Want something a little more comforting and easy to make than the classic chicken cordon bleu? Our creamy chicken cordon bleu casserole recipe is just what you need. With this creamy chicken cordon bleu casserole recipe, you can make the classic French dish Chicken Cordon Bleu into a meal that the whole family will enjoy. That dish is not only simple to make, but it will also make a lot of people happy with its comforting taste and rich flavors.
The soft chicken, savory ham, melty Swiss cheese, and rich, creamy sauce in this casserole make it a delicious dish that everyone at the table is sure to love. This casserole will be a hit whether you’re having a family dinner or a casual get-together with friends. Today, we’re bringing you a delightful twist on this timeless favorite with our Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe.
This article gives you a complete plan for making this tasty casserole, with alternative ingredient suggestions, step-by-step instructions, serving ideas, storage advice, and fun new variations to try!
What is Chicken Cordon Bleu?
Chicken Cordon Bleu is a classic dish that originated in Switzerland but has since become popular around the world, particularly in French and American cuisine. While its exact origins remain somewhat debated, the prestigious Order of the Knights of the Holy Spirit, whose members wore a blue sash or ribbon, is believed to have inspired the name “Cordon Bleu,” which translates to “blue ribbon” in French.
Traditionally, chicken cordon bleu consists of a chicken breast that is pounded thin, then wrapped around a filling of ham and cheese before being breaded, fried, or baked. The ham and cheese filling adds layers of flavor and richness to the dish, while the crispy coating provides a satisfying crunch. The name Chicken Cordon Bleu translates to “chicken with the blue ribbon” in French, a reference to the blue ribbon traditionally used to tie the dish together.
Why Make a Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole?
There are many great reasons to make a chicken cordon bleu casserole, which makes it a great dish for any event. While chicken cordon bleu is a delicious dish, it can be time-consuming to prepare, especially on a busy weeknight. This casserole recipe offers a simpler and faster way to enjoy the same flavor profile. Here’s why you should consider including this comforting casserole in your recipe collection:
- Easy to prepare: This recipe comes together in under an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Family-friendly: The combination of chicken, ham, cheese, and creamy sauce is a crowd-pleaser that kids and adults will enjoy.
- Versatile: You can easily customize this recipe with different ingredients to suit your taste preferences.
- Budget-friendly: This casserole is a cost-effective way to feed a family, as it uses readily available ingredients.
- Comforting and Satisfying: There’s something inherently comforting about a creamy, cheesy casserole fresh from the oven. It’s the kind of dish that warms you from the inside out and leaves you feeling satisfied and content.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
Here are the main things you’ll need to make a creamy masterpiece:
Ingredients Needed:
To prepare this delicious casserole in your own kitchen, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon of onion powder
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
- 2 cups of chicken broth
- 1 cup of heavy cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- Pinch of freshly grated nutmeg
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 8 ounces of cooked ham, thinly sliced
- 8 ounces Swiss cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Most ingredients for this recipe can be found at your local grocery store. However, if you have trouble locating panko breadcrumbs, they are typically stocked in the Asian food section or near the breading materials.
Before you begin cooking, take the time to prepare your ingredients properly. Cut the chicken breasts into thin pieces to ensure even cooking, and add salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder to them. Similarly, grate Swiss cheese and chop fresh parsley ahead of time to streamline the cooking process and make sure everything is ready to go when needed. With your ingredients prepped and ready, you’ll be well on your way to creating a delicious and satisfying Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole that’s sure to become a new family favorite.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Cook the chicken for two to three minutes on each side, or until it is golden brown and cooked all the way through. Take the chicken out of the pan and set it aside for later use.
- Make the sauce: Melt the butter in the same skillet over medium heat. To make a roux, whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute while stirring constantly. Slowly whisk in the chicken broth, heavy cream, and milk. Lower the heat and cook the mixture for 5 to 7 minutes, or until it gets thicker. Stir in the Dijon mustard, thyme, nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
- Assemble the casserole: Spread a thin layer of the sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Arrange the cooked chicken breasts in a single layer over the sauce. Top the chicken with the sliced ham and then the shredded Swiss cheese. Pour the remaining sauce on top of the casserole.
- Make the topping: In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and parsley (if using). Stir until well combined. Spread the mixture of bread crumbs out over the casserole in a layer.
- Bake: Bake the casserole for 20–25 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the breadcrumbs are golden brown.
- Serve: Let the casserole cool for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with additional chopped parsley (optional) and enjoy!
Serving and Storage
This casserole is a complete meal in itself, but you can also serve it with a side dish for a more substantial dinner. Here are some pairing suggestions:
- Vegetables: A simple side salad, roasted Brussels sprouts, steamed asparagus, or green beans would all complement the casserole nicely.
- Grains: Serve the casserole with rice, mashed potatoes, quinoa, or pasta for a more filling meal.
- Bread: A crusty baguette or dinner rolls are perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
Store leftovers in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat individual portions in the microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Additional Tips and Endless Variations
This creamy chicken cordon bleu casserole recipe is a great foundation for exploration in the kitchen. Here are some ways to customize it to your liking:
Dietary Restrictions
- Gluten-free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed almond flour for the topping to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Dairy-free: Substitute the heavy cream with unsweetened almond milk or cashew milk for a dairy-free option. Choose a dairy-free cheese alternative for the topping and casserole assembly.
- Low-carb: For a lower-carb version, skip the breadcrumbs altogether and use sliced almonds or chopped walnuts for the topping.
Making Ahead
You can assemble this casserole ahead of time for a quick and easy weeknight meal. Simply prepare the casserole up to step 5, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, preheat the oven and bake for an additional 5–10 minutes, or until heated through and bubbly.
Reheating Leftovers
Reheat leftovers in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat individual portions in the microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Conclusion
This creamy chicken cordon bleu casserole is a delicious and easy recipe that’s sure to become a regular in your weeknight dinner rotation. The combination of classic flavors and a creamy, comforting sauce makes it a crowd-pleaser for all ages. Plus, the ease of preparation and the ability to customize it to your dietary needs make it a versatile dish that everyone can enjoy.
We hope you will try this recipe and experience the comforting taste of chicken cordon bleu in a whole new way, as well as explore the countless variations it has to offer! If you have any inquiries or feedback, please do not hesitate to leave it in the comments section below.
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