Description
Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole with ham, chicken, Swiss cheese, and breadcrumbs – a comforting crowd-pleaser baked to perfection.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups cooked chicken, diced (about 1½ pounds or 680g)
- 8 oz (225g) ham, thinly sliced
- 8 oz (225g) Swiss cheese, shredded (about 2 cups)
- 3 tablespoons (45g) butter
- 3 tablespoons (25g) all-purpose flour
- 2 cups (480ml) milk
- 1 cup (240ml) chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup (90g) panko breadcrumbs
- 3 tablespoons (45g) butter, melted
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Begin by preparing all your ingredients—dice the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces, slice the ham if needed, and shred the Swiss cheese if you didn’t purchase it pre-shredded.
- Step 2: In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt 3 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, sprinkle in the flour and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes until it forms a smooth paste and smells slightly nutty. This roux will thicken your sauce beautifully.
- Step 3: Gradually pour in the milk and chicken broth, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Continue cooking for 4-5 minutes until the mixture thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. Your patience here will be rewarded with a silky-smooth sauce!
- Step 4: Whisk in the Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. The mustard adds that classic tangy note that complements the Chicken Cordon Bleu flavors perfectly. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Step 5: Assemble your casserole by spreading half of the diced chicken across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Layer all of the ham slices evenly over the chicken, then sprinkle half of the shredded Swiss cheese on top.
- Step 6: Pour half of your creamy sauce over these layers, making sure to distribute it evenly. Top with the remaining chicken, then pour the rest of the sauce over everything. Finish with the remaining Swiss cheese.
- Step 7: In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and paprika, mixing well to ensure all crumbs are coated. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Step 8: Bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes, until the casserole is bubbling around the edges and the topping is golden brown. If needed, broil for the final 1-2 minutes for extra crispiness, but watch carefully to prevent burning.
- Step 9: Remove from the oven and let stand for 10 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the casserole to set slightly, making it easier to portion. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before bringing to the table.
Notes
Fresh ingredients will always yield the best flavor results.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Americaine
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 450 calories per serving
- Sugar: 2 grams
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 28 grams
- Saturated Fat: 15 grams
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 15 grams
- Fiber: 1 gram
- Protein: 32 grams
- Cholesterol: 120 mg
Keywords: Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole