Easy Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe – Happy Muncher (2024)

The Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is a standout dish, combining ease and elegance. With over 60% of families enjoying chicken weekly, this recipe offers a comforting yet sophisticated twist.

Perfect for any cook, it promises to elevate your dinner experience with minimal fuss.

Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

The Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole transforms the traditional dish into a comforting, oven-baked delight. I’ve always loved the classic version, with its succulent chicken, rich ham, and melty cheese, but turning it into a casserole simplifies the process without sacrificing flavor. There’s something incredibly satisfying about assembling the ingredients in a baking dish, popping it in the oven, and then sitting back as it all bubbles together into a creamy, golden concoction.

I’ve found that this casserole version allows for more creativity too. While I’m careful not to stray too far from the essence of the original, the layering aspect lends itself to slight variations and personal touches. It’s become a go-to in my kitchen for when I want something hearty and delicious without the fuss of traditional preparation methods.

Moreover, it’s a fantastic way to serve a beloved dish to a crowd. Instead of laboriously crafting individual servings, I can prepare one large dish that everyone can dig into. It’s a real time-saver, making it perfect for family dinners or potlucks. Each bite still carries the essence of Chicken Cordon Bleu, but with the added joy of sharing it easily with loved ones.

Ingredients You’ll Need (+ Possible Substitutes)

Whipping up a mouthwatering Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole doesn’t have to be a hassle, especially when you know the right ingredients to gather, along with some clever swaps for those days when the pantry is looking a bit bare. You’ll be focusing on chicken, ham, cheese, and a creamy sauce to bring it all together, not to mention the right seasonings to make the flavors pop. Here’s a rundown of what you’ll need and some easy alternatives:

• Chicken: Cooked and shredded chicken is the way to go. If you’re pressed for time, snagging a rotisserie chicken from the store is a fantastic workaround.
• Ham: I love using thinly sliced deli ham for this, but if you’ve got some leftover ham, just dice it up and you’re all set.
• Swiss Cheese: It’s the classic choice, though not everyone’s cup of tea. If that’s the case for you, or it’s just not available, don’t sweat it. Gruyere or a mild cheddar can step in without missing a beat.
• Cream of Chicken Soup: This is the secret to that creamy sauce base. If your pantry is lacking, whisking together some sour cream and chicken broth with a touch of flour can fill in beautifully.

I’ve found these swaps keep the dish just as indulgent and comforting, ensuring it’s always a hit, even when you’re improvising a bit.

How To Make It

Let’s kick things off with our Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole by getting that oven fired up to 375°F (190°C).

I’ve already cooked and diced the chicken because let’s face it, we all want to get to the eating part faster. I spread the chicken pieces out in a greased baking dish. Then, I layer on thinly sliced ham over the chicken. This step is crucial for building that meaty foundation we’re craving.

Next up, it’s time for the cheesy delight. I generously scatter Swiss cheese over the ham. This layer is what brings us closer to those beloved Chicken Cordon Bleu flavors.

The magic happens with the sauce. In a bowl, I mix together cream of chicken soup, Dijon mustard, and a splash of lemon juice. It might sound simple, but trust me, this combination is a flavor bomb. I pour this mixture over the cheese layer, ensuring it drips through all the nooks and crannies. This sauce is our secret weapon for keeping everything juicy and packed with taste.

To finish, I sprinkle a blend of breadcrumbs, melted butter, and parsley on top for that must-have crispy finish. It’s all about adding that final touch of texture.

I pop it in the oven, uncovered, for about 35 minutes. I’m on the lookout for those bubbly edges and a beautifully golden crust. And just like that, we’ve twisted a classic into something uniquely delicious right in our own kitchen.

Tips For Success

After delving into the process of putting together our Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole, let’s dive into some crucial tips to make sure your dish is a hit every single time. Cooking may seem like a bit of a challenge at first, but with these handy hints, you’ll find yourself making this mouthwatering casserole with both ease and confidence in no time. The secret? It’s all in the prep and knowing those small details that can really elevate your dish.

Here are some key tips to remember:

• Choose Top-Notch Ingredients: Go for the best quality chicken and ham you can find to really bring out the rich flavors of your casserole. Trust me, the quality of your ingredients can truly make or break your dish.
• Give It a Minute: Don’t be too hasty to cut into your casserole right out of the oven. Letting it sit for a few minutes allows the layers to settle nicely, making it much easier to serve.
• Even Stevens with Your Layers: Make sure to spread out each layer evenly. This way, you get that consistent taste and texture in every forkful.
• Keep an Eye on Your Oven: Since ovens can be a bit unpredictable, watch your casserole as it bakes. If you notice the top getting too brown too quickly, just tent it with some foil.

Serving Suggestions

To take your dinner up a notch, why not pair the Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole with a side of crispy green beans or a light, tangy salad? These sides aren’t just a treat for the taste buds, offering a refreshing contrast to the casserole’s rich, creamy texture, but they also add a pop of color to your plate, enhancing the visual appeal of your meal. I’ve noticed that the slight bitterness of green beans or the zest from a salad dressed in vinaigrette cuts through the creaminess in just the right way, creating a beautifully balanced flavor profile.

If you’re in the mood for something a bit starchy, I’d suggest going with some roasted baby potatoes or a slice of crusty bread alongside your Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole. The potatoes, with their delightful crispy outside and soft inside, complement the creamy casserole in a way that’s utterly satisfying. Plus, a nice piece of bread is just the thing for mopping up any sauce left on your plate, making sure none of that deliciousness goes to waste.

And, of course, a meal like this wouldn’t be complete without a glass of your favorite wine. A crisp white wine or a light red can really bring out the flavors in the casserole, perfectly rounding off the meal. I tend to prefer a Chardonnay or Pinot Noir, but go ahead and pick whatever you like best.

Storing, Freezing & Reheating

Storing, freezing, and reheating your Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole correctly can make a huge difference in how it tastes the second (or third) time around. I’ve discovered some tricks over time that really help keep this dish tasting great.

• Storing in the Fridge: First things first, I always let the casserole cool down to room temperature before I even think about storing it. Once it’s cooled, I cover it snugly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It’ll stay fresh in the fridge for about 3-4 days. This method helps prevent it from getting soggy.
• Freezing: If I’m planning to keep it longer, I make sure to wrap the casserole really well in both plastic wrap and aluminum foil, or I’ll put it in a freezer-safe container. It can last for up to 3 months like this. Don’t forget to slap a label on it with the freezing date; trust me, it helps a lot.
• Thawing: When I’m ready to bring it back to life, I thaw it overnight in the fridge. This step is crucial for making sure it reheats evenly and doesn’t end up half cold in the middle.
• Reheating: My go-to reheating method is popping it in the oven at 350°F until it’s completely heated through. This way, it keeps its texture and doesn’t turn into a dry or mushy mess.

Trust me, taking these steps seriously makes all the difference in enjoying your Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole just as much as you did the first time.