The Creamiest Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe Ever Made
Comfort food takes on a delightful twist with this mouthwatering chicken cordon bleu casserole that combines classic flavors in one hearty dish.
Tender chicken, creamy sauce, and salty ham create a symphony of tastes that dance across your plate.
Swiss cheese melts into golden perfection, binding each delectable layer together.
Every forkful promises a rich, indulgent experience that transports you to a cozy kitchen.
The recipe brings simplicity and elegance to your dinner table with minimal effort.
Layers of savory ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a crowd-pleasing meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Prepare to savor a comforting classic reimagined as a satisfying casserole.
Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole: Dish Highlights
Ingredients for Cordon Bleu Casserole
Protein Base:Cheese Group:Sauce and Binding Ingredients:Flavor Enhancers:Vegetable:Topping:Assembling Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
Step 1: Whip Up Silky Sauce Base
Grab a small saucepan and melt butter over medium heat.
Toss in minced garlic and let it dance around until its aroma fills the kitchen.
Lower the heat and sprinkle in flour, whisking it into a smooth paste.
Let this mixture bubble and cook for one minute, creating a golden foundation for your sauce.
Step 2: Transform Sauce Into Liquid Gold
Slowly stream in chicken broth and milk while whisking vigorously.
Keep stirring to prevent any lumpy surprises.
Add these ingredients:Continue cooking and stirring for 2-3 minutes until the sauce transforms into a luxurious, thick blanket.
Season with salt, pepper, and optional fresh parsley for an extra flavor kick.
Step 3: Blanch Bright Broccoli
Fill a pot with salted water and bring to a rolling boil.
Toss in broccoli florets and cook for 2-3 minutes.
You want them crisp and vibrant green, not soggy.
Drain immediately and set aside.
Step 4: Layer Flavor Landscape
Crank your oven to 400°F.
Spread chicken pieces across the bottom of a casserole dish.
Nestle broccoli and ham pieces between the chicken.
Pour your dreamy sauce evenly over the top.
Shower the surface with Swiss and Parmesan cheeses.
Step 5: Create Crunchy Topping
Mix Panko breadcrumbs with melted butter until they’re perfectly coated.
Sprinkle this golden mixture across the casserole, creating a crispy crown.
Step 6: Bake To Perfection
Slide the casserole into the oven and bake for 30 minutes.
Watch for a golden-brown top and bubbling edges – the universal sign of a dish ready to devour.
Tips for Creamy, Cheesy Casserole
Cordon Bleu Casserole Variations
Serving Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
Casserole Storage Advice
FAQs
The combination of Dijon mustard, Parmesan cheese, and Swiss cheese creates a rich, tangy taste that elevates the classic chicken and ham combination.
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. Just thaw and drain it well before adding to the casserole to prevent excess moisture.
Not as written. The sauce uses flour as a thickener, but you can substitute with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend to make it gluten-free.
Add extra vegetables like spinach or cauliflower, or use whole wheat breadcrumbs for added fiber and nutrients.
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Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
Description
Comfort meets elegance in this classic chicken cordon bleu casserole, blending creamy Swiss cheese, tender chicken, and crispy ham into a delightful one-dish meal. Families will savor each cheesy, golden-brown bite that brings French-inspired comfort directly to their dinner table.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 4 cups chicken, cooked or rotisserie, shredded or diced
- 2 cups ham, diced
- 2 cups Swiss cheese, shredded
- 2 cups broccoli florets, fresh, uncooked
Sauce Ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 1 1/2 cups milk (skim or full cream)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon chicken or vegetable stock/bouillon powder
- 2 cloves garlic, grated or minced
Topping and Seasoning:
- 1/4 cup fresh grated parmesan cheese
- 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Craft a velvety sauce foundation by melting butter over medium heat in a saucepan, then introducing minced garlic and allowing it to release its aromatic essence for approximately 30 seconds.
- Reduce heat to low, whisk in flour, and allow it to cook briefly. Gradually stream chicken broth and milk while continuously whisking to create a smooth consistency.
- Incorporate Dijon mustard, stock powder, and Parmesan cheese into the sauce. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring consistently until the mixture thickens and develops a rich texture.
- Simultaneously prepare broccoli by boiling in salted water for 2-3 minutes until achieving a vibrant, crisp-tender state.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F and select a suitable casserole dish. Create strategic layers beginning with chicken, followed by blanched broccoli and sliced ham.
- Pour the luxurious sauce evenly across the layered ingredients, ensuring complete coverage and maximum flavor distribution.
- Generously sprinkle Swiss and Parmesan cheeses over the casserole, creating a decadent dairy blanket.
- Combine Panko breadcrumbs with melted butter, then delicately scatter the mixture across the top for a crisp, golden crown.
- Bake for 30 minutes, monitoring until the surface transforms into a beautiful golden hue and the casserole bubbles with enticing enthusiasm.
Notes
- Prevent Soggy Texture Drain broccoli thoroughly after boiling to remove excess water, ensuring the casserole stays crisp and doesn’t become watery.
- Enhance Flavor Depth Toast Panko breadcrumbs in a dry skillet before adding melted butter for extra crunchiness and nutty undertones.
- Dietary Modifications Swap regular milk with almond or oat milk for a dairy-free version, and use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs to make the recipe celiac-friendly.
- Protein Alternatives Replace chicken with turkey or plant-based protein like tofu for different dietary preferences without compromising the dish’s core flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 820 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
Lena Martinez
Contributing Writer & Culinary Educator
Expertise
Southwestern and Latin American cuisines, Vegetarian and plant-based recipe development, Culinary education and community outreach
Education
Santa Fe Community College, Santa Fe, NM
Certificate in Culinary Arts
Emphasized Southwestern cuisine and sustainable cooking practices
Lena grew up surrounded by the colors, spices, and traditions of the Southwest – flavors that sparked her love for bold, honest cooking. After earning her Culinary Arts certificate at Santa Fe Community College, she made it her mission to teach home cooks how to create flavorful, plant-powered meals without the fuss.
Her recipes are packed with vibrant ingredients, simple steps, and the kind of heart that turns a regular meal into something you’ll want to share. Outside the kitchen, Lena spends her time wandering farmers’ markets, trading family recipes, and helping young chefs find their voice through food.