Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

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Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

Description:
This Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole takes all the classic flavors of the traditional French dish—tender chicken, smoky ham, and melted Swiss cheese—and layers them into a creamy, comforting bake. It’s an easy weeknight dinner that tastes like something special enough for guests. With a buttery breadcrumb topping and rich Dijon cream sauce, this casserole hits all the right notes of cozy, cheesy perfection.

🧾 Ingredients:

For the Casserole:

  • 3 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or cubed

  • 1 ½ cups diced ham

  • 2 cups shredded Swiss cheese (or mozzarella for a milder taste)

  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional for extra richness)

For the Sauce:

  • 3 tbsp butter

  • 3 tbsp all-purpose flour

  • 2 cups milk (whole or 2%)

  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard

  • ½ cup heavy cream

  • ½ tsp garlic powder

  • ½ tsp onion powder

  • Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Topping:

  • 1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs

  • 2 tbsp melted butter

  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

  • 1 tbsp chopped parsley (optional)

👩‍🍳 Instructions:

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

  2. Make the Sauce:

    • In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.

    • Whisk in flour to form a roux and cook for 1 minute.

    • Slowly add milk, whisking constantly until thickened.

    • Stir in Dijon mustard, cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

    • Simmer for 2–3 minutes until smooth and creamy.

  3. Assemble:

    • Spread chicken evenly in the dish, followed by the ham.

    • Pour the sauce over the top and spread it evenly.

    • Sprinkle with Swiss and cheddar cheeses.

  4. Topping:

    • Mix breadcrumbs, melted butter, and Parmesan in a small bowl.

    • Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the casserole.

  5. Bake: Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly.

  6. Serve: Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley.

🍽️ Servings:

Serves 6–8 people

💡 Notes:

  • You can use rotisserie chicken to save time.

  • Substitute Gruyère for a more authentic flavor.

  • Add a few slices of Swiss cheese directly on top before the breadcrumbs for extra cheesiness.

  • This dish can be prepped ahead and refrigerated up to 24 hours before baking.

🔪 Tips:

  • To make it lower carb, skip the breadcrumbs and top with crushed pork rinds or almond flour.

  • For extra depth, add a splash of white wine to the sauce.

  • Bake until the top is golden and the sauce bubbles at the edges—this ensures the best texture.

  • Letting it rest before serving helps it set slightly and slice more neatly.

🥦 Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

(Approximate values for 1 of 8 servings)

  • Calories: 460 kcal

  • Protein: 36g

  • Carbohydrates: 10g

  • Fat: 31g

  • Saturated Fat: 16g

  • Fiber: 0.5g

  • Sugar: 4g

  • Sodium: 880mg

  • Calcium: 410mg

🌟 Health Benefits:

  • High in protein to support muscle repair and fullness.

  • Calcium-rich from cheese and milk, promoting bone health.

  • Balanced comfort meal when paired with vegetables or a green salad.

  • Customizable: Easily adapted for keto or gluten-free diets.

❓ Q&A Section:

Q1: Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole (without baking), cover tightly, and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Bake when ready to serve.

Q2: Can I freeze it?
Absolutely. Wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.

Q3: What’s the best side dish for this casserole?
It pairs beautifully with steamed broccoli, roasted asparagus, or a crisp Caesar salad.

Q4: Can I use different cheeses?
Yes—Gruyère, provolone, or Monterey Jack all work great.

Q5: How do I keep the topping crispy?
Bake uncovered, and if it needs extra crunch, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end.

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