Get ready to transform the classic Chicken Cordon Bleu into an irresistible, crowd-pleasing casserole that will have everyone begging for seconds! This mouthwatering dish takes all the beloved flavors of the traditional French-inspired chicken recipe and turns it into a convenient, comforting meal that's perfect for busy families and dinner party hosts alike. With its creamy texture, crispy breadcrumb topping, and a perfect blend of tender chicken, savory ham, and melty Swiss cheese, this casserole is about to become your new go-to comfort food.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup ham, diced
- 1 cup Swiss cheese, shredded
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that your casserole cooks evenly and thoroughly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken, diced ham, and shredded Swiss cheese. Mix well to ensure that the ingredients are evenly distributed.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Make sure the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Pour the soup mixture over the chicken, ham, and cheese mixture. Gently fold the ingredients together until they are thoroughly coated with the soup mixture.
- Prepare a 9x13-inch baking dish by lightly greasing it with cooking spray or butter. This will prevent the casserole from sticking to the dish.
- Transfer the chicken mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly to ensure even cooking.
- In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with a drizzle of olive oil or melted butter. Mix until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated. This will give your casserole a nice, crispy topping.
- Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the casserole. This will create a delicious crunchy layer once baked.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to prevent the casserole from drying out during the initial baking phase.
- Place the covered casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the casserole to heat through.
- After 30 minutes, carefully remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the breadcrumbs are golden brown and crispy.
- Once done, remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for about 5 minutes before serving. This will help it set and make it easier to serve.
- Serve the Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole warm, and enjoy it with a side salad or your favorite vegetables for a complete meal.
Tips
- Use leftover rotisserie chicken or freshly cooked chicken for the best flavor and texture.
- For extra richness, consider using half-and-half instead of milk in the soup mixture.
- To prevent a soggy bottom, make sure your chicken is well-drained if using freshly cooked or leftover chicken.
- For a golden, extra-crispy breadcrumb topping, try mixing in some grated Parmesan cheese with the breadcrumbs.
- Allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to help it set and make serving easier.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and cream of chicken soup.
- You can prepare this casserole ahead of time and refrigerate before baking – just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.
- Experiment with different cheese varieties like Gruyère or a blend of cheeses for unique flavor profiles.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 95mg
