtle nutty flavor that’s classic to this dish.
- Butter (for sauce and topping): Essential for richness and creating that creamy roux base for the sauce, plus adding toasty notes in the topping.
- All-purpose flour: Thickens the sauce perfectly when combined with butter to make a roux.
- 2% milk: Creates a smooth, creamy sauce that binds everything together with just the right consistency.
- Lemon juice: Brings a lively brightness that cuts through the richness and balances the flavors.
- Dijon mustard: Adds a subtle tang and depth, lifting the sauce with a gentle kick.
- Salt and pepper: Simple but vital seasonings that enhance all the flavors in the casserole.
- Panko bread crumbs: Provides a crispy, golden topping that contrasts beautifully with the creamy layers below.
- Dried parsley flakes: Imparts a fresh color and mild herbal note to the crunchy topping.
How to Make Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Layer the Chicken, Ham, and Cheese
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing a 13x9x2-inch casserole dish to prevent sticking. Layer the shredded rotisserie chicken evenly across the bottom of the dish, then scatter the cubed ham on top. Finally, arrange the thin slices of Swiss cheese over the ham, creating a beautiful, smooth layer that will melt perfectly.
Step 2: Make the Roux
In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter cubes slowly to avoid browning. Once melted, whisk in the all-purpose flour until it becomes a smooth, paste-like consistency. This step is crucial because the roux forms the creamy base of your sauce, helping it thicken without lumps.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce
Gradually pour in the milk while whisking continuously to keep the mixture smooth. Bring the sauce to a gentle boil and cook for two to three minutes until it thickens nicely. Then, stir in the lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper, which together create a bright, tangy, and flavorful sauce that wonderfully complements the savory layers beneath.
Step 4: Pour the Sauce Over the Casserole
Remove the sauce from heat and immediately pour it evenly over the cheese layer in your casserole dish. This ensures every bite is enveloped in creamy goodness without the cheese losing its melt.
Step 5: Top with Bread Crumbs and Bake
In a small bowl, mix the panko bread crumbs with melted butter and dried parsley flakes to coat them evenly. Sprinkle this mixture generously over the casserole to create that trademark crispy crust. Bake uncovered for 40 to 45 minutes until the topping turns a golden brown and the sauce is bubbling around the edges. Let the casserole rest for five minutes before slicing—this helps it set and keeps each serving neat and delicious.
How to Serve Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like finely chopped parsley or chives make a lovely garnish, adding a pop of green and fresh aroma that complements the creamy casserole beautifully. A light sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese can also enhance the topping with an extra layer of savory flavor.
Side Dishes
This Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads or simple steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans for a balanced meal. For a heartier option, creamy mashed potatoes or buttery roasted potatoes are perfect companions that soak up any leftover sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, serve the casserole straight from an elegant ceramic dish with individual portions plated alongside colorful roasted vegetables. You can also create mini versions using individual ramekins for a charming, personalized touch that’s sure to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe stays delicious in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Cover it well to keep the topping from becoming soggy and to preserve the sauce’s creamy texture.
Freezing
You can freeze this casserole before baking in a foil tray, covered tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It will keep in the freezer for up to two months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking as usual to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire casserole in a 350°F oven, covered with foil to keep it moist. Uncover during the last 10 minutes to crisp up the breadcrumb topping again. This method revives the casserole’s fresh-from-the-oven appeal every time.
FAQs
Can I use fresh chicken instead of rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! You can cook and shred your own chicken breasts or thighs, but using rotisserie chicken is a fantastic time-saver that adds flavor and moisture out of the box.
What can I substitute for Swiss cheese?
Gruyère or a mild mozzarella can work nicely as alternatives, offering similar melting qualities and gentle flavor that won’t overpower the dish.
Is there a way to make this casserole gluten-free?
Yes, swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free panko bread crumbs to keep it safe for gluten-sensitive eaters without sacrificing taste or texture.
Can I prepare the casserole ahead of time and bake later?
Definitely! Assemble the casserole, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the bake time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.
What if I don’t have lemon juice on hand?
If you’re out of lemon juice, a splash of white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar works in a pinch to brighten the sauce and balance the richness nicely.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe is the perfect blend of convenience, flavor, and comfort—a real winner for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. With each spoonful delivering layers of cheesy, creamy, and crispy goodness, you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe time and time again. So grab your ingredients, get cozy in the kitchen, and make this fantastic casserole your new family favorite today!
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Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is a comforting, layered dish combining tender shredded rotisserie chicken, savory ham, and creamy Swiss cheese, all smothered in a rich, homemade mustard-lemon sauce and topped with a crispy, golden panko breadcrumb crust. Perfect for a family dinner, this casserole offers the beloved flavors of traditional chicken cordon bleu in an easy-to-make baked format.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 rotisserie chicken, skin removed, shredded
- 2 cups cubed fully cooked ham
- 4 ounces Swiss cheese, thinly sliced
Sauce
- 1/4 cup butter, cubed
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 cups 2% milk
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
Topping
- 1 1/2 cups panko bread crumbs
- 6 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 1/2 teaspoons dried parsley flakes
Instructions
- Layer the chicken, ham and cheese: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 13x9x2-inch casserole dish thoroughly. Spread the shredded rotisserie chicken evenly on the bottom of the dish, then layer with the cubed ham, followed by the thinly sliced Swiss cheese.
- Make the roux: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt 1/4 cup cubed butter. Once melted, whisk in 1/4 cup all-purpose flour until it forms a smooth paste, called a roux.
- Prepare the sauce: Gradually whisk in 2 1/2 cups 2% milk into the roux, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil and cook while stirring continuously for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Flavor the sauce: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper to add tang and depth to the sauce.
- Pour the sauce over the casserole: Evenly pour the prepared sauce over the layered chicken, ham, and cheese in the casserole dish, ensuring full coverage.
- Prepare the topping: In a small bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups panko bread crumbs, 6 tablespoons melted butter, and 1 1/2 teaspoons dried parsley flakes. Toss well to coat all the crumbs with butter and parsley.
- Top with bread crumbs and bake: Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the sauce-covered casserole. Place the dish uncovered in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the breadcrumbs turn golden brown and the sauce is bubbling.
- Rest and serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This resting period allows the casserole to set, making it easier to cut and serve.
Notes
- Using rotisserie chicken cuts down on prep time and adds extra flavor.
- Gradually adding milk to the roux helps achieve a smooth, lump-free sauce.
- Allowing the casserole to rest before slicing results in neater portions.
- For a lower sodium option, use reduced-sodium ham and adjust salt accordingly.
- Panko breadcrumbs provide a lighter, crispier topping compared to regular breadcrumbs.
