Imagine a dish that brings together chicken, ham, and Swiss cheese. This chicken cordon bleu casserole is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. It serves many and only takes 40 minutes to prepare and cook.
This casserole is great for families and is easy to make. It has chicken, ham, Swiss cheese, and a crunchy Panko breadcrumb topping. It’s a tasty and easy chicken casserole recipe.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- You can prepare a delicious chicken cordon bleu casserole in just 40 minutes.
- The recipe serves multiple people, making it perfect for a family meal.
- The dish combines the richness of chicken, the savory flavor of ham, and the creaminess of Swiss cheese.
- The easy chicken casserole recipe includes a crunchy topping made with Panko breadcrumbs.
- You can bake the casserole at 350°F for 25-30 minutes for a golden brown finish.
- The recipe is a great option for a busy weeknight supper, and it’s also perfect for special occasions.
- The chicken cordon bleu casserole can be stored in the fridge for 3-4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
Understanding the Classic Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
A cheesy casserole is a top pick for a family meal. The Chicken Cordon Bleu casserole is a twist on the classic. It uses chicken, ham, and cheese, making it easy to serve a big group.
The Chicken Cordon Bleu started in the 1960s by a Swiss chef. It was a main dish with chicken, ham, and cheese. Now, the casserole version is a favorite for family dinners and big events.
Origins of Chicken Cordon Bleu
The original Chicken Cordon Bleu is chicken stuffed with ham and cheese, then fried. The casserole version is easier and more crowd-pleasing. It layers chicken, ham, and cheese with a crispy topping.
Why Choose a Casserole Version
Choosing a casserole version of Chicken Cordon Bleu has many benefits. It’s simpler to make and can feed lots of people. It’s also great with sides like steamed rice and green beans.
Benefits of This Recipe
This recipe is perfect for family meals because it’s simple and can be tailored to your liking. It’s also great for special occasions. The creamy sauce and crispy topping make it a hit with everyone.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chicken breast | 2 lbs |
| Ham | 1/2 cup |
| Swiss cheese | 1 cup |
| Mozzarella cheese | 1 cup |
Essential Ingredients for Your Casserole
To make a tasty and comforting dinner, you need the right ingredients. For this Chicken Cordon Bleu casserole, you’ll need fresh chicken, real cheese, and more. The web source lists the ingredients, including chicken, ham, Swiss cheese, and Mozzarella cheese.
Using top-quality ingredients is key for a comforting dinner option that’s easy to bake and serve. You’ll need 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, about 3 cups of cooked and diced chicken, 2 cups of cooked and diced ham, and 10 ounces of frozen broccoli florets or 3 cups of fresh broccoli florets.
Here’s a breakdown of the essential ingredients:
- 6 ounces of chicken stuffing mix
- 10.50 ounces of cream of chicken soup
- 2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard
- 6 slices of Swiss cheese for topping
With these ingredients, you can make a delicious and satisfying casserole. It’s perfect for a comforting dinner dish that’s easy to bake and serve. Remember to use high-quality ingredients for the best flavor and texture.
By following this recipe and using the right ingredients, you’ll make a mouth-watering Chicken Cordon Bleu casserole. It’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chicken breasts | 4 |
| Cooked and diced ham | 2 cups |
| Swiss cheese slices | 6 |
| Broccoli florets | 10 ounces |
Kitchen Tools and Equipment Needed
To make a tasty creamy casserole, you need the right tools and equipment. First, get your cookware ready. You’ll need a large frying pan and a baking dish. These are key for cooking the chicken and ham, and baking the casserole just right.
There are also some optional tools that can help a lot. A stand mixer is great for mixing the creamy sauce. A food processor can chop veggies or meats quickly.
Required Cookware
For your casserole, you’ll need a few important pieces of cookware. These include:
- A large frying pan for cooking the chicken and ham
- A baking dish for baking the casserole
- A saucepan for making the creamy sauce base
Optional but Helpful Tools
While not necessary, these tools can make things easier and faster:
- A stand mixer for mixing the creamy sauce base
- A food processor for chopping veggies or meats
- A whisk for mixing the sauce base by hand
Preparation Space Requirements
Make sure your workspace is comfy and efficient. You’ll need a clean, stable surface for chopping, mixing, and assembling. Also, have enough space to store your ingredients and tools.
Preparing Your Ingredients Like a Pro
To make a crowd-pleasing dish like chicken cordon bleu casserole, you need to prepare your ingredients well. This means cutting the chicken and ham into the same size pieces. This helps them cook evenly and look good together.
Remember, food safety is key when preparing your ingredients. Always wash your hands before and after touching the food. Also, keep the ingredients separate to prevent any mix-ups.
Here are some tips to help you prepare your ingredients like a pro:
- Dice the chicken into 1-inch pieces to ensure they cook evenly.
- Chop the ham into small pieces to distribute the flavor throughout the casserole.
- Use high-quality ingredients, such as fresh vegetables and lean proteins, to create a delicious and healthy chicken cordon bleu casserole.
By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating a crowd-pleasing recipe. The secret to a great chicken cordon bleu casserole is in how you prepare the ingredients. So, take your time and make sure everything is ready before you start assembling the dish.
With these tips and a bit of practice, you’ll become a pro at preparing your ingredients in no time. Happy cooking, and enjoy your delicious chicken cordon bleu casserole!
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Shredded rotisserie chicken | 5 1/2 cups |
| Cubed ham | 2 cups |
| Unsalted butter | 4 tablespoons |
Creating the Perfect Creamy Sauce Base
To make a delicious easy chicken casserole recipe, you need a creamy sauce base. This is where the magic happens. Your casserole turns into a cheesy delight that everyone will love. The key is using the right ingredients, like cream cheese, whipping cream, and Dijon mustard.
Start by making a roux, a mix of flour and butter. This thickens the sauce and makes it creamy. To make the roux, melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a pan. Add 3 tablespoons of flour. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring constantly, until it’s smooth and light brown.
Making the Roux
After the roux is ready, add the rest of the ingredients. This includes 2 cups of milk, 3 tablespoons of Dijon mustard, and 1 teaspoon of garlic powder. Stir well. Then, add ⅓ cup of shredded Parmesan cheese. The cheese will melt, making the sauce creamy and cheesy.
Adding Seasonings
To add flavor, use seasonings like salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Start with a small amount and taste as you go. Adjust the seasoning to your liking. Remember, finding the right balance of flavors is key to a great casserole.
Achieving the Right Consistency
The final step is getting the sauce’s consistency right. You want it thick and creamy but still pourable. If it’s too thick, add a bit more milk. If it’s too thin, add more roux. With practice, you’ll make a delicious, cheesy casserole that’s a family favorite.
Layering Techniques for Maximum Flavor
To make a tasty family meal, mastering layering in casseroles is key. A well-layered dish with balanced flavors and textures is a hit. Begin by getting your ingredients ready, like chicken, ham, and cheese. Then, think about how to layer them for the best taste.
Start with chicken, then ham, and finish with cheese. Keep layering until you use all your ingredients, ending with cheese on top. This method creates a golden crust when baked.
Using different cheeses adds depth to your casserole. Mix Swiss, mozzarella, and cheddar for a unique taste. When baked, the cheese will melt and bubble, making it a hit with families.
By layering ingredients and choosing tasty ones, you’ll make a casserole everyone will love. So, get creative and layer your ingredients for a delicious, easy-to-make family meal.
Making the Signature Crunchy Topping
To make a comforting dinner dish like our creamy casserole, the topping is key. A crunchy topping adds texture and flavor. For our Chicken Cordon Bleu casserole, we use Mozzarella cheese and Gluten-Free Bake Mix 2 for the topping.
Topping Ingredients
The right ingredients make a great crunchy topping. Mozzarella cheese adds a nice melt and a bit of saltiness. Gluten-Free Bake Mix 2 gives a satisfying crunch. Together, they make a topping that goes well with our creamy casserole.
Proper Application Methods
To put on the topping, sprinkle Mozzarella cheese and Gluten-Free Bake Mix 2 over the casserole. Cover the whole surface but don’t overdo it. This way, you get a nice balance between the creamy casserole and the crunchy topping.
By following these steps, you can make a signature crunchy topping. The mix of Mozzarella cheese and Gluten-Free Bake Mix 2 adds texture and flavor. It makes your dinner dish unforgettable.
Baking Tips and Temperature Guide
To make a crowd-pleasing recipe, following the right baking tips and temperature guide is key. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) for the best results with the Chicken Cordon Bleu casserole.
Here are some important baking tips to remember:
- Use a 13x9x2 inches casserole dish for the best results.
- Bake the casserole for 40-45 minutes, or until it’s golden brown and bubbling.
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving to make it easier to slice.
This Chicken Cordon Bleu casserole is sure to impress your family and friends. With these baking tips and temperature guide, you’ll create a delicious and visually appealing dish. It’s perfect for any occasion.
| Baking Time | Temperature | Results |
|---|---|---|
| 40-45 minutes | 350°F (180°C) | Golden brown and bubbling |
Storage and Reheating Methods
Storing and reheating your chicken cordon bleu casserole right is key. It keeps your easy chicken casserole recipe tasty and safe. You can keep leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze them for 3 months.
To reheat, use the microwave or oven. For the microwave, cook on medium for 4 minutes. In the oven, preheat to 350°F (177°C) for 12 minutes for leftovers or 20-25 minutes for frozen casserole.
Here are some reheating tips for your chicken cordon bleu casserole:
- Reheat to 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
- Use a food thermometer to check the temperature.
- Reheat only what you need to avoid waste.
By following these steps, you can enjoy your easy chicken casserole recipe for days. It stays quality and safe.
Always check the casserole before reheating. Look for off smells or slimy textures. If unsure, it’s safer to throw it away.
| Storage Method | Storage Time |
|---|---|
| Refrigerator | Up to 4 days |
| Freezer | Up to 3 months |
Conclusion: Mastering Your Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
Creating a tasty cheesy casserole that everyone will enjoy is easier than you think. Just follow the steps and tips in this guide. Now, you can make a Chicken Cordon Bleu casserole with confidence. It’s a family-friendly meal that’s also a comforting dinner dish to bake and serve.
The secret to a great creamy casserole is using high-quality ingredients and paying attention to detail. By carefully layering flavors and textures, you’ll get a delicious Chicken Cordon Bleu casserole. It will be a favorite in your home. Enjoy making and serving a crowd-pleasing recipe that brings Chicken Cordon Bleu’s classic flavors to your table.