Description
Savory chicken cordon bleu casserole delivers classic French-inspired comfort with layers of tender chicken, ham, and Swiss cheese. Rich flavors combine in a creamy sauce that promises satisfying warmth and indulgence for home cooks seeking delicious meal solutions.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups chicken, shredded or cubed
- 1 ½ cups ham, diced
- 6–8 slices Swiss cheese
- 2 cups whole milk
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 4 tbsps (60 ml) unsalted butter
- 4 tbsps (30 g) all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
- 2 tbsps (30 ml) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp salt (or to taste)
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Preparation: Coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray. Position the oven rack in the middle and preheat to 375°F (190°C).
- Base Layer: Spread precooked chicken across the entire baking dish, then cover with a generous layer of diced ham, creating a robust foundation of savory proteins.
- Cheese Layering: Carefully arrange Swiss cheese slices over the ham, ensuring complete and even coverage for a creamy, melted texture.
- Sauce Creation: In a saucepan over medium heat, develop a velvety sauce by whisking butter and flour into a smooth roux. Gradually introduce milk and chicken broth, stirring continuously to prevent lumps from forming.
- Flavor Enhancement: Infuse the sauce with Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Simmer until the mixture thickens, developing a complex and aromatic profile.
- Assembly: Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the chicken, ham, and cheese layers, ensuring complete and uniform coverage that promises moisture and depth of flavor.
- Crispy Topping: Combine breadcrumbs with melted butter and grated Parmesan cheese. Distribute this mixture uniformly across the casserole’s surface to create a golden, crunchy exterior.
- Baking and Finishing: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the top turns golden-brown and edges begin to bubble. Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes after removing from the oven to let flavors meld and sauce slightly set.
- Serving: Plate the casserole alongside complementary sides like green beans, a fresh salad, or creamy mashed potatoes for a complete and satisfying meal.
Notes
- Prevent Dryness: Use freshly cooked or rotisserie chicken to maintain moisture and prevent a tough, stringy texture in the casserole.
- Customize Cheese Options: Substitute Swiss cheese with Gruyère or provolone for a different flavor profile while maintaining the creamy melting quality.
- Manage Sauce Consistency: Whisk continuously while adding liquid to the roux to prevent lumps and achieve a smooth, velvety sauce that coats the ingredients evenly.
- Boost Crunch Factor: Toast breadcrumbs slightly before mixing with butter and Parmesan to enhance the golden, crispy topping and add extra depth of flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 490
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 37 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg