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
Scale
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